Pages

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Tallest VT Structure

We're currently on a cross country road trip from New Hampshire to Oregon and posting about sites along the way. This post is about a stop in Bennington, VT.

Looking for the tallest structure in the state of Vermont? Then, look no further than the small, but picturesque, town of Bennington because that’s you’ll see it from (nearly)  everywhere in town — the 306-foot Bennington Battle Monument.
There's an observation deck at the top where the slats are in the above photo, but no worries about walking to the top, use the elevator as the the stairs are now closed due to safety issues (smiles all around).


The elevator goes to the observation floor, which at 200 feet offers panoramic views of rolling hills and valleys in three states: Vermont, Massachusetts and New York.

The monument is a stone obelisk constructed of a blue-gray magnesian limestone from present day Hudson Falls, NY. It was completed and dedicated in 1891 and is owned by the State of Vermont and is a Vermont State Historic Site.
The monument commemorates the Battle of Bennington, a turning point in the Revolutionary War. The battle left British forces unprepared for the later Battle of Saratoga when in August 1877, General John Stark aided by 1,400 men from New Hampshire (Green Mountain Boys) defeated two detachments of General John Burgoyne's British army. 

The battle didn't happen at the monument site; but in Walloomsac in the state of New York, 10 miles away. That battlefield is a U.S. National Historic Landmark. 

The monument stands on the site that stored weapons and food that British forces wanted to capture and which had been the objective of the battle. 

Photos from monument exhibit
The cornerstone was laid in 1887, and construction was completed in November 1889 at a total cost of $112,000 (including the site cost). Dedication ceremonies were delayed until 1891, when President Benjamin Harrison attended the ceremonies.

This is a view of part of the observation deck and the construction. The day we visited was bright and sunny down below, but once at the top, views were hazy. Despite the descriptive photos posted, it was difficult to clearly identify the distant sites. 

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

such an impressive building,, I can't even imagine the bravery of the men building it back then,, it is really something isn't it,,

DUTA said...

Every town has some high point which serves as a panoramic outlook: a cathedral, a tower, a hill. This one in your post is very impressive!

William Kendall said...

Quite impressive, and imposing!

Emma Springfield said...

I like the elevator part. Climbing all those stairs would not be good for my knees. The scenic pictures are impressive.

Ramblings of a Retired Lady said...

I would have to take the elevator, but would love to see the area from the top.

Anvilcloud said...

There's Brock's Monument (1812) in St Catherines which isn't as tall, but there's no elevator. I could climb it easily at one time.

Rita from Phoenix said...

Yesterday, I read your blog about Robert Frost. That made me pull out my book of beloved poems and read 'Mending a Fence.' I also read others by Wadsworth, Dickinson, etc. I had forgotten what poems can do for exercising the mind. My, my...my imagination ran wild. BTW I'm enjoying the road trip so far.

Rita from Phoenix said...

Oops 'Mending Wall' by Robert Frost.

NCmountainwoman said...

I am very much enjoying your trip. You are visiting some of the places I would visit. I look forward to more.

Bill said...

Very impressive to see. The views must have been a awesome sight to see. I went back and read the beginning of your road trip. We used to live in Derry, NH about a mile from Frost's home, passed it everyday on my way to work. When we moved, we moved to Oregon and lived in Portland for a decade. Lovely place to live. Our daughter lives there now. Enjoy your trip, I'll enjoy it too following you. BTW our anniversary is in August too.

Red said...

I'd stop for that monument too.

My name is Erika. said...

I've seen this and drive up to it, but I've never been up it. (When we drove up to it we were on our way to Troy, NY to do a college visit with my daughter and sadly, we didn't have time to go up.) It does give you nice views on a clear day, doesn't it? Hugs-Erika

mamasmercantile said...

Impressive and once again I learnt so much so nice to come along with you.

baili said...

thank you so much for such wonderful ,interesting and informative post my friend
i liked reading the detail about monument and you shared some great shots to give felling of being there with you!

loved the precious smiling photo of you both!

possum said...

Be safe!
I know you will enjoy yourselves!