By Brianna Wallen, SCSU Journalism student
Once perched on top of Milford’s highest point, Liberty Rock once served as a crucial lookout during the Revolutionary War, where guards kept watch for British troops.
From the 10-foot glacial boulder, colonial soldiers scanned the horizon for Redcoats and monitored the Housatonic River and Long Island Sound.
“If you sit on it now, you wouldn’t be able to see much.” Richard Platt, former official city historian, said. “When I was a kid, we could stand out in front and see the steeples downtown.”
The lookout spot is also tied to one of Milford’s most notable witch legends. Formerly known as “Hog Rock” for its resemblance to a large pig, the boulder also carries an old tale.
According to the book “History of Milford, Connecticut, 1639-1939” by the Milford Tercentenary Committee, an old verse describes the legend:
“Once four young men upon ye rock Sate down at chuffie board one day: When ye Dewill appeared in shape of a hogg, Ande frighten’d ym so they scampered awaye, Ande left Olde Nick to finish ye play.”
The boulder was officially crowned its current name in 1897 to honor its historic role as a lookout during the Revolutionary War.
Along with serving as a silent witness to the war, Liberty Rock wears its roots like a badge of honor. The initials “P.P.” and the date “1776” were carved into the stone by Peter Pierett, a young Milford native who led a local militia known as “The Liberty Boys.” This band of local patriots would later become a part of the “Minute Men.”
After centuries of standing watch for troops, Liberty Rock was eventually relocated and honored with its own park.
Today, the boulder rests within black iron gates in Liberty Rock Park and serves as a tribute to early sentinels.
Brianna Wallen, a journalism student at Southern Connecticut State University, reported this story in 2025 as part of Journalism Capstone coursework on the Revolutionary War.