Battery Park (Burlington, Vermont)

Monument to American Civil War veteran General William W. Wells at Battery Park

Battery Park is a public park overlooking Lake Champlain at the western end of downtown Burlington, Vermont. The park includes a bandshell, a playground, and various monuments, including a bronze statue of Civil War veteran General William W. Wells, and a red oak sculpture of Chief Gray Lock, a veteran of Dummer's War.

History

Monument to Dummer's War veteran Chief Gray Lock in Battery Park.

The park was named for the artillery stationed there by American forces during the War of 1812. On August 13, 1813, American gunners, aided by the U.S.S. President, successfully defended their position against an attack by a British squadron led by Lt Colonel John Murray.

The park land was deeded to the City of Burlington in 1870, and the Battery Park Extension was added to the southern end in 1972.

Trivia

• Because of its unobstructed view high above Burlingon's harbor, Battery Park is a very popular spot for observers of the Independence Day fireworks launched from a barge in the bay.

• According to noted author Rudyard Kipling (The Jungle Book), Battery Park has one of the two finest sunset views in the world.

Sources

• Vermont Department of Parks and Recreation
• President Lyndon B. Johnson's Remarks at Battery Park
• Battle at Burlington (1813)