Rochambeau Memorial Monument

Middlebury’s Role in the American Revolution

The Rochambeau Monument Project is a major initiative of the Middlebury Historical Society, commemorating a pivotal moment in our town’s Revolutionary War history.

Timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the start of the Revolutionary War, the monument honors the French troops who marched through Middlebury in 1781 under the leadership of General Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau. Their presence was part of the critical French-American alliance that helped turn the tide of the war. More than 2,000 of these soldiers died in the fight for American independence.

The monument will be installed at Meadowview Park in 2026.

French soldiers climbing up Breakneck Hill

1. Who Was Rochambeau?

Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, was a French general whose leadership played a crucial role in America’s fight for independence. In 1780, during the American Revolutionary War, King Louis XVI sent Rochambeau to lead a French expeditionary force in support of General George Washington’s Continental Army.

Arriving in Newport, Rhode Island with over 5,000 seasoned troops, Rochambeau faced a delicate task: cooperate with American forces despite differences in language, culture, and military training. Yet he succeeded brilliantly. His patience, discipline, and diplomatic skill helped turn a fragile alliance into a winning partnership.

In 1781, Rochambeau and his army marched hundreds of miles — including a memorable stop in Middlebury at Breakneck Hill — to meet Washington in New York. Together, they moved south to trap British forces at Yorktown, Virginia. Their combined armies forced the surrender of General Cornwallis, effectively ending major combat in the war.

Rochambeau returned to France a hero. Today, he is remembered not only as a skilled military leader, but as a symbol of the French-American friendship that helped shape our nation’s birth. While the victory at Yorktown was decisive, it was the Treaty of Paris in 1783 that formally secured American independence. Without it, the Declaration of Independence would have remained a bold statement, and Yorktown merely a battlefield success without lasting consequence.

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Portrait of General Rochambeau

2. Why This Monument?

In the summer of 1781, over 5,000 French troops marched across Connecticut to join General George Washington at Yorktown. One of their toughest days brought them into Middlebury, where a portion of the army camped overnight after hauling wagons and artillery up what we now call Breakneck Hill. This was no ceremonial march — it was a punishing campaign that helped win the war.

This monument doesn’t honor generals or politicians. It honors the foot soldier — the ordinary French infantryman who served far from home, on foot, in heat, rain, and rough terrain, fighting for a cause that wasn’t his own. These men, long forgotten, marched through our woods, rested on our fields, and continued south to shape the outcome of the American Revolution.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, communities like ours are rediscovering the quiet roles they played in a global fight for liberty. This monument, planned and funded by Middlebury citizens, is our lasting tribute — not just to the soldiers, but to the moment when our town became part of something greater.

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Preliminary sketch of the proposed monument, depicting a French foot soldier during the 1781 march through Middlebury.

3. Where Will It Be Located?

The Rochambeau Monument will be installed in Meadowview Park, a public green space located just off Route 64, near the heart of Middlebury. The exact site is at the corner of the park nearest the intersection with Artillery Road — a fitting name that commemorates the very military march this monument honors.

This location was chosen with care. It’s easily accessible, highly visible, and part of a much-loved park used for recreation, reflection, and community gatherings. The setting allows the monument to be both respected and encountered, not hidden away but part of everyday life in Middlebury.

A new landscaped plaza will surround the statue, with benches and plantings to create a peaceful place for learning, remembrance, and civic pride.

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Located at the intersection of Routes 64 and 188

4. Who Is Involved?

Tony Falcone
Sculptor of the Rochambeau Monument
Tony Falcone is a nationally recognized sculptor known for his public monuments and classical technique. With decades of experience creating enduring civic art, Tony brings a deep respect for historical storytelling to his work. He is currently crafting the Rochambeau Monument in his Prospect Connecticut studio.

Tony’s portfolio includes numerous large-scale sculptures and memorials across New England, blending traditional forms with narrative power. He is widely respected for his ability to capture both realism and emotion in bronze — qualities that made him a natural choice for this project. His collaborative process with local historians, artists, and even live models ensures that the final piece will be both historically faithful and deeply human.

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Tony Falcone in his Prospect Studio

Don Troiani
Historical Consultant
Don Troiani is one of America’s foremost military artists and a leading authority on 18th-century military history. His meticulous research and vivid paintings have shaped how museums, filmmakers, and historians visualize the Revolutionary War. Troiani is especially known for his accurate depictions of uniforms, weapons, and equipment — often based on original artifacts from his extensive personal collection.

