July 9, 2019, Danbury to Fishkill-

On April 26, 1777, Sybil Ludington, 16-years -old, rode from outside Carmel, NY to Danbury, CT, warning all who would listen that the British were moving up the Still River Valley to Danbury, where British General William Tryon was leading a force which intended to burn the community, as it had been a key provisions site, for the Continental Army.

Her warnings aroused enough resistance and emergency evacuation, that the Continentals’ losses were significantly limited.  Sybil’s ride, over 40 miles, was longer than that of Paul Revere, and over rougher terrain.  Hers was thus the second clarion call of the American Revolution.

Danbury preserves much of the heritage of the Revolutionary War Era, including a Freedom Trail, somewhat shorter than its counterpart in Boston, but a vital record of out nation’s beginnings, regardless.

Downtown Danbury’s centerpiece is Elmwood Park, a median with a fountain, that attracts many families throughout the day.

It was already getting hot, when I happened by here, and small children were making the most of the dripping water.

Below, is a row of early Nineteenth Century buildings along the Main Street Historic District.

Of more recent vintage is this branch County Courthouse.

From the era of Sybil Ludington is Rider House, one of the few remaining colonial-style houses in downtown Danbury.

Fishkill, west of Danbury, was likely on Sybil’s route and was a center of resistance to the British advance up the Hudson Valley.

Danbury has much more to be seen than I took in, this morning,  I did find a gem on Main Street: Padamina’s NY Bakery, which offers Brazilian cuisine.  Having never enjoyed the fare of the South American giant, I took in a plentiful buffet plate of large chicken croques, marinated salad and grilled plantains.  Padamina’s is well worth the stop.

I will be glad to return to Danbury on a future jaunt, but now it’s time to head to West Point and the United States Military Academy.