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Bennington Battle Monument in Vermont marks the 1777 Revolutionary War battle with panoramic views, museum history and Old Bennington heritage.

A Monument Above Old Bennington

Bennington Battle Monument rises above Old Bennington in south-western Vermont, its pale limestone shaft marking one of the American Revolutionary War’s most important northern engagements. At 306 feet, it is the tallest structure in Vermont and a highly visible landmark from the surrounding valleys and hills. The monument stands on a historic site associated with the mobilisation of American forces, although the Battle of Bennington itself took place on 16 August 1777 near Walloomsac, in present-day New York, roughly ten miles to the west.

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Revolutionary War History

The battle was fought when American militia and Continental troops attacked a British-led force seeking supplies at a military storehouse. The American victory weakened the British advance before the larger Battle of Saratoga and helped strengthen the revolutionary cause. Inside the monument, interpretive displays explain the campaign, the combatants and the political circumstances of the period. An observation level, reached by lift when operating, provides broad views across Bennington and the surrounding Green Mountain landscape; access arrangements can vary seasonally.

Old Bennington and the Wider Visit

The monument forms part of a compact historic area that includes the Bennington Battle Monument grounds, the Old First Church and the Bennington Center Cemetery. Nearby Bennington Museum, in the town of Bennington rather than within the monument site, expands the story through collections relating to Vermont art, regional life and local history. Visitors can combine the monument with the covered bridges, independent shops and eating places of the wider Bennington area, while allowing time to distinguish the monument’s commemorative setting from the battlefield landscape across the state line.

When is the best time to visit Bennington Battle Monument?

Best: June–August · 24–27°C

0° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: -10.6°C, High: 0°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 50 mm, High: 70 mm J

2° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: -8.9°C, High: 2.2°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 40 mm, High: 60 mm F

8° Temperature Range for MarchLow: -3.3°C, High: 7.8°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 60 mm, High: 80 mm M

13° Temperature Range for AprilLow: 1.1°C, High: 13.3°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 70 mm, High: 90 mm A

19° Temperature Range for MayLow: 6.7°C, High: 19.4°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 80 mm, High: 100 mm M

Best 24° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 11.7°C, High: 24.4°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 80 mm, High: 100 mm J

Best 27° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 14.4°C, High: 26.7°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 90 mm, High: 110 mm J

Best 26° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 13.9°C, High: 25.6°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 90 mm, High: 110 mm A

21° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 10.6°C, High: 21.1°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 80 mm, High: 100 mm S

14° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 4.4°C, High: 14.4°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 70 mm, High: 90 mm O

8° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: -0.6°C, High: 7.8°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 60 mm, High: 80 mm N

2° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: -7.2°C, High: 2.2°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 50 mm, High: 70 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January	0	60
February	2	50
March	8	70
April	13	80
May	19	90
June (best)	24	90
July (best)	27	100
August (best)	26	100
September	21	90
October	14	80
November	8	70
December	2	60

Getting to and around Bennington Battle Monument

How to get there

Bennington Battle Monument is in Old Bennington, just west of the town centre in south-western Vermont. The area is reached primarily by road, with US Route 7 providing the principal north–south approach and Vermont Route 9 connecting from the east and west. Bennington is several hours by road from the major airports serving Albany, New York, and the wider New England region; the nearest airport options are outside the monument area. Regional bus services connect Bennington with other Vermont communities, but visitors should check current routes and plan the final journey carefully, as public transport access to the monument itself is limited.

Transportation

A private car or taxi is generally the most convenient way to reach the monument and combine it with attractions around Bennington County. The monument is close to the town centre, but nearby historic sites and rural attractions are spread across the area rather than forming one continuous pedestrian circuit. Walking is practical around Old Bennington and the monument grounds, while cycling is possible on local roads for experienced riders prepared for Vermont’s hills and changing weather. Visitors using buses should confirm the distance between their stop and the monument and should not assume that every nearby attraction has a direct public transport connection.

Best attractions in Bennington Battle Monument

The principal attraction is the Bennington Battle Monument itself, where visitors can explore the grounds, learn about the 1777 campaign and, when operating, ascend to an observation level for views over the town and surrounding countryside. Old Bennington adds a closely grouped historic setting, including the Old First Church and Bennington Center Cemetery. In the nearby town, Bennington Museum provides a much broader interpretation of local history, Vermont art and regional culture, while the Bennington Battle Day period can bring particular attention to the area’s Revolutionary War heritage. Beyond the immediate monument district, visitors can follow the wider Bennington area’s covered-bridge routes and rural landscapes, including historic bridges associated with southern Vermont’s transport history. The actual battlefield connected with the 1777 engagement lies near Walloomsac in New York, so it should be treated as a separate excursion rather than assumed to be part of the monument grounds.

