WEST HAVEN — To solve an 18th-century mystery, local officials this week turned to 20th-century technology: using ground-penetrating radar to search for the gravesite of adjutant William Campbell, whose legend still resonates in the town today.

Campbell met his end shortly thereafter when American troops ambushed him and his men in a hilly area near the intersection of what is now the Boston Post Road and Prudden Street.

“The whole Campbell story is such a big part of West Haven,” Sabo said. “It's part of our history.”

The work, conducted by Terrasearch Geophysical, is funded by a $5,000 state grant from the State Historic Preservation Office that the West Haven Historical Society applied for and received. Beth Sabo, a retired City Hall employee who served in many roles during her decades of service, had advocated for the city to attempt to locate Campbell's grave.

He believes it made a big impression when he was in contact with Campbell's fifth-generation grandson, who flew to West Haven to see the site. George Campbell, that fifth-generation grandson, said the legend of his ancestor had essentially been erased from his family history because of the painful number of young deaths in the family. He said he was amazed that Campbell Avenue was not a minor street, but a major city street.

“He went back and spread the word,” Malia said of George Campbell.

West Haven authorities hope that cooperation between the two governments can lead to a more formal burial for Campbell, nearly 250 years after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and 245 years after Campbell's death on July 5, 1779.

West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer said the timing was opportune as authorities are preparing a nationwide recognition of 250 years of the country's independence.

“We have incredible history and incredible historians,” she said. “This takes it to the next level.”

David Leslie, director of Terrasearch Geophysical, said the results of the multi-day radar survey were unlikely to show human remains, especially if Campbell had been buried in a shroud rather than a wooden coffin as expected.

However, the radar could use the ground topography to determine if there were any cuts in the ground, which could give clues as to whether the ground may have been disturbed. Whether the ground-penetrating radar and a planned follow-up search with metal detectors turn up any information about Campbell, Leslie said the exercise is likely to turn up even more relics of the Battle of West Haven, including lead and tin items such as musket bullets.

All information collected will contribute to a more comprehensive portrayal of the battle that cost Campbell his life.

Malia said one of the most important impacts of the battle was the understanding it gave to the development of military techniques. He said the American troops took advantage of West Haven's hilly terrain and dense forests to gain an advantage over the advancing British troops, who had to advance over hills and through wooded areas. The British strategy was to lure the American military leaders onto level ground, which the American troops would not allow.