Stabilization and Preservation of Fort Griswold

— Phase 1 —

In November 1775, Colonel Jedeiah Elderkin was directed by the Governor and the Council of Safety "to view the circumstances of the harbor at New London and neighboring places, and consider of the most proper place and manner of fortifying the same against our enemies." Elderkin recommended the fortification of several places in New London and Groton including the summit of the hill on Groton Heights where, "It seems nature had prepared a place to plant cannon for the protection of the harbor."

The river-side of the fort was designed so that artillery could command the river and port. It featured two projecting bastions and a low parapet, which offered maximum flexibility in directing the fire of the fort's cannon. The landward side of the fort, which consisted of high parapet walls and embrasures for cannon, was designed to withstand infantry assault.

Fort Griswold ranks among the nation's best-preserved Revolutionary War fortifications. Surviving earthworks include the remains of the ramparts and the parapets of the fort. Wooden platforms, upon which infantry and cannon once stood, were located on the interior faces of the earthworks. Over time, erosion has reduced the height of the parapets.

The phased stabilization project currently underway will help to preserve the fort from further deterioration. The project will include rebuilding deteriorating stone walls, growth of a dense cover of grasses to prevent soil erosion, a long-term maintenance program, and enhancing interpretation of the fort as part of the Thames River Heritage Park.

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Defenders of Fort Griswold · Sept · 6th 1781 ·
Col. William Ledyard
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