Historical landmark 4.5 (11 reviews)

Seth Warner Statue

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Best landmarks in Bennington Battle Monument

Bennington Battle Monument is the defining landmark: a 306-foot limestone obelisk completed in 1891 to commemorate the American victory associated with Bennington during the Revolutionary War. Its height gives it a strong visual presence across the surrounding valley and makes the structure an important symbol of Vermont’s revolutionary history. The monument’s setting in Old Bennington is reinforced by the Old First Church, a historic Congregational church with a burial ground containing notable regional graves, and by Bennington Center Cemetery. These are cultural and architectural landmarks rather than battlefield remains. The battlefield itself, near Walloomsac in New York, is geographically separate but historically inseparable from the monument’s meaning. Together, the memorial tower, church and cemetery create a concentrated landscape of public remembrance, religious heritage and local history.

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Seth Warner Statue

Discover the Seth Warner Statue in Old Bennington, a historic landmark honoring a Revolutionary War hero amid Vermont's stunning landscapes.

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Best shops in Bennington Battle Monument

Shopping immediately around Bennington Battle Monument is limited and primarily connected with visiting the historic site, while the wider town of Bennington offers the area’s main choice of independent shops, galleries, bookshops, antiques, gifts and everyday retailers. Vermont maple products, locally produced foods, regional artwork and craft goods are among the most characteristic purchases, although selection varies between businesses and seasons. The town centre is more useful for browsing than Old Bennington’s quieter historic streets, and farm stands or farm shops in the surrounding countryside may provide additional local produce. Visitors should not expect a large commercial district beside the monument; retail opportunities are dispersed between Bennington’s centre, its main approach roads and rural businesses around the county.

Monument 4.6 (1,697 reviews)

Bennington Battle Monument

Explore the Bennington Battle Monument, a historic site that offers breathtaking views and rich American Revolutionary history in Vermont.

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Bennington Battle Monument essentials

Currency and Payment

The currency is the United States dollar (USD). Cards and contactless payments are widely used in Bennington’s established businesses, although small shops, seasonal facilities or independent vendors may have different arrangements. Cash remains useful for minor purchases and as a backup, particularly when travelling beyond the town centre. Cash machines are more likely to be found in Bennington’s commercial areas than at the monument itself. International visitors should notify their card provider where necessary and check foreign-transaction charges with their bank, as exchange rates and fees vary by provider.

Safety

The monument is a managed historic site, but visitors should still take ordinary care on steps, paths, lawns and uneven ground. Vermont weather can change quickly, and rain, snow or ice may affect outdoor surfaces and road conditions. If exploring the wider Bennington area by car, allow for rural roads, limited lighting and wildlife crossing routes rather than relying on urban-style infrastructure. The tower involves vertical access and enclosed spaces; anyone with concerns about lifts, stairs or seasonal operating arrangements should check with the site before visiting. Respect barriers and instructions around historic structures and grounds.

Emergency Situations

In the United States, call 911 for police, fire or medical emergencies. Give the operator the exact location as Bennington Battle Monument, Monument Avenue, Old Bennington, Vermont, and describe the entrance or area where help is needed. For less urgent medical assistance, contact a local healthcare provider or ask accommodation staff for current guidance in Bennington. Mobile coverage is generally more dependable in settled areas than on rural roads, so carry a charged phone and do not rely on it as the only preparation when travelling around the wider county.

Do's and Don'ts

Do remain on permitted paths, follow instructions from site staff and treat the monument, cemetery and surrounding historic buildings respectfully. Do keep noise low around religious and burial sites, and dispose of waste responsibly. Do not climb on historic structures, cross barriers or remove stones, plants or artefacts. The monument commemorates a battle fought in a landscape shared by local residents, so avoid blocking access or treating nearby residential roads as informal parking areas. Normal American dining custom is to tip service staff, with the amount guided by the quality and type of service.

