Bar-b-Que, it's Revolutionary

It had been a favorite food for those who resided within the Connecticut community. Late in the August afternoons, the bar-b-ques at the homes in Milford, Connecticut were inviting. Strangers and friends made their appearance. Summer gatherings served as the backdrop to create enough comfort and familiarity to begin homes in the area.

Bar-b-que quickly became a favorite food in America. It was among the uniting threads that was needed. The unity that began could have been one of the reasons why roads were put along both sides of the Wepawaug River in 1640. Early homes were not complete without a fireplace.

During the Revolutionary War, there were as many fireplaces as tents. Those from all areas of life engaged in outside cooking. Recipes were shared as freely as friendships, entertainment and eating. George Washington visited restaraunts and grills that served bar-b-que in Alexandria, Virginia before and after the Revolutionary War.

A deep love for bar-b-que has continued through the years. Since the 1600s, the fireplace has often been replaced with elaborate outdoor grills. Warm weather bar-b-ques have been a way for friends, neighbors and co-workers to become even more familiar with one another. Restaraunts for the bar-b-que crowds ranging from inexpensive and simple through expensive and formal have flourished. An American tradition has been born.

Shannon Bridget Murphy