Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park

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Quick Facts

Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park

Connecticut

(860) 444-7591

Map Directions

Things To Do

   

Overview

One of America's best preserved Revolutionary War fortifications, Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park is a historic place to visit in New London County. It is the site of the August 1781 massacre of American soldiers by British Forces, who were commanded by the traitorous Benedict Arnold. The raid was a diversion tactic, attempting to keep George Washington from attacking Cornwallis in the south. Although 88 Americans were killed, an additional 35 were wounded, and area houses and stores were burned to ashes, the attack did not keep Washington from capturing Cornwallis in Yorktown only 43 days after the burning of New London. Today, visitors can take in the authentic shape of the earthen-walled Fort, or take a birds-eye view of the layout from the site's 135-foot high obelisk, accessible only by climbing the steep and narrow staircase to the top. The park now includes the restored Ebenezer Avery House, which sheltered the wounded after the battle and now houses a selection of relics and interpretive exhibits relating to the attack. A Revolutionary War museum is also located within the park. Pets on a leash are permitted.

Map of Fort Griswold Battlefield (CT)

Latitude, Longitude: 41.354152, -72.081078

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Activities

  • Historic Sites

    This is the historic site where, on September 6, 1781, British Forces, commanded by the infamous Benedict Arnold, captured the Fort and massacred 88 of the 165 defenders stationed there. The Ebenezer Avery House which sheltered the wounded after the battle has been restored on the grounds. A Revolutionary War museum also depicts the era.

  • Picnicking

    The park offers picnic tables and pit toilets for a historical meal outside.

Seasonality/Weather

The museum and monument are open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day and weekends from Labor Day to Columbus Day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The grounds are open daily year-round from 8:00 am to sunset.

The Groton Monument at Fort Griswold is undergoing interior and exterior repairs beginning June 1, 2010. The Monument, Monument House Museum and restroom facilities building will be closed for the season.

Park Partners

Friends of Fort Griswold

The purpose of the Friends of Fort Griswold is to work to preserve, restore, maintain, and promote the historic value, earthworks, buildings, and grounds, known as Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in cooperation with the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection.

(860) 884-2160

Directions

Driving

Coming From I-95 North: take Exit 87 (Left Hand Exit) onto Clarence B. Sharp Highway. Turn right at first light onto Meridian Street. Turn left at first light onto Mitchell Street. Take second right onto Park Avenue. Park is one block straight ahead. Coming From I-95 South: take Exit 87 onto Clarence B. Sharp Highway. Turn right at first light onto Meridian Street. Turn left at first light onto Mitchell Street. Take second right onto Park Avenue. Park is one block straight ahead.

Phone Numbers

Primary

(860) 444-7591

Links