Fort Dummer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Dummer State Park |
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Fort Dummer Monument
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| Type | State park |
| Location | 517 Old Guilford Road Brattleboro, Vermont |
| Area | 217 acres (88 ha) |
| Operated by | Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation |
| Open | Memorial Day weekend - Labor Day weekend |
| Website | https://vtstateparks.com/fortdummer.html |
Fort Dummer was a very old fort built in the winter of 1724. It was located in what is now the town of Brattleboro in southeastern Vermont. This fort is famous because it was the first lasting European settlement in Vermont. Today, the exact spot where the fort stood is underwater. It is covered by the Connecticut River near the Vernon Dam.
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Building Fort Dummer
Why Was Fort Dummer Built?
Fort Dummer was a British fort. It was built during a time called Dummer's War. The colonial militia, which was like a local army from the Province of Massachusetts Bay, built it. Lieutenant Timothy Dwight led the building project. The fort was put in what is now Brattleboro, Vermont. This area was important land at the time.
First Settlement in Vermont
This fort was the very first permanent European settlement in Vermont. It was made of strong wooden walls. The fort was about 180 square feet (17 m²) in size. It had 12 guns to protect it. About 55 people lived and worked there. These included 43 English soldiers and 12 Mohawk Indians. The fort was named after Lieutenant Governor William Dummer. He was in charge of Massachusetts when the fort was built.
A Brief Attack
On October 11, 1724, about seventy Abenakis attacked Fort Dummer. During this attack, three or four soldiers were killed. This was the only known battle that happened at the fort.
Where is the Fort Now?
The original fort site is now underwater. But there is a special granite monument nearby. This monument remembers the fort. It is about one mile (2 km) south of the Brattleboro railway station.
Fort Dummer State Park
About the Park
Fort Dummer State Park is a part of the Vermont State Park system. It covers 217 acres (about 878,000 square meters) of forest. The park is located in the towns of Brattleboro, Guilford, and Vernon.
Park Views and History
The park offers views of where Fort Dummer used to be. The fort's site was flooded when the Vernon Dam was built in 1908. The granite monument that honors the fort is not inside the park. It was moved in 1908 to keep it safe from the floodwaters. You can see the original fort site from a special viewpoint. This spot is on the Sunrise Trail within the park. The old fort site is now underwater. It is near a lumber company on the river's west bank.
What to Do at the Park
Fort Dummer State Park has many things to do. There are 50 spots for tents or trailers. There are also 10 lean-to sites, which are like small shelters. The park has clean toilet buildings with hot showers. There is also a place to empty waste from RVs. You can enjoy a small picnic area. There are three short hiking trails to explore. One of these trails leads to a fun swimming hole. The park also has a large open field for games and activities.
