Stratford Has Stop on Connecticut's Freedom Trail

Click on this link and you’ll be greeted by Private Webb, a soldier in the 29th Connecticut volunteer regiment during the Civil War. It’s not the real Private Webb, but the digital reenactment does a fine job of welcoming visitors to the Connecticut Freedom Trail, an interactive website and guide to local tourism spots that have deep roots in the struggle for freedom.

According to the site, the Connecticut Freedom Trail documents and designates sites that embody the struggle toward freedom and human dignity, celebrate the accomplishments of the state's African American community and promote heritage tourism.

“Look around,” says Private Webb. “Freedom is everywhere.”

“Make no mistake,” the uniform-clad Webb adds, “the journey to it was long and hard, but the reward so sweet.”

The Freedom Trail, a project of the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, has grown since it first opened in 1996, and today boasts more than 130 sites in upward of 50 towns – some of which are right in our backyard. In a ceremony that was fittingly timed during February to commemorate Black History Month, Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy launched the site Thursday.

“This is how we make history come alive,” Malloy said. “We bring our children. We go as adults. We make connections. We celebrate who we are. The new website provides a strong foundation for new efforts to increase heritage tourism throughout the state and create jobs in that sector. The stories from the Connecticut Freedom Trail inspire us to face the challenges of our time with commitment, courage and unity.”

Here’s a highlight of a few local stops along the trail:

- Amistad Memorial, 165 Church St., New Haven.

- First Baptist Church, 28 North St., Milford.

It is here that the names of six black soldiers from Milford who fought in the American Revolution are displayed on a memorial marker in front of the church. The memorial was dedicated at a special ceremony in 1976 by the African American congregation. The soldiers named are: Job Caesar, Pomp Cyrus, Juba Freeman, Peter Gibbs, William Sower, and Congo Zado.

- Freedom Schooner Amistad, Long Wharf Pier, 389 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven.

- James Davis House, 111 Goose Lane, Guilford.

- Mary and Eliza Freeman Houses, 352-54 and 358-60 Main St., Bridgeport.

- Nero Hawley Gravesite, Riverside Cemetery, Daniel's Farm Road, Trumbull.

- New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave., New Haven.

- Soldiers Monument, Milford Cemetery, Prospect Street, Milford.

According to the Freedom Trail website, in Milford Cemetery, to the right of the long driveway, is a monument dedicated to American Revolutionary War prisoners whom the townspeople attempted to save when the British abandoned them. The monument was erected by an act of the Connecticut General Assembly in 1852. There are 46 American soldiers buried here in a common grave, including six black soldiers. At the foot of this monument is a large white stone listing the names of these men.  

- Walters Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, 12 Gregory St., Bridgeport.

- West Burying Ground (Washington Street Cemetery), Washington and Vine streets, Middletown.

Of course, the “Journey Through Freedom” would not be complete without a stop along the Underground Railroad.

Stratford’s claim to fame in the fight for freedom lies with the Asa Seymour Curtis House, at 2016 Elm St.

According to the Freedom Trail website, “Asa Seymour Curtis (1813-1895) was recognized as a prominent figure in the Stratford community. He was a farmer who was active in temperance and abolition movements as a young man and it was known that his home was a station on the Underground Railroad. His obituary in the Bridgeport Standard on March 19, 1895 notes that, ‘… a number of runaway slaves it is said found a safe refuge with him and were passed on their way to Canada.’”

Additional stops on the Underground Railroad in the area include:

- Benjamin Douglas House, 11 South Main St., Middletown.

- Cross Street A.M.E. Zion Church, 160 Cross St., Middletown.

- Washband (Washburn) Tavern, 90 Oxford Road, Oxford.

- James Davis House, 111 Goose Lane, Guilford.

- William Winters Neighborhood, Winter Avenue and Mitchell Lane, Deep River.

A full list of sites on the trail and a host of other interactive information is just a click away at http://www.ctfreedomtrail.org/