For the Rochambeau Monument, Don provided essential guidance to ensure the sculpture reflects the true appearance of a French infantryman in 1781. From the fit of the coat to the angle of the musket strap, his insights have grounded the project in historical fact, giving the statue both authenticity and narrative depth. His work helps connect modern audiences to the lived reality of the past.

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Don Troiani

Abigail Adams
Landscape Architect
Abigail Adams is the principal of A2 Land Consulting, a Connecticut-based landscape architecture firm known for integrating beauty, function, and local character into public spaces. She was selected to design the landscaped plaza that will surround the Rochambeau Monument in Meadowview Park — creating a space for quiet reflection, historical appreciation, and community pride.

With nearly two decades of experience and a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from UMass Amherst, Abigail brings both technical expertise and artistic vision to her work. Her thoughtful design will frame the monument and enhance the visitor experience for generations to come.

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Abigail Adams

5. How Is It Funded?

The Rochambeau Monument is being funded entirely through private donations, with no public money allocated for its design or construction. This community-led effort relies on individuals, families, and businesses who value Middlebury’s history and want to see it remembered in a lasting way.

A major boost came from Larry Janesky, a successful local businessman who lives near the Breakneck Hill encampment site. He generously offered a $100,000 matching challenge to encourage others to contribute. His support has inspired broad community participation — and every donation brings us closer to fulfilling the match.

Whether large or small, your gift helps make this monument a reality and ensures Middlebury’s place in Revolutionary War history is permanently recognized.

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Community support is rising — help us meet the $100,000 matching challenge!

6. What Is The Timeline?

Planning for the Rochambeau Monument began in earnest in 2023, with historical research, community input, and design development taking place through 2024. In early 2025, sculptor Tony Falcone began work on the clay prototype, and fundraising efforts accelerated with strong local support.

The goal is to complete the monument and install it in Meadowview Park by June 27, 2026 — “Rochambeau Day” — marking the 245th anniversary of General Rochambeau’s encampment on June 27, 1781, at Breakneck Hill in Middlebury during the French army’s march to join General Washington. This date also falls just days before America’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026. The plaza is expected to be constructed in summer 2025.

Progress updates will be shared through the Middlebury Historical Society and town channels as milestones are reached.

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Projected timeline for the Rochambeau Monument, targeting completion by July 4, 2026.

7. Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Monument

How does a monument go from idea to reality?
The Rochambeau Monument has evolved from an early concept into a fully realized design by sculptor Tony Falcone. Planning began in earnest in 2023, sparked by a renewed interest in Middlebury’s Revolutionary War history and the town’s connection to General Rochambeau’s march to Yorktown. Historical research confirmed that over 5,000 French troops passed through and camped in Middlebury, and community input shaped the vision for a tribute that would honor not just generals, but the foot soldiers who bore the burden of the march. By 2024, design development was underway, and in early 2025, Falcone began sculpting a clay prototype that captures the dignity and endurance of a French infantryman. Fundraising efforts gained momentum with strong local support and a major matching challenge from businessman Larry Janesky.

Below, you’ll find a short video tour and a series of brief, illustrated articles that chronicle the thinking, people, and passion behind the project.

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Pedestal Idea #2


🎬 Video – Sculpting History

“Art is truth in bronze.” — Tony Falcone

Tony Falcone, a celebrated Connecticut sculptor, walks you through his creative process in this exclusive 20-minute kickoff video. Watch as he explains how historical research, artistic instinct, and public vision come together to create a lasting tribute to the French foot soldiers of 1781.

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Tony Falcone with his wife Judi Andrews


February 2025 – From General to Foot Soldier

Middlebury’s Rochambeau Memorial Evolves to Honor the Soldiers Who Marched for Independence

The Middlebury Historical Society’s effort to commemorate the 1781 French army encampment at Breakneck Hill has taken a new direction. Originally planned as a statue of General Rochambeau, the monument will now depict a French soldier struggling up Breakneck Hill, representing the endurance and sacrifice of those who helped secure American independence.

At its January 22, 2025, meeting, the committee confirmed this shift. Renowned sculptor Tony Falcone is refining the statue’s design, which will stand in a six-sided plaza within Meadowview Park, visible from Route 188. The site will include benches, trees, flagpoles, and space for visitors to reflect on the contributions of both the French troops and Middlebury families who fought in the Revolutionary War.

