The Revolutionary War's Longest Continuously Celebrated BattleThe tradition of honoring the Battle 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 the Town of Bennington’s Fire Department takes the lead in planning the celebrations and its impressively large parade that is always on Sunday.
Plans for this year's celebrations will be posted here as the information becomes available. You can subscribe to this page to be informed when information is updated. You can also visit the Bennington Fire Department's Battle Day Parade Facebook Page.
2024 Battle Day Celebrations - Friday August 16 to Sunday August 18
A preliminary schedule is below. Additional details will be added as they become available. Subscribe to this page for updates.
- 8/15/24 - Thursday, Car Cruise with Hemmings News
- 8/16/24 - Friday, Fireman's Lunch, Chicken Barbeque & Vegas Night
- 8/17/24 - Saturday, Kid Activity Day at Veterans Home
- 8/18/24 - Sunday, Battle Day Parade - noon to 2 pm. For parade participants, lineup at 10:30 am.
- 8/18/24 - 50/50 raffle winners announced (raffle tickets available at prior events or email)
To be in the parade, use this application.
At the Bennington Battle Monument
More details to be posted soon.
Friday August 16: Dedication of "Revolutionary War Patriots" Marker - 11:00 am
presented by the VT Daughters of the American Revolution in honor of the 250th anniversaries. Free admission to Battle Monument.
Saturday August 17: The 20th annual Battle Day 5K road race - 7:30 am
Sponsored by the Friends of the Monument. This is the eighteenth annual Battle Day 5K race. The race starts and ends at the Monument. The course is slightly rolling. In keeping with the Battle Day activities, this race is started with the firing of a cannon or revolutionary war era rifle. Following the 1/2 mile Kids fun run at 8:15 the 5K will begin at 7:30 AM. Registration forms will be posted at benningtonbattlemonument.com when available.
Saturday August 17: Moodus Fife and Drum
Performances of the Moodus Fife and Drum will be performing from noon to 2:00 pm on the lawn in front of the monument. Free to all.
Saturday and Sunday August 17 & 18: Re-enactor encampment
Re-enactors will be on site with cannons, rifle muster, and educational programs. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
At the Bennington Battlefield
5231 NY Route 67, Walloomsac, NY - about six miles from Battle Monument
Hourly Tours of Bennington Battlefield | August 17-18
Enjoy guided tours of the battlefield on the hour Saturday and Sunday at 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 3:00 & 4:00. Visitors will be led through the major points of interest in the First Engagement of the battle. A mix of driving and walking is required. No RSVP necessary. Call 518-860-9094 or e-mail david.pitlyk@parks.ny.gov for additional details.
Commemoration of the Battle of Bennington | August 16, 7:00 PM
Join us for a commemoration marking the 247th anniversary of the Battle of Bennington. Representatives of the 2nd Continental Artillery Regiment, the Battle Monument in Vermont, as well as Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution chapters will help to mark the occasion. Historical accounts will be shared before a wreath-laying and artillery salute.