User:Jmarkrusso/Major Simon Willard

Major Simon Willard was one of the founders of Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Sargent Willard, along with Lieutenant Edward Gibbons were commisioned by John Withrop JR and 20 carpenders to counter the Dutch from occupying the mouth of the Connecticut River.On November 24, 1635, Willard and Gibbons landed on the west bank, located the Dutch coat of arms and preceded to tear it down and replace it with a shield with a grinning face. They then built a small fort with a cannon battery. When the Dutch returned to the river they immediatly saw the British fort and ship and withdrew. {| class="wikitable"
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