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Bennington Battle Monument is filled with water and in urgent need of $40 million restoration
By Timothy Page
The Bennington Battle Monument, a towering 306-foot limestone structure commemorating a pivotal Revolutionary War battle, is facing critical preservation challenges that could require up to $40 million in restoration work, state officials discussed February 4 at the House Corrections and Institutions Committee.
Jamie Duggan, director of preservation at the Vermont State Historic Sites, noted that the Battle of Bennington might more accurately be called the “Battle for Bennington,” highlighting the nuanced history behind the monument. Built between 1887 and 1891, the structure stands as Vermont’s second-tallest unreinforced masonry structure, nearly matching the height of the Statue of Liberty.
However, years of deferred maintenance have left the landmark in a dire state of deterioration. The monument is currently holding approximately 66,000 gallons of water within its stones, with moisture levels consistently at nearly 100%. The stone is completely saturated, creating significant structural concerns.
The monument’s structural integrity has been progressively compromised over decades. Cracks first appeared in the 1920s, and by 2018, the situation had become critical. Maintenance efforts have been sporadic and often ineffective, with previous repair campaigns described as “inappropriate and incomplete.”
Preservation Officer Laura Trieschmann noted that the ultimate goal is not to completely seal the monument, but to allow it to “breathe” while preventing further water damage. “If we do this correctly, we’re looking at another hundred years of this being a really good solid monument,” she explained.
The proposed restoration plan involves a multi-phase approach, starting with drying out the monument – estimated to cost around $500,000 – followed by erecting an enclosure that could cost between $5-10 million. The total restoration is projected to reach approximately $40 million.
State officials are exploring various funding options, including potential federal grants and recognition. While the monument is already recognized by the National Park Service as nationally significant, some legislators have suggested pursuing national monument status to help secure funding.
The monument’s elevator has also been a persistent issue, with frequent shutdowns and instances of visitors becoming trapped. The structure continues to shed stones, prompting officials to install a protective fence and covered walkway to ensure public safety.
The restoration team emphasizes the importance of moving quickly to prevent further deterioration and protect the substantial investigative work and investment already made. The project has a critical timeline, and delays could significantly increase restoration costs and complexity.
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Categories: History, State Government
Honestly, who cares about another Free Mason phallic symbol. Oh wait, did you not know that was the true meaning behind this? Anyways, let it fall, save “our” tax money, use it on roads.
Forty million and I think I would want a second opinion.
This is awful. Let the elements take care of it,and if the consensus is to commemorate people killing each other put up a plaque.
This is the symbol of Vermont governance and fiscal irresponsibility.
Same as our school system. Same as our health car system. Same as our EB-5 system. Same as our affordable housing program. Same as our NGO’s, grant funding and non-profits. We have kicked the can down the road with irresponsible management and spending.
It’s going to get messy, surely, math is very unforgiving.
Just over at vtdigger, blue cross ceo is leaving this year and Vt digger leader! They see the writing on the wall, no more money coming in! Financial chaos,they have taken their money and are leaving.
Yeah, it will be interesting times ahead.
Deferred maintenance? Doing things “the Vermont way” as Guv Jim Douglas used to say.
Exactly. Deferred Maintenace. In other words, the money to preserve a state landmark could be much better spent on social giveaways for migrants & illegals being sent for from Africa & Middle Eastern hellholes, & the homeless from everywhere because VT can save the world, and druggies. Yay!
Yet VT.’s greatest source of revenue is “tourism”. Not for long, morons in Montpelier – not for long.
Knock it down – Tell BLM to do it. They HATE statues & historic monuments of any kind.
Vermont is broke and let the repairs be done with private funding or simply torn down.