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Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park: A Revolutionary War Landmark

Explore a Revolutionary War battlefield, climb a historic monument, and discover captivating artifacts at Fort Griswold State Park in Groton, CT.

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Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in Groton, CT, marks the site of the Battle of Groton Heights, the state's largest Revolutionary War battle. British forces, led by Benedict Arnold, captured the fort in 1781, resulting in a massacre of American soldiers. Today, the park features the original fort ramparts, a museum, the Ebenezer Avery House, and the Groton Monument.

A brief summary to Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park

  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • The park grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset, but the Museum and Monument have limited hours, so plan accordingly.
  • Take the cell phone tour to learn more about the fort's history and see what you can see from different locations.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as there are several trails to explore within the park.
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Getting There

  • Car

    To reach Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park by car, navigate to Groton, CT. From I-95, take Exit 87 (Clarence B. Sharp Highway). Turn right at the first traffic light onto Meridian Street, then left onto Mitchell Street. Take the second right onto Park Avenue; the park is one block ahead. Free parking is available on the side streets adjacent to the fort. There are no fees to enter the park.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus to Groton. You can board the 9 or 10 CT Transit bus from New London. Get off at the 'Groton Center' stop. From there, walk about 0.8 miles to the park. Head north on Route 1, then turn onto Park Avenue, and walk straight until you reach the intersection of Park Ave & Monument St. A single fare on CT Transit is $1.75.

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Discover more about Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park

Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, situated on a vantage point overlooking the Thames River in Groton, Connecticut, is a historically significant site that offers a glimpse into the American Revolutionary War. The park is best known as the location of the Battle of Groton Heights in 1781, the largest Revolutionary War battle in Connecticut, where British troops under the command of the infamous traitor Benedict Arnold captured the fort and massacred many of its American defenders. Fort Griswold was named after Deputy Governor Matthew Griswold and played a crucial role, along with Fort Trumbull across the river, in defending the port of New London, a vital supply center for the Continental Army. Construction on the fort began in 1775 and was completed in 1778. Today, visitors can explore the original fort ramparts and tour the Groton Monument, a 135-foot granite obelisk built between 1826 and 1830 to honor those who died defending the fort. Climbing the monument's 166 steps rewards you with panoramic views of the harbor and surrounding area. The park also includes the Ebenezer Avery House, which sheltered wounded soldiers after the battle, and the Monument House Museum, which displays Revolutionary War artifacts, including Colonel William Ledyard's sword. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Interpretive signs and an observation platform enhance the visitor experience, offering insights into the fort's features and the events of the battle. Visitors can also enjoy a cell phone tour with six stops by dialing (860) 424-4005.

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