VT, USA
Bayley-Hazen Military Road Proposed and Begun
August 1, 1779
General Jacob Bayley proposed and began a military road from Wells River northward to allow Continental Army access to Canada. Construction was halted in 1780 when it became clear the road could equally serve a British invasion southward.
People Involved
Brattleboro militia colonel who organized and commanded the Connecticut River valley defense, maintaining the ranger and blockhouse network that kept southeastern Vermont settlements viable against British-allied raiding parties throughout the war.
Vermont militia general who commanded Connecticut River valley forces and proposed the Bayley-Hazen Military Road to allow Continental Army access to Canada. His operations kept the northeastern Vermont corridor from becoming a British invasion route.