A Philadelphia museum is set to display a rare sword that was wielded during the Siege of Yorktown, an event that changed the course of American history.
The Museum of the American Revolution will soon welcome this extraordinary artifact, a sword once presented to a member of the Continental Army’s Corps of Light Infantry by Major General Marquis de Lafayette.
Jeremiah Keeler, hailing from Ridgefield, Connecticut, not only carried this sword but used it as a makeshift crutch on his arduous journey home following the Revolutionary War. This poignant image of sacrifice is highlighted in the museum’s recent press announcement.
Remarkably, Keeler and his infantry, under the command of Alexander Hamilton, led a courageous assault on a British redoubt, ultimately contributing to the victory that the Continental Army and its French allies achieved. The sword, purchased by Lafayette during the winter of 1779-1780, serves as a tangible link to that historic moment.
The sword is crafted from iron, steel, and brass, adorned with a leather scabbard—a testament to the craftsmanship of its time. “We are thrilled to share the story of this young veteran from Connecticut, a part of America’s first great generation, with visitors from all corners of the globe,” commented R. Scott Stephenson, the museum’s president and CEO.
This family heirloom has now returned from obscurity, thanks to the donation from Suzanne Reynolds, a great-great-great-great granddaughter of Keeler, who wished to honor her mother through this gift. “It’s hard to articulate how significant this is for my family, but it’s our way to honor my mom,” Reynolds stated.
She continued, “It’s vital for people to know these artifacts exist, bringing our history closer for everyone, perhaps even inspiring future generations.” That sentiment resonates throughout Ridgefield, where local history is deeply intertwined with the legacy of Jeremiah Keeler.
The Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center, which dates back to 1772, was once an inn run by the Keeler family and now stands as a repository of local history. “Jeremiah Keeler is celebrated in Ridgefield as one of the few in his family actively serving during the Revolutionary War,” remarked Catherine Prescott, chief curator of the Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center.
For anyone interested in American history, the sword will be displayed at the Museum of the American Revolution starting November 5, providing a unique opportunity to reflect upon the stories of bravery and sacrifice that define this nation.
