Revolutionary History on Display

Bennington Battlefield, a 276-acre State Historic Site along the Walloomsac River in Rensselaer County, marks the location of the Battle of Bennington, which occurred on August 16, 1777. Although short, the Battle was critical to the success of the American Revolution.

“Without the Battle of Bennington there would not have been the Battle of Saratoga," says Peter Schaaphok, President of the Friends of Bennington Battlefield, who generously took time out of his day on a picture-perfect autumn afternoon to escort PTNY staff person Jonathan Duda on a personal tour of the Historic Site.

Standing atop Hessian Hill, where the Red Coats had constructed a redoubt ( a temporary fortification, typically square or polygonal in shape), and using an onsite, three-dimensional model, Schaaphok recounted the story of the Battle.

Given its name, many assume the Battle of Bennington occurred in the nearby quaint Vermont town noted for its 300-foot-tall obelisk battle monument.

According to a detailed description of the battle, a supply post near Bennington was the original British target. However, American forces cut off the British troops well before they reached the supply post. The skirmish lasted only a day and is thus often overshadowed by the prolonged and game-changing Battle of Saratoga that occurred one month later 30 miles to the west.

The model Schaaphok used to explain the Battle to Duda is an important interpretive tool for the Historic Site, which lacks a dedicated structure or visitor center (however, there are comfortable restrooms and a pavilion for picnicking).

Realizing this, the Friends decided to seek funding to create and install interpretive signage that tells the story of the Battle when docents are not present. In 2019 the Friends were awarded $8,500 through the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program to develop, illustrate, and install six sturdy and engaging signs throughout the Historic Site.

According the New York State Parks website, the Battlefield is open May 1 through Veterans Day, seven days a week from 8am to sunset. The website also provides directions and a schedule of on-site docents.

Walking trails traverse the Historic Site although, unfortunately, a state road bisects the property.

To get a full experience, Schaaphok suggests taking a scenic route from Bennington Monument in Vermont to Bennington Battlefield in New York. As an extra bonus, the route takes visitors through three covered bridges.