Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park

Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park is a historic state park located in Groton, Connecticut, preserving the site of the Battle of Groton Heights. The park encompasses the remains of the eponymous American Revolutionary War fortification, which was the scene of a brutal British assault in September 1781. Administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the park serves as both a recreational area and a solemn memorial to the Connecticut militia defenders who fell during the attack, which was part of a larger raid led by the traitor Benedict Arnold.

History

The strategic importance of the Thames River estuary led to the construction of Fort Griswold in 1775, alongside its sister fortification, Fort Trumbull, across the river in New London, Connecticut. These defenses were built to protect the privateering port of New London from Royal Navy incursions. The fort saw limited action until September 6, 1781, when a force of over 1,700 British troops under the command of Benedict Arnold launched a coordinated attack on New London and Groton. Following the war, the site remained a local landmark, with early commemorative efforts beginning in the 19th century. The state of Connecticut eventually acquired the property, designating it a state park to ensure its permanent preservation as a historic site.

Park features

The park's central feature is the preserved earthworks and stone foundations of the original Fort Griswold. A key architectural element is the 135-foot Groton Monument, an obelisk constructed between 1826 and 1830, which offers panoramic views of the Thames River and Long Island Sound. The adjacent Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park Monument House serves as a small museum containing artifacts and exhibits related to the battle. The grounds include walking paths, interpretive signage, and the restored Ebenezer Avery House, which sheltered wounded defenders after the engagement. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a contributing property to the Fort Griswold Historic District.

Battle of Groton Heights

The Battle of Groton Heights occurred on September 6, 1781, as a diversionary raid during the closing phase of the American Revolutionary War. While Benedict Arnold's forces attacked New London, a detachment under Lieutenant Colonel Edmund Eyre assaulted Fort Griswold, defended by approximately 150 men of the Connecticut militia under the command of Lieutenant Colonel William Ledyard. After the fort's walls were breached, the British demanded surrender. Following the surrender, a controversy ensued over the events; American accounts state that William Ledyard was killed with his own sword after handing it over, and that numerous other surrendering defenders were massacred. The engagement resulted in severe American casualties, with over 80 killed and many wounded, while British losses were comparatively light.

Monuments and memorials

The most prominent memorial is the Groton Monument, one of the earliest major battle monuments in the United States. At its base, a memorial plaque lists the names of the Connecticut militia men who died in the defense of Fort Griswold. The park also features the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, dedicated to veterans of the American Civil War from Groton. A stone pyramid marks the mass grave, or Patriot's Tomb, where many of the battle's victims were interred. Various smaller plaques and markers throughout the grounds detail specific events and honor individuals like William Ledyard and the Sons of the American Revolution have been involved in their placement and maintenance.

Visitor information

The park is open seasonally, with the Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park Monument House museum operating from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Visitors can climb the Groton Monument for a small fee during museum hours. The park grounds are free to access year-round for walking, picnicking, and historical observation. It is located near other regional attractions such as the USS *Nautilus*/Submarine Force Museum and Mystic Seaport Museum. Educational programs and commemorative ceremonies, including reenactments by groups like the Nathan Hale Ancient Fife and Drum Corps, are occasionally held on site, particularly around the anniversary of the Battle of Groton Heights.

Category:State parks of Connecticut Category:American Revolutionary War sites Category:National Register of Historic Places in Connecticut Category:Groton, Connecticut Category:Museums in New London County, Connecticut