In August 1781, Gov. Jonathan Trumbull and the Council of Safety ordered fortifications built near Stamford to prevent a surprise attack by the enemy. Designed by Col. Rufus Putnam and erected and garrisoned by Brig. Gen. David Waterbury of Stamford with 700 state troops, Fort Stamford was completed in December 1781. In February 1782, Maj. Hugh Maxwell and a Massachusetts detachment of 150 men were sent to man the fort until the state militia arrived in force under Lt. Col. Samuel Canfield. The garrison served until 1783, keeping the area secure from enemy incursion.