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Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park

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Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, located in Groton, Connecticut, is a historically significant park with tours and spots to picnic on site. 
Trail Activity
Accessible Experience Walking
Length
0.3 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy
Town
Groton
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt, Gravel/Crushed Stone, Grass, Paved/Cement
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No

Description

This is the historic site where, on September 6, 1781, British Forces, commanded by the infamous Benedict Arnold, captured the Fort and massacred 88 of the 165 defenders stationed there. The Ebenezer Avery House which sheltered the wounded after the battle has been restored on the grounds. A Revolutionary War museum also depicts the era. Fort Griswold was designated as a state park in 1953.

Visitors to Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park can now enjoy a  six stop recorded tour on their cell phones. Simply dial (860) 424-4005 from any location with cell phone coverage. Signs have been posted within the park with details of how to listen to the tour. 

Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park is a stop on the Thames River Heritage Park Water Taxi route.  The Water Taxi offers an exciting, affordable, and fun trip across the Thames River between New London and Groton on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the summer, with special sunset tours, in season. The three taxi stops are at the New London City Pier, Fort Trumbull and Fort Griswold landings which bring excitement and endless photo opportunities.

Other Information

Trail Amenities:

  • Museum, parking, picnic tables, portable toilets.

  • Flush restrooms available when monument and monument house is open Wednesday through Sunday 9 am to 5 pm.

RuleS:

  • Monument house museum and monument is open Memorial day weekend thru Columbus day, Wednesday thru Sunday 9 am to 5 pm.
  • The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
  • Pets on a leash are permitted.

Visit the Friends of Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park to learn more about the history of the park, events happening, to help plan your visit or see how you can volunteer. 

Trail Manager

This park is managed by the following CT DEEP Park Headquarters:

CT DEEP: Fort Trumbull State Park
90 Walbach Street
New London, CT 06320
(860) 444-7591
https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/

Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Be prepared to find your way home. Familiarize yourself with the area before you set out and bring your map and compass along.

Trailhead Information

From I-95 North:

Take Exit 87 (Left Hand Exit) onto Clarence B. Sharp Highway. Turn right at first light onto Meridian Street. Turn left at first light onto Mitchell Street. Take second right onto Park Avenue. Park is one block straight ahead.

From I-95 South:

Take Exit 87 onto Clarence B. Sharp Highway. Turn right at first light onto Meridian Street. Turn left at first light onto Mitchell Street. Take second right onto Park Avenue. Park is one block straight ahead.

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