Revolutionary War Hospital Cemetery

During the Revolutionary War, Danbury was one of the primary supply depots for the Continental Army. Included in the city's mission was the establishing of a military hospital.

The hospital was established in March, 1777, the month prior to the British raid on Danbury. It was not touched by the British. The location was on what is now called Park Avenue, at the junction of Pleasant Street.

The soldiers who died at the hospital were buried in a plot of ground on Pleasant Street, near the corner of Park Avenue. As best as can be determined, no grave markers were used. Samuel C. Wildman, the original proprietor of the grounds where the hospital was located, held the burial grounds sacred. Although a farmer, he refused to plough the plot.

However, subsequent owners, for whatever reason, did plough and plant this plot of land. In Bailey's "History of Danbury", he notes:

"Some years after it was rented, and the tenant, being either ignorant of its former use or extremely practical in his views, turned up with his plough many bones and some relics in metal." (Page 100)

Although the plot of land has seen many changes over the years, it is still believed that the relics of many Continental soldiers are still buried there (the number is estimated at more than 200 by some authorities). The site has been included in the catalogue of historical sites by the Connecticut Historical Society.

Anyone who may have more information on this burial plot is asked to contact the Project's coordinator. We would especially want to know the names and home towns of those who were buried here.

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