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Bennington Battle Monument

Bennington, VT

History

A tall stone obelisk commemorating the Revolutionary War battle fought nearby. An elevator takes visitors up to an observation level with views across southern Vermont, New York and Massachusetts.

The obelisk commemorates the Battle of Bennington on August 16, 1777, in which Brigadier General John Stark and about 1,400 New Hampshire soldiers defeated British troops who were searching for supplies. The fighting actually took place about 8 km (5 miles) away, in what is now Walloomsac, New York. The monument is 93 m (306 ft) tall and built of dolomite from Hudson Falls, New York. The cornerstone was laid in 1887, construction was finished in November 1889, and it was dedicated in 1891 with President Benjamin Harrison in attendance.

The observation level, at about 61 m (200 ft), offers views of Vermont, Massachusetts and New York. For the 2026 season the elevator to it is out of service for safety reasons, so the observation level is closed (as of October 2026); the monument is open daily through October 31. The grounds have statues of John Stark and Seth Warner. The site is a Vermont State Historic Site. Check the current status with the operator before you go.

Nearest town
Bennington, VT
Category
History & culture
GPS
42.8886, -73.2084

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Sources

Nearby

Campsites nearby

  • Old Seth Warner Shelter SiteCampsite
    9 mi from Bennington Battle Monument
    Free
  • Somerset AirfieldCampsite
    12 mi from Bennington Battle Monument
    TentsCaravansFree
  • Howell's Camping areaCampsite
    13 mi from Bennington Battle Monument
  • Camping on the BattenkillCampsite
    14 mi from Bennington Battle Monument
  • Historic Valley CampgroundCampsite
    15 mi from Bennington Battle Monument · 100 pitches
    TentsCaravans
  • Grout Pond Recreation AreaCampsite
    17 mi from Bennington Battle Monument
    Tents

All campsites in Vermont · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Bennington Battle Monument?

Bennington Battle Monument is in Bennington, VT, at GPS 42.8886, -73.2084. It is about 12 mi from Williamstown.

Can you camp near Bennington Battle Monument?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Old Seth Warner Shelter Site, about 9 mi away; within 25 mi there are 22 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

What is there to see near Bennington Battle Monument?

Places worth a stop nearby: MASS MoCA (14 mi), Natural Bridge State Park, North Adams (14 mi), Mount Greylock (17 mi) and Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home (19 mi).

When is the best time to visit Bennington Battle Monument?

The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)