A Tribute to Those Who Marched

Unlike existing Rochambeau statues in Washington, D.C.; Newport, Rhode Island; and Yorktown, Virginia, this memorial will honor the soldiers themselves, who endured hardship and sacrifice on the march to Yorktown.

“The people who really made this happen were the soldiers,” a committee member remarked. This shift has also raised the need to reconsider the project’s name to better reflect its new focus.

A Historic Site for Reflection and Learning

The monument’s Meadowview Park location offers an accessible public space with ample parking, making it ideal for school visits and community engagement. It will serve as a place to learn about the values of the Revolution and the sacrifices that shaped America.

Moving Forward

With a projected cost of $255,000, fundraising is a key priority. Honorary Chair Larry Janesky has pledged a $100,000 challenge grant to support the project.

Falcone’s design continues to take shape, ensuring the statue captures the struggle, resilience, and historical significance of the soldiers who marched through Middlebury. The project reflects years of dedication from the Middlebury Historical Society and its supporters.

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General Rochambeau
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French foot soldier


March 2025 – Choosing the Pose

What do you get when you put a bunch of history buffs together in a room to make a decision on a memorial?

If you guessed “an intense discussion featuring deep dives into 18th-century minutiae, artistic interpretations, and an unexpected reference to The Thinker,” you’d be on the right track. The Rochambeau Monument Committee has been hard at work refining the next critical element of Middlebury’s forthcoming tribute to the French general’s march: the pose of the foot soldier who will stand in Meadowview Park.

This decision has been anything but simple. As committee member Ray Sullivan, historian and author of Breakneck, put it, “We’re not just choosing a pose—we’re choosing the story this monument will tell.” Indeed, the figure must encapsulate not just a moment in time, but the spirit of the soldiers who made the arduous journey alongside Rochambeau.

The initial deliberation focused on whether to depict General Rochambeau himself or a common foot soldier. That decision was settled in favor of the soldier—his presence a tribute to the endurance and sacrifice of the troops who marched through Connecticut on their way to Yorktown. But now, with three artistic renderings in hand, the committee is engaged in an equally spirited debate over which stance best conveys that legacy.

Tony Falcone, the renowned sculptor behind the project, has provided three distinct interpretations, each evoking a different mood and historical emphasis. “The challenge is balancing historical accuracy with artistic expression,” Falcone noted during the discussion. His work will ensure that the final sculpture is not just a statue but a storytelling piece that draws visitors into the Revolutionary War experience.

To ensure that accuracy, the committee has relied on the expertise of Don Troiani, one of the foremost artists of military history, and historian Ray Sullivan. Their insights have guided the committee in assessing elements such as the proper tilt of a tricorn hat, the way a musket was carried on a long march, and the distinct differences in uniform between a French and an American soldier of the period. “We can’t afford to let this become an anachronism,” Ray Sullivan cautioned. “People expect precision when it comes to historical monuments. He emphasized the importance of details, adding, “Every element—down to the stitching on the uniform—tells a story. We need to get it right.”

The sketches currently under review each present the soldier in a unique way. One captures him in a classic “minute man” stance, embodying readiness and resolve. Another shows him seated on a rock, resting from the march—a moment of quiet reflection. The third portrays him pausing with one foot on a rock, sipping from his canteen, a nod to the long journey endured by the troops. While committee members have their preferences, the final decision remains open, awaiting refined sketches and further input from the team.

While the exact pose remains undecided, one thing is certain: the monument will stand as a powerful tribute to those who marched through Middlebury nearly 250 years ago. And for those who want to learn more, there will be an opportunity for the public to “Meet the Sculptor” on May 8. It’s a chance to hear directly from Tony Falcone about his process—and maybe even get a hint of what the final pose will be!

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April 2025 – Rochambeau Monument Finds Its Footing

Studio Visit
Tony Falcone’s studio is part workshop, part anatomy class, and part Revolutionary War staging ground. This time, the soldier wasn’t in a notebook—he was climbing a rock right in front of us.

The studio visit marked a shift in the project. Gone were the early sketches and clay miniatures. In their place stood a scaled anatomical figure, posed mid-stride on a sloped boulder, musket in hand. Though unfinished—still showing muscle structure and armature—the figure already conveyed movement and resolve. It was clear we were no longer choosing an idea; we were meeting the statue.

