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Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park: A Revolutionary War Landmark

Explore Revolutionary War history at Fort Griswold in Groton, CT: battlefield, monument, museum, and scenic views of the Thames River.

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Explore Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in Groton, CT, the site of a pivotal Revolutionary War battle. See the Groton Monument, Ebenezer Avery House, and a museum showcasing artifacts from the 1781 Battle of Groton Heights, where Benedict Arnold led British forces in a massacre of American soldiers.

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

  • Visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day to access the Museum and Monument, open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
  • Take the cell phone tour by dialing (860) 424-4005 for a self-guided experience.
  • Climb the 166 steps of the Groton Monument for panoramic views.
  • Check out the Thames River Heritage Park Water Taxi schedule for a unique way to arrive.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    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 straight ahead. Free parking is available on side streets adjacent to the fort.

  • Water Taxi

    The Thames River Heritage Park Water Taxi provides seasonal access to Fort Griswold from New London. Check the water taxi schedule for times and stops. A one-way fare is typically around $10.

  • Walking

    From the Groton Water Taxi Landing, Fort Griswold is approximately a 0.5-mile walk. Head north on Thames Street, turn left onto Monument Street, and then right onto Park Avenue. The park will be on your left.

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Discover more about Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park

Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, located in Groton, Connecticut, offers a poignant glimpse into the American Revolutionary War. The park's grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset, providing access to the original fort ramparts and the Groton Monument. The Museum and Monument are open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The park is the site of the Battle of Groton Heights, where, on September 6, 1781, British forces under the command of Benedict Arnold captured the fort and massacred American soldiers. Fort Griswold was strategically important, defending the port of New London and serving as a supply center for the Continental Army. Key features include the Groton Monument, a 135-foot granite obelisk built between 1826 and 1830 to honor those who died defending the fort. Visitors can climb the 166 steps to the top. The Monument House Museum displays Revolutionary War artifacts, including Colonel William Ledyard's sword. The Ebenezer Avery House, restored to its 1750s appearance, served as a shelter for wounded soldiers after the battle. Visitors can also take a self-guided cell phone tour to learn more about the park's history.

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