A Little-Known Slice Of Connecticut History Can Be Found At This State Park

One of my favorite things about the Nutmeg State is how much history we have here. There's so much well-preserved history in Connecticut, and whether you're interested in ancient Native American sites, colonial-era buildings, or more recent occurrences, there's really something for everyone in our great state. One of our richest and best-preserved historical eras in the area is the Revolutionary War. Sure, we may not have quite the legacy you'll find in places like Philadelphia or Boston, but we have plenty of Revolutionary War-era sites in Connecticut that are remarkably well-preserved. One notable locale from this period is Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in Groton, CT. This was the site of the largest Revolutionary War battle in Connecticut, and there's a lot to see at this historic site. Check it out:

The defensive fort's construction began in late 1775 and it was finally completed in 1778.

It was designed to protect the port of New London. This was an important supply center for the Continental Army, and the defense of the supply chain was of utmost importance during the war.

In 1781, the Battle of Groton Heights took place, and Fort Griswold was overrun by British troops led by Benedict Arnold. The fort was surrendered and overtaken by the British, who later abandoned it.

The fort was rebuilt after the Revolutionary War and was used again in the War of 1812, but it was for all intents and purposes replaced when Fort H. G. Wright was completed in 1906.

Since 1953, the 12-acre site has been operated as a state park that is open to the public.

The park includes several noteworthy sites, including monuments to those who passed away during battles here. There are also several museums on-site that are open seasonally, including the Ebenezer Avery House, which was used to house wounded soldiers after the Battle of Groton Heights.

This may not be the most popular state park in Connecticut, but it's definitely a fascinating piece of history and a wonderful spot for an afternoon stroll.

For more information about this historic state park in Groton, CT, check out the state of Connecticut website or the Friends of Fort Griswold website.

One of the best ways to check out the history preserved at Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park is by exploring the 0.5-mile loop trail around the battlefield. Learn more about this great hike from our friends at Alltrails. If you're an avid fan of hiking in Connecticut's many state parks, consider a free trial of Alltrails+, which gives you great benefits like downloadable trail maps so you don't have to worry about losing your way just because your phone loses signal.