It was in the month of February in the year 1756 that George Washington first visited New London. He was travelling from New York to Boston on horseback. About ten days later, on March 8, he stopped again in New London on his return trip to Virginia. He was travelling all those hundreds of miles in the dead of winter on horseback. It boggles the mind. If the heater in our car is not working today, we are reluctant to drive to the store.

Washington was 24 and commander of the Virginia militia. He served with the British army in the French and Indians war. He was going to Boston to meet with Gov. Shirley, chief general of the American forces. According to Francis Manwaring Caulkins, Washington stayed overnight in New London, probably at the Red Lion on Main Street, both going and coming.

He was accompanied by two aides and each officer had a liveried servant. In Ms Caulkins’ somewhat breathless account, the whole party was

splendidly equipped and made a brilliant appearance. We can imagine that the populace of New London, which at that period was very gay and excitable, was considerably moved when this dashing party came galloping into town.

She was writing 102 years after the event. Joshua Hempsted, writing at the time, was more laconic. His entry for March 8 1756 reads:

Mond 8 fair and windy. I was at home all Day. I fitted my New Tongtree and Axletree togather. Ms Swetland was taken wth the numbpalsie last night and Speechless. Colln Washington is Returned from Boston and gone to Long Island Powers’s Sloop and 2 Boats to carry 6 horses and his Rtenue all bound to virgenia. he hath been to advise or be Directed by Governer Shirley who is chief General of the american forces—an Infant of Amos Chesebroughs buryed.

Washington made a another visit to this city 20 years later on April 9, 1776, when he was commander of the American forces in rebellion against the British. This time he was journeying from Boston to New York. He stayed at the Shaw-Perkins mansion, which unlike the Red Lion inn, is still standing.