Traveling in Time with Dan: Honoring Lt. Colonel Thomas Knowlton, America’s Unsung Intelligence Pioneer
Welcome back to the Traveling Time with Dan Show, where we blend travel, history, and leadership! Today, I’m bringing you to a hidden gem in Ashford, Connecticut: the Knowlton Memorial Hall. This area has some really cool historic buildings, including a little old home with “Warrenville” on the red house across the street. But the main focus today is a truly amazing, yet unsung hero of the American Revolution: Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Knowlton.
From Ticonderoga to the Farm
Knowlton had a standout military career even before the Revolution. At just 15 years old, he served in the French and Indian War. He did “really good” and stood out, even fighting over at Fort Ticonderoga.
After the French and Indian War concluded, Knowlton returned home to Ashford, Connecticut. Following the tradition of great Americans like George Washington and Israel Putnam, he became a farmer again. Additionally, he took on civic duties, becoming a selectman of Ashford.
Brilliant Performance and the Birth of U.S. Intelligence
When the American Revolution broke out, Knowlton immediately got back into the action, following that theme of “drop the plow, pick up the gun”. He started as a captain of the Connecticut militia and performed brilliantly at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
His exemplary performance caught the eye of both George Washington and another Connecticut figure, Israel Putnam. George Washington then recruited Knowlton and asked him to establish and run the Knowlton Rangers. This was a truly “big deal,” as the Knowlton Rangers were effectively the first intelligence agency of the United States. This organization is considered the prelude to the Culper Spy Ring, the Army Rangers, Army Intelligence, and even the Special Forces.
A Tragic Loss
Unfortunately, Knowlton’s service was cut short. He was only 35 years old when he was killed during the Battle of Harlem Heights.
The tragedy deepened just about a week later when his man, Nathan Hale, also from Connecticut, was famously hung for being a spy. This double blow was a “huge hit” on George Washington’s initial attempts at gathering intelligence and spying. Recognizing the need for a different approach, Washington realized he had to change tactics, which eventually led to the creation of the Culper Spy Ring, utilizing civilians instead of military people for intelligence gathering.
A Lasting Legacy in Connecticut and Beyond
Though Knowlton is “not well known,” his legacy endures.
- There is a statue of him in Hartford.
- There is the Knowlton Memorial Hall in Ashford, which also serves as a library.
- If you travel about a mile up Route 44 East from the Hall, heading toward Rhode Island, you can find the site of his old home—the Knowlton Hermitage in Ashford, which is now a scout camp.
- Perhaps the most significant honor related to his intelligence work is the Knowlton Award, given to those who make “above and beyond contributions to the US intelligence”.
Leadership Lessons from Lt. Colonel Knowlton
We always mix travel and history with leadership on this show. Knowlton provides two powerful lessons for leaders:
- Lead from the Front: Knowlton was recognized at Bunker Hill because he was literally in the front line, running around, yelling orders, and putting his life at risk. Leading from the front is what got the job done and got him noticed by George Washington.
- Do the Hard Jobs: Another great leadership lesson is to do the hard jobs that nobody else wants to do. Nobody wanted to go behind enemy lines gathering intelligence, but Knowlton not only did that himself, he also trained other people to do it well.
If you haven’t been here to Ashford, definitely come check it out! It’s a quaint, farmer-like town that truly embodies the spirit of those who answered the call to duty.
Thank you for spending time with me on the Traveling Time with Dan Show! We’ll catch up with you again real soon!
Uncovering History. Inspiring Leadership. The Travel in Time Show is where travel, history, and leadership intermingle with history teacher, author, and speaker Dan Blanchard
*Check out Dan’s book, “Travel in Time in Connecticut: https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Time-Connecticut-Timeless-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0CYM3WB22/
*Watch Dan’s YouTube video on this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4A8_rrZhdo&t=10s
Listen to Dan’s podcast on this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5EIn8gs0homVLRRfiUo3BT?si=l8Vcxpm0TAOi-1YsUySm2A
*See Dan’s Interview with Lt. Col. Thomas Knowlton: (Coming soon)
*Learn more about Dan: https://granddaddyssecrets.com/