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Revolutionary War diary and artifacts offer rare glimpse into America's founding
By Charles Benson at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· July 1, 2026
· 4 min read
A diary written by a young Connecticut soldier 250 years ago offers a rare, firsthand account of what it was like to fight in the American Revolution and to learn, days late, that a new nation had just been born.The diary belongs to Joab Daggett, a soldier stationed in the New York City area in ...
Key takeaway "He wanted to record his experience of 1776," Landis said.
Why this matters in The Detroit
The story of Joab Daggett's diary and other Revolutionary War artifacts now preserved in Wisconsin has a notable connection to Detroit 's own historical narrative. As a city that played a significant role in the War of 1812, a conflict that tested the young American nation's independence, Detroiters can appreciate the significance of Daggett's firsthand account of fighting for that independence. The fact that Daggett's diary and other artifacts, such as the powder horn belonging to Abel Crandall, are now part of a historical collection in Wisconsin highlights the regional ties that bind the Midwest to the country's founding story. For Detroit residents interested in exploring their city's place within the broader context of American history, the Wisconsin Historical Society's archives offer a unique window into the experiences of soldiers who fought for the nation's freedom, including those with connections to the region.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A diary written by a young Connecticut soldier 250 years ago offers a rare, firsthand account of what it was like to fight in the American Revolution and to learn, days late, that a new nation had just been born.The diary belongs to Joab Daggett, a soldier stationed in the New York City area in ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Charles Benson at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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