Standing 306' tall, The Bennington Battle Monument is very easy to find. In fact, we kept seeing it and asking each other what it was.
We soon found out it was built in honor of the Battle of Bennington, which took place during the Revolutionary War. On August 16, 1777, General Burgoyne sent British forces to capture the supply of weapons and food being held on the spot where this monument was erected. The British troops were turned back by the New Englanders.
This huge stone structure was opened to the public in 1891. Although it was completed in 1889, the opening was delayed until President Benjamin Harrison visited Bennington and attended the official opening ceremonies.
In the early 1950s, the structure was restored and an elevator was installed. If you take the elevator to the observation level, you have a spectacular view of three states - Vermont, New York and Massachusetts. This view is particularly breathtaking when the leaves are changing colors.
There are several statues of various Revolutionary War officers around the grounds. The gift shop only sells items that are related to the Battle and/or are historic in nature.
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