The Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary War Trail

The September Brown Bag Lunch program features author and scholar, Dr. Iris De Rode who shares the fascinating story of the Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary War Trail. This 680-mile trail between New Hampshire and Virginia tells the story of the beginning days of our Republic. Dr. De Rode will share a very unique perspective on Harford County’s portion of the trail. While working on her Ph.D. in France she met some descendants of Francois Jean de Beauvoir Chevalier de Chastellux, principal liaison officer, member of Academie Francoise, third in command of French forces at Yorktown during the American Revolution, and personal friend of President George Washington. Acting as Adjutant General to Rochambeau, Chastellux accompanied him on his journey through Harford County on the way to the Battle of Yorktown, keeping a journal along the way. Dr. De Rode gained access to this journal while researching Chastellux’s papers at the home of his descendants. Her talk includes details from these journals as well as the story of the Washington Rochambeau Trail which will soon be part of the national trail system transversing through Harford.

[@cchristousoc]

This is an amazing talk and brought to light details not well known about the logistics to transport an army from Rhode Island to Yorktown to ultimate success for the Americans with the benefit of our French Allies. Great speaker and well researched talk. Quite a lot of support and sourcing noted that is not readily available to the average member of the public. Looking forward to her book to get a signed copy!

[@jimrutherford2773]

An excellent presentation. She covered many topics American historians leave out. If I could ask one question. Were the British aware of this march towards Yorktown? It would seem that large bodies of troops marching south would get the attention of the enemy or their loyalist allies, spies, etc.

[@janetparlato4341]

This was a fascinating presentation. I live in a town along the trail in Connecticut, and would love to ask Dr. De Rode about the names of French soldiers who died in Connecticut on the way to Yorktown. There is a monument in a hidden cemetery in Waterbury Connecticut to "Two Unknown French Soldiers" who died just before they reached town. I tried to place them through battalion lists but information was incomplete. Is there any mention of the these soldiers among the narrative information at her disposal? It is sad to think of French soldiers buried so far from their homes and families without even knowing who they are. I hope we can learn their identities.