The Brutal Battle of Groton Heights
Visiting History
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6m 39s
This Revolutionary War battle took place in 1781. It was intended to lure George Washington away from Yorktown, and back to the northern colonies. Leading the attack was Benedict Arnold, who was born in Connecticut, just a few miles north of where the battle took place.
Benedict Arnold's knowledge of the area, as well as American battle procedures helped in the attack. Fort Trumbull, across the Thames river from Fort Griswold, was defeated immediately after the British troops arrived. The British troops then proceeded to burn New London, Connecticut, as the troops on the East bank of the river attacked fort Griswold.
The American troops, and a few militia defended the fort the best they could, but were ultimately overpowered by the larger British force. Once the British were inside Fort Griswold they began to slaughter every man they could with swords and bayonets.
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