Saturday, November 3, 2012

Fort Griswold


Groton, CT

On September 6, 1781 forces under the command of Gen. Benedict Arnold arrived at the mouth of the Thames River.  He dispatched his forces to both sides of the river to attack both the city of New London on the west, and Fort Griswold on the east side of the river.  New London was captured and all properties of "military" significance were burned.  Fort Griswold, under the command of Col. William Ledyard refused to surrender to the advancing British troops.  Eventually the fort was overrun by the British and by some accounts, Col. Ledyard was killed by his own sword, after having surrendered it to the ranking British officer, Major Bromfield.  A massacre ensued resulting in the deaths of 85 of the defenders.  
To commemorate the Battle of Groton Heights, the obelisk was erected between 1826 and 1830.  The fort is preserved pretty much the way it appeared in 1781 and is one of the finest examples of earthen forts which were built in that era still existing today. 

1 comment:

  1. Good to know that you came through Sandy with no lasting damage. Sorry you had to endure early 19th Century conditions with no electricity. We take that power so much for granted. Ft. Griswold certainly has interesting history. The sky in your photos is beautiful.

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