To the Editor,
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Southbury Land Trust, the Southbury America 250th Commission, and the Southbury Historical Society for organizing a memorable history hike for residents on June 6. The Southbury Rochambeau Traverse, a 6-mile hike, began near the Woodbury town line and concluded at the Housatonic River Bridge near Newtown. The event commemorated the route that Comte de Rochambeau and his 5,000
French troops took through Southbury during the American Revolution nearly 250 years ago.
Thank you to the Southbury America 250th Commission for handing out tricorne hats, pins, flags, and booklets on local history, which helped set the tone for the day.
I am also grateful to Town Historian John Dwyer, who provided engaging background and historical context at several stops along the route.
Thank you as well to the Southbury Historical Society for sponsoring the new Victory Town plaque near Veterans Memorial Green on Main Street South. We celebrated its unveiling during the hike, and I encourage residents to visit and see it for themselves.
Special thanks are due to Southbury Land Trust President Joe Ruggiero for his outstanding planning and coordination. His efforts included securing permission to walk through private properties, arranging transportation and security, preparing the route, and managing many other important details.
The hike gave us a chance not only to enjoy time outdoors, but also to better appreciate the stories, people, and places that have helped shape our community. This event was a great example of collaboration among nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and town departments. Efforts like these strengthen community pride and help residents connect more deeply with the history around us.
— Tim O’Neil,
Southbury First Selectman
The Southbury Record 