Quote: Just as it was for almost 300 hundred years, The Town Green,in Lebanon, one mile long and one of the largest town greens in Connecticut, still maintains its pastoral appearance. Too wet to build in, the founding fathers built their houses around it on dryer ground. Animals were allowed to graze there, the town's marching band practiced there, Gov. Trumbull arrainged for a fair to be held once or twice a year on the green, soldiers in the French army camped there in 1780-1781, and the town has used the green for many other activities and still does.It is a favorite place for reenactors. They are on hand for festivals and fairs demonstrating their crafts, always wearing period clothing, and now and again setting up full scale reenactments and encampments.

The early settlers built their meeting house on the Green and it was used for religious, political and social activities. Now the library, town hall, and community center, three churches and several museums are located in or around the Green. West Town Street runs along the west side of the eel-shaped green and Trumbull Highway (Rt. 87) along the east side. Exeter Road (Rt.207) cuts through the eel's neck.

The Green is surrounded by the homes of many famous participants in America's history. I have already noted the location and contributions of the Trumbull family in other journals whose homes were on the Green. The Green and the famous homes are on the National Register of Historic Places.

William Williams, signer of the Declaration of Independence, was born in one of the oldest houses on the green, built in 1712 and lived in another house on the green from 1755 until his death in 1811. The houses are still there but not open to the public.

Gov. William Buckingham was born in one of the houses on the Green, built in 1804 and he grew up in another house on the green. He was governor of Connecticut during the Civil War. He went to extraordinary lengths to provide for the war efforts. He donated funds for the Buckingham Pastor's Library also on the Green. The buildings are privately owned.

Dr. William Beaumont, brought up in Lebanon, is famous for pioneering research into the mysteries of the digestive system. His house, where much of his research took place, has been moved to the Green from elsewhere in Lebanon, and is now located behind the Gov. Trumbull House.

The Lebanon Historical Society located at 856 Trumbull Highway On the Greenn is open on Saturday 1-5pm.

From journals Connecticut At War 1776