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Derby History Quiz
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The Department of Transportation recently replace this historic sign which had been missing for some time.
Every day thousands of motorists pass the sign pictured above commemorating a French officer who marched through and camped in Derby on his way to the battle at Yorktown. After being blockaded by the British fleet at Newport, Rhode Island, for about a year, in June 1781 the French under Rochambeau marched to Yorktown, Virginia, where they cooperated with American forces under General George Washington in winning the victory.
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A separate legion under the command of Duc de Lauzun had been camped in Lebanon, CT. They marched through the Valley and camped on Sentinel Hill. The sign pictured here is at the bottom of Sentinel Hill at the intersection with Rt. 34. Duc de Lauzun was quite a character who ultimately felt the pinch of the guillotine during the French Revolution. You can learn much more about him and "The First French Foreign Legion" by clicking here or here . |
An earlier quiz featured Derby patriot Gen. David Humphrey's and his role in the Revolutionary War including his connection with the decisive battle at Yorktown. Click here to read more.
Correct answers were received from: John Kowarik, Ken Dupke, Dave Petz, Ann Searles, Randy Ritter, and Mary Lou Boroski.
To see our other earlier quizzes and learn more about Derby's unique history, click here.
