Bennington Battle Day Events are Happening Next Week!
The tradition of honoring the Battle of Bennington is perhaps unique… the Bennington Community has been celebrating the victory every year starting in 1778, the year after the battle. Some of the celebrations have been huge… in 1877, US president Hayes was part of the celebration, and in 1891 US president Harrison was on hand for the dedication of the Bennington Battle Monument… at 306' tall, it is the tallest man-made structure in Vermont to this day.
Why is it called the Battle of Bennington?
It would be better to say it was the Battle FOR Bennington, because the target of the British raid was a Continental supply depot where the Bennington Monument now stands. The raiders never got there. They were soundly defeated on August 16, 1777, just over the New York line by a combined force of Vermonters and militiamen from surrounding states under Gen. John Stark, and the Continental regiment of Green Mountain Boys under Col. Seth Warner. Bennington was a critical Patriot victory that led to the British surrender at Saratoga two months later, which changed the course of the war – and the history of the world.
Every Battle Day weekend (and even some events the week before!) the Town of Bennington's Fire Department takes the lead in planning the celebrations and its impressively large parade that is always on Sunday.
Special efforts are being made to make every Battle Day bigger and better as we embark on our journey through the 250th anniversaries that culminate in 2027. A 250th Kickoff Gala Dinner fundraiser is being held on August 17 to raise money for this effort.
To purchase tickets or to learn more about the upcoming 250th anniversaries, visit https://bennington250.org
Meanwhile, you will find a very impressive list of events and activities happening this year on the Town website at https://benningtonvt.org/community/battle_day.php