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Follow Rochambeau and Washington through the doors
of the Meeting House. Guides will answer questions about
the church’s role in Revolutionary War history and
why George Washington designated the “Ridgebury Meeting
House” on his colonial army maps.
In 2006 Ridgebury Congregational Church was recognized by the State of Connecticut as a "major historical site on the Rochambeau 1781 March from Rhode Island to Yorktown Virginia." George Washington's military maps given to Count Rochambeau show the church exactly as it stands today. The Meeting House, erected in 1768 was rebuilt using the same wood on new foundation in 1851. The original pews were made by Ridgebury's 18th century farmers.
Ridgebury Congregational Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places which, in its citation states that the Register "ordinarily excludes properties.. .used for religious purposes," Ridgebury Congregational Church receives the distinction of being listed because "the church was an important center of community life in Connecticut history and in Ridgefield for many decades, especially during the years until 1818 when it was taxpayer-supported. In Ridgebury, the importance of the church's location as the activity center was strengthened by the fact that the general store and post office were next door, to the north. The corner of Ridgebury Road and George Washington Highway both religiously and commercially was the center of the community... .the white church on its country corner.. .makes an important contribution to the historic and architectural character of the community."
602 Ridgebury Road
Visit our mini-museum at Shields Hall across the street
from Ridgebury Congregational Church. See models of the
full Rochambeau encampment sites. Documents and artifacts
on display. Revolutionary flag replicas from French
and colonial armies including some surprising new information about Fort Ticonderoga and the American Revolution.
"Walking tour" maps of Ridgebury historical sites and Ridgebury Cemetery maps available here.
Refreshments and colonial mementos for sale. Playtable for the very young with colonial coloring books.
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