Copyright: Vermont Dept. of Forests, Parks & Recreation Fort Dummer State Park

Description - The park was named after Fort Dummer, the first permanent white settlement in Vermont. Built on the frontier in 1724, it was initially the gateway to the early settlements along the banks of the Connecticut River. Located in the southern foothills of the Green Mountains, the forest is more like those of southern New England than like a typical Vermont forest. Today the park offers camping, a small picnic area, hiking trails and a play area.

Attractions - Fort Dummer State Park, located in the Connecticut River Valley, has 217 acres of forest land just outside of Brattleboro.

The park was named after Fort Dummer, the first permanent white settlement in Vermont. Built on the frontier in 1724, it was initially the gateway to the early settlements along the banks of the Connecticut River. Forty-three English soldiers and twelve Mohawk Indians manned the fort in 1724 and 1725. Later, the fort protected what was then a Massachusetts colony from an invasion by the French and Indians. Made of sturdy white pine timber, stacked like a log cabin, