Tallest Thing in Vermont

Bennington, Vermont

The Bennington Battle Monument commemorates a Revolutionary War battle that was fought over five miles away, across the state line in Walloomsac, New York. Vermont's excuse for building it was that the objective of the invading British troops, a military storehouse, stood on the Monument spot. And, truthfully, "Walloomsac Battle Monument" just doesn't sound as inspiring.

Vermont, which nowadays frowns upon ostentatious structures, went all-out for this one: the monument is over 306 feet high, resembles a rifle bullet made of rock, and is topped by a gilt star that serves as a lightning rod. After nearly 40 years of planning and construction it was finally dedicated on August 16, 1891, by U.S. President Benjamin Harrison.

At first, visitors had to walk up stairs to the monument's 200-foot observation level, but an elevator now makes the trip easy.

On a clear day you can see all the way to the actual battlefield.