Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in Connecticut
This content may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our disclaimer.
This post is a paid partnership with the Connecticut Office of Tourism. All opinions expressed are my own.
If you’re interested in Revolutionary War history, Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park needs to be on your list. This park in Groton, Connecticut is steeped in Revolutionary history and it’s completely free to visit. The park grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Want to Save This Post?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get more great travel guides.
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Daily Life Travels
History
Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park is the site of the largest Revolutionary War battle in Connecticut, the 1781 British massacre of the colonial militia. The battle happened on September 6, 1781. Benedict Arnold led the British Forces during the attack on the fort. They captured the Fort and massacred 88 of the 165 American patriots stationed there, including Colonel Ledyard.
You can learn more about The Battle of Groton Heights on the Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park Foundation website.
Things To See and Do At The Park
This park is pretty well-developed and offers various ways to explore the battle history. Below are some of the things to do while you’re at the park.
Monument House Museum
The museum is a great spot to start your visit. The building that the museum is housed in was built in 1830 and originally served as the monument caretaker’s house. In 1984, the Daughters of the American Revolution started meeting in the building and donating items for display in the new museum.
Inside the museum, you’ll find interesting artifacts from the Battle of Groton Heights and artifacts from other periods of Groton’s history. It’s a great way to dive into some of the history of not only the battle, but the entire area.
The Groton Monument
During your visit, you can climb the Groton Monument in the park. The monument is a 135-foot granite obelisk. The monument was built between 1825 and 1830 in honor of the defenders who fell during the Battle of Groton Heights.
To get to the top of the tower, you’ll need to climb 166 steps. I will be very honest, the steps are very narrow and it can be a bit tight as you make your way up. This makes it not pleasant if someone happens to pass you going the opposite direction. But, the views at the top make the climb up the narrow staircase worth it.
At the top of the tower, you’ll get great views of the surrounding landscape. Some views include the old fort, the battery, and the Thames River. In the distance, you can also see Fort Trumbull on the other side of the river.
Old Fort Site
The main part of the fort was designed as a typical star fort. It is shaped a like a pentagon with bastions on each corner. This main part of the fort has been well-preserved in its 18th century appearance.
A cool feature of the fort that I personally love is the covered way, which was a pathway between the fort and the lower battery where soldiers could have cover from enemy gunfire. It’s a cool spot to explore inside the main fort.
While the main part of the fort has been well-preserved in its 18th century appearance, the lower battery has been reconstructed since the era of the Revolutionary War. It was reconstructed in the early 1840s to add new emplacements for 20 guns, a shot furnace, and a powder magazine.
Ebenezer Avery House
The Ebenezer Avery House is important because it’s where wounded soldiers sheltered after the battle at the fort. You can read more about the history of the house and how to visit on the Avery Memorial Association website.
I will be honest, I’ve visited the park countless times over the years, but I haven’t been able to get inside this house yet. But even if it’s not open, I think it’s worth taking a look at while you’re in the park. There’s a well-maintained garden in front of the house, and informational signs that describe the significance of the house.
Cell Phone Tour
If you’re looking to dive a bit deeper into the history while you’re exploring the grounds, you can listen to an audio tour on your phone. There are six different stops on the cell phone tour. You’ll find signs for the tour around the park to help orient you and provide the number you’ll call for the tour.
Other Things To Check Out
- If you’re looking for more things to do while you’re in the area, be sure to check out my blog post 10+ Things To Do in Groton, CT.
- If you’re interested in seeing other Revolutionary War sites across Connecticut, The Connecticut Revolutionary War Trail created by the America 250 Connecticut Veterans Coalition is worth checking out.
