People

Before his military career and eventual treason, Arnold was a prosperous New Haven merchant and apothecary. He led a company of New Haven militia to Cambridge after Lexington and Concord, beginning the military career that would take him to Ticonderoga, Quebec, Saratoga, and infamy.

Self-educated cobbler, lawyer, and statesman from New Haven who is the only person to have signed all four foundational American documents. His practical intelligence and political skill made him one of the most effective — if least celebrated — architects of American independence.

Yale student who joined the militia defense against the British raid on New Haven in 1779. His account of the fighting, written years later, describes the chaotic response of students and townspeople as British troops landed at the harbor.

Yale's professor of divinity who grabbed a musket and joined the militia defense during the British raid on New Haven in July 1779. Captured by British soldiers, he was beaten and bayoneted but survived. His defiance became a symbol of Yale's wartime spirit.

British officer and former royal governor who led the devastating raids on Connecticut's coastline in 1779, including the attack on New Haven. His punitive expeditions were designed to draw Continental troops away from other theaters and punish communities supporting the rebellion.

Second wife of Roger Sherman who managed the household and family during her husband's extended absences at the Continental Congress. She raised their children through the uncertainties of wartime while Sherman helped shape the new nation in Philadelphia.

President of Yale College during the Revolution who used his position to support the patriot cause intellectually and practically. His detailed diary provides one of the richest primary sources for understanding wartime New Haven and Connecticut.

New Haven-born general who served in the Continental Army and Connecticut militia. He was mortally wounded at the Battle of Ridgefield in April 1777 while pursuing British troops retreating from their raid on Danbury.