One of many important aspects of November is honoring our veterans. But were you aware that there is a veteran’s monument near the university, and it is not for an American veteran? Across from the main entrance to our university is a small monument unique in both its history and to whom it is dedicated. Off a pathway on the left of Pruden Street is a small, but well-maintained, monument to William Campbell who was an officer in the Scots Guards of the British Army. Today the Scots Guards are one of five regiments in the Guards & Parachute Division. It is units of the Guards that you see in their ceremonial red tunics on duty at Buckingham Palace in London.
A British fleet arrived in Long Island Sound on July 5,1779. 3,500 British and Hessian troops came ashore at what is now Lighthouse Park in New Haven, and at Savin Rock in West Haven. The plan was for each group to move inland and burn New Haven. William Campbell served as Adjutant and was assigned to the troops who moved quickly toward the West Haven town green. It would be there that his story took a unique turn.
It was not unusual at that time for invading troops to seize and/or destroy civilian property; especially if that property belonged to those in rebellion against the Crown. However, it appears Campbell asserted his authority to hold the invaders in check. Not only did he prevent the town’s destruction, but also gave orders for proper care of American wounded and prisoners. One of the injured was Rev. Williston, the pastor of the local Congregational Church and a noted patriot. Campbell personally saw that the regimental surgeon treated Williston’s broken leg.
The British continued on toward New Haven. However, they were halted by American militia under James Hillhouse near what is now Ella Grasso Boulevard. Campbell was ordered to find an alternate route, and he went up Milford Hill to scout. Today Milford Hill is the location of several university buildings and the main entrance to our campus. From there Campbell spied a path that led to what is now Route 34 by Yale Bowl; a route sometimes used by the university track team. Milford Hill was active with skirmishers from both sides, and Campbell noticed a wounded young American calling for help. As Campbell moved forward to render assistance, he was struck by a musket ball and soon died. Campbell was one of only nine British killed in the raid, and his watch was returned to his regiment’s New York headquarters.
William Campbell would not be forgotten by the citizens of West Haven. One of the city’s main streets would be named in his honor, and the granite monument would be erected in 1891. It bears the officer’s name, date of death, and the inscription “Blessed Are The Merciful”. The Campbell Monument may have the distinction of being the only memorial to an individual foreign ‘enemy’ in the United States. Local school groups often visit the monument, and Campbell’s dressing kit is on exhibit at the Museum of New Haven. The West Haven Historical Society also holds commemorations at the memorial.
The Scots Guards have taken an interest in Campbell’s history, and have been most collaborative on research. They have posted photos of the monument on the regiment’s website and Facebook page. The regimental band once toured the states and officers attended a ceremony at the monument.
An interesting little piece of American history here at UNH!
