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#MiddleburyCT #Rochambeau #2026

This rendering by Abigail Adams of A2 Land Consulting shows the Rochambeau sculpture and landscaping planned for the Rochambeau Memorial. It will become part of Meadowview Park in Middlebury. (Abigail Adams rendering)

By DR. ROBERT L. RAFFORD

As we approach the 2026 celebration of the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, the Middlebury Historical Society is happy to announce that, after five years of planning, our goal is about to become a reality. We will soon announce the unveiling date for a monument dedicated to General Rochambeau and the French army, the American Revolution, and the patriots who birthed the new nation.

Middlebury is forever memorialized by the encampment of the French army under Comte de Rochambeau in 1781 on its way to defeat the British at the Battle of Yorktown. This signature event provides an opportunity for our citizens to honor their achievement, while providing a beautiful and educational memorial that will serve to instruct and inspire untold numbers today and in centuries to come.

Meadowview Park, the site of the new memorial, has great advantages. The town-owned park has adequate parking, is cared for by the Department of Public Works, is relatively flat, and, most important, is visited by hundreds of visitors throughout the year. Landscape architect Abigail Adams of A2 Land Consulting LLC in New Fairfield rendered a design of the site, and one of the images she created is shown here.

We are raising funds for this project and are fortunate to have a Rochambeau Memorial challenge from Middleburian Larry Janesky. For each dollar donated, up to $100,000, Janesky has pledged to match it. Middlebury residents will be mailed information on how they can play a role in seeing this project to fruition.

In addition, in September, the Middlebury Historical Society will hold a fundraiser at Tranquillity Vineyard and Winery. All are invited to purchase tickets and enjoy an evening of fun and education with an opportunity to meet the sculptor, Tony Falcone, and much more. Visit the website, www.middleburyhistoricalsociety.org/rochambeau-project, for more information.