On a warm August evening in 1814, the people of Stonington Borough looked out across the harbor and saw four British warships anchored offshore. The ships demanded the town surrender. Instead, the people of Stonington sent back a simple but defiant message: they would defend their home, even if it meant watching it burn. Over the next four days, cannon fire echoed across the harbor as one of the most remarkable battles of the War of 1812 unfolded. Today, more than 200 years later, that story is still part of the Borough’s streets and waterfront.
The Battle of Stonington may not be as famous as battles like Gettysburg or Bunker Hill, but it played an important role in Connecticut’s history. At the time, Britain hoped to weaken American coastal towns and disrupt trade during the War of 1812.
Stonington seemed like an easy target. The village was protected by only a small militia and a few aging cannons. Against all odds, the defenders refused to back down. After four days of bombardment, the British fleet sailed away, unable to force the town to surrender. The victory became a symbol of courage and determination, proving that even a small fishing village could stand up to one of the world’s most powerful navies.
That history isn’t locked away in a museum. You can still see it while walking through Stonington Borough.
A good place to begin is Cannon Square, tucked between Main Street and Water Street. Standing there are the two original 18-pound cannons that helped defend the town during the battle. These are the actual guns used by the local militia in August 1814, carefully restored and displayed as a reminder of the Borough’s past. A granite monument nearby honors the men who defended the town, and if you look closely, you’ll notice a real cannonball mounted on top of the monument. It’s a small detail that connects today’s peaceful village with the violence that once unfolded just offshore.
The next time you stroll through Stonington Borough, slow down for a moment at Cannon Square. Those old cannons aren’t just decorations. They’re silent witnesses to one of Connecticut’s greatest underdog stories—a reminder that history doesn’t always live behind glass. Sometimes it’s waiting for you on a quiet street, overlooking the same harbor where the battle was fought more than 200 years ago.
This Harbor Notes originally appeared in the July 2, 2026 newsletter. Sign Up for it here.
Last modified: July 4, 2026