Local Tips

Old Bennington is the natural starting point for understanding the monument’s setting, while Bennington town provides most everyday services, food and accommodation. Pairing the monument with Bennington Museum gives a broader cultural context, but the museum is a separate attraction with its own arrangements. Visitors interested specifically in the battle should also study information about the Walloomsac battlefield in New York, since the monument site is a memorial location rather than the field of combat. Autumn brings strong colour to the surrounding hills, while winter conditions can alter road and walking conditions.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	Howdy	[Hou-dee]
Goodbye	So long	[So long]
Yes	Yup	[Yup]
No	Naw	[Naw]
Please/You're welcome	Please/You're welcome	[Please/You're welcome]
Thank you	Thank you	[Thank you]
Excuse me/Sorry	Pardon me	[Par-dun me]
How are you?	How are ya?	[Hou ar ya?]
Fine. And you?	Just dandy. And you?	[Just dan-dee. And you?]
Do you speak English?	Ya speak English?	[Ya speak In-glish?]
I don't understand	I don't get it	[I don't get it]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	I'd like to see the menu, please	[I'd like to see the menu, please]
I don't eat meat	I don't eat meat	[I don't eat meat]
Cheers!	Cheers!	[Cheers!]
I would like to pay, please	I would like to pay, please	[I would like to pay, please]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	Help!	[Help!]
Go away!	Git!	[Git!]
Call the Police!	Call the Sheriff!	[Call the Sheriff!]
Call a doctor!	Call a doc!	[Call a doc!]
I'm lost	I'm stumped	[I'm stumped]
I'm ill	I'm feelin' poorly	[I'm feelin' poorly]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	I'd like to buy...	[I'd like to buy...]
I'm just looking	I'm just lookin'	[I'm just look-in']
How much is it?	How much does it cost?	[How much duz it cost?]
That's too expensive	That's way too much	[That's way too much]
Can you lower the price?	Can ya drop the price?	[Can ya drop the price?]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	What's the time?	[What's the time?]
It's one o'clock	It's one o'clock	[It's one o'clock]
Half past (10)	Half past ten	[Half past ten]
Morning	Mornin'	[Morn-in']
Afternoon	Afternoon	[Afternoon]
Evening	Evenin'	[Even-in']
Yesterday	Yest'day	[Yest'day]
Today	Today	[Today]
Tomorrow	Tomorra	[Tom-or-ra]
1	One	[One]
2	Two	[Two]
3	Three	[Three]
4	Four	[Four]
5	Five	[Five]
6	Six	[Six]
7	Seven	[Seven]
8	Eight	[Eight]
9	Nine	[Nine]
10	Ten	[Ten]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	Where's the...	[Where's the...]
What's the address?	What's the address?	[What's the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?	Can ya show me (on the map)?	[Can ya show me (on the map)?]
When's the next (bus)?	When's the next (bus)?	[When's the next (bus)?]
A ticket (to ....)	A ticket (to ....)	[A ticket (to ....)]

History of Bennington Battle Monument

A Strategic Vermont Storehouse

The monument site is associated with the American military stores gathered at Bennington during the Revolutionary War, when the settlement was an important inland supply point. In 1777, British commander John Burgoyne’s army was moving south from Canada towards the Hudson Valley, placing pressure on communities and supply networks across the region. American leaders recognised the importance of protecting provisions and military equipment held at Bennington. The settlement’s position near routes through the Green Mountains made it strategically significant even though the later battle was fought across the border in New York.

The Battle of Bennington, 1777

On 16 August 1777, American forces under General John Stark attacked a British-led detachment near Walloomsac, now in New York State. The force included British regulars, German troops, Loyalists and Indigenous allies, while the American side drew heavily on New England militia and reinforcements arriving during the action. The American victory prevented the intended seizure of supplies and inflicted serious losses on the British-led force. Although named for Bennington because that was the threatened supply centre, the battlefield lies about ten miles west of the present monument.

From Battlefield Memory to Monument

The victory became an important part of Vermont’s Revolutionary War memory, linking the state’s early political identity with the wider American struggle for independence. During the nineteenth century, interest in commemorating the battle grew as communities preserved historic sites and marked the approaching centenary of the conflict. The monument was designed as a tall stone obelisk, allowing the memorial to dominate the surrounding landscape while identifying the location associated with the threatened stores. Its position in Old Bennington also placed the commemoration within an established historic community rather than on the battlefield itself.

Dedication and Continuing Interpretation

Bennington Battle Monument was completed and dedicated in 1891, more than a century after the battle. Built from local dolomite, it became both a memorial and a prominent civic landmark. The site’s interpretation has continued to place the 1777 engagement within a broader history of Vermont, New England militia service and the Revolutionary War’s northern campaign. Today, the monument, its grounds and the surrounding historic buildings help visitors connect the commemorative landscape in Vermont with the battlefield at Walloomsac and the events leading towards the American victory at Saratoga.