Early concepts had considered a seated figure—thoughtful, resting, reflective. But over time, it became clear that such a pose lacked the energy and symbolism needed for this memorial. The site itself helped shape the story. As Tony put it, “the hill is the enemy.” Breakneck Hill wasn’t just where Rochambeau’s troops camped—it represented the challenge of the journey.

The chosen pose reflects that struggle. The soldier is climbing, not fighting. He’s alone, but in motion. The allegory is clear: effort, progress, perseverance. The figure doesn’t declare victory—it earns it, one step at a time.

With the pose set, discussion turned to materials and setting. Tony described fieldstone retaining walls, weathered wood benches, and a bluestone plaza—all designed to echo the 18th-century context without replicating it. The site would be rustic, grounded, and historically resonant. ADA access, durability, and weather resistance were part of every decision. “There’s a perfect solution somewhere,” Tony said. “We’ll find it.”

Construction questions came next: how large should the base be? Can natural rock from Breakneck Hill be used? Should the sculpture be anchored in one piece or assembled from cast components? The answers will come through engineering and careful coordination, but the vision is already taking shape.

What stood out most wasn’t the bronze or the boulder—it was the attitude of the figure. Even as a skeleton in progress, he leaned forward with intention. The muscles were sculpted, but the story was alive. This isn’t just a monument to a march. It’s a tribute to effort. And now, with pose and purpose in place, we’ve truly found our footing.

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Tony Falcone with scaled anatomical figure

8. Help Build a Legacy

Every contribution brings us closer to honoring Middlebury’s role in the American Revolution. Whether large or small, your gift makes a difference — and will be permanently recognized as part of this community-led effort.

Donor Levels

Rochambeau Level
$20,000 and above
Our highest level of recognition, honoring those whose extraordinary support ensures the success of the monument.

Baron Level
$15,000 – $19,999
Major patrons who are helping to turn vision into reality.

Viscount Level
$10,000 – $14,999
Significant contributors sustaining the heart of the project.

Duc Level
$5,000 – $9,999
Supporters advancing the monument’s creation and installation.

Senior Officer
$1,000 – $4,999
Key partners helping to tell Middlebury’s Revolutionary story.

Junior Officer
$100 – $999
Proud backers from across the community and beyond.

Foot Soldier
$25 – $99
Grassroots support that honors the very soldiers this monument represents.


Make a Donation by Check
If you would like to make a donation by check, please make it payable to:
Middlebury Historical Society
Memo: Rochambeau Monument

Mail your donation to:
Middlebury Historical Society
P.O. Box 104
Middlebury, CT 06762

Make a Donation with Stock
We gratefully accept donations of appreciated securities. Making a gift of stock may provide favorable tax advantages, including avoidance of capital gains. To begin the process, please contact us directly so we can provide transfer instructions and ensure proper acknowledgment.

Larger Contributions & Donor Recognition
For substantial donations or named recognition opportunities, we encourage you to contact us directly. We would be happy to discuss donor levels, recognition options, and any questions you may have.

Pledges
If you are interested in making a pledge to support the monument, please reach out to us directly to discuss options.

Thank you for your support in bringing this historic monument to life!

Robert L. Rafford, President
203-206-4717
president@middleburyhistoricalsociety.org.

Alice DeMartino, Secretary
secretary@middleburyhistoricalsociety.org

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With Gratitude to Our Early Donors

Premier Level
$100,000 and above
Larry Janesky

Vice-Premier Level
$50,000 and above

Rochambeau Level
$20,000 and above
Joan and David Reed
Ray and Penny Albini

Baron Level
$15,000 – $19,999

Viscount Level
$10,000 – $14,999
Joan and Bob Rafford

Duc Level
$5,000 – $9,999

Senior Officer
$1,000 – $4,999
Arthur and Linda Liederman
Garrett and Antoinette Moore Sr.

Alice and Frank Demartino
Frank Mirovsky and Elisabeth Adler
Terry and Arlene McAuliffe
Kevin and Catherine Casey
Maryann and Mike McCormack
Tom and Ann Cunningham
Middlebury Lions Club

Junior Officer
$100 – $999
Henry and JoAnn Gagain
Thyrza Whittemore
Jini Jones Vail

UNICO of Waterbury

Foot Soldier
$25 – $99