Last Update: 11/25/2006
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Bennington, VT 05201
The
monument was built in 1887-1891 to commemorate the location of the Colonial stores over
which the Battle of Bennington was fought. This 306 foot stone monument was the largest
monument to war in the world in its time.
Burgoyne, finding that his supply lines were growing thin, sent out scouts to find horses and supplies. It was his firm belief, that with the proper provisions, he would be able to meet up with other British forces and New York would fall. His scouts reported supplies kept at Bennington which were under almost no guard. He sent Baum and his group of Brunswickers, Canadians, Tories, and Indians to capture these supplies.
Bennington Council of Safety, hearing of the impending raid, called for help. They were answered by New Hampshire. John Stark and his group from New Hampshire joined with the Green Mountain Boys and discussed strategy. This group would later have the assistance of the Rangers of Vermont and a group from Massachusettes. When Baum saw this force heading in his direction, he chose a hill about 5 miles from Bennington to entrench and await reinforcements from Burgoyne.
See the Bennington Battlefield page in New York for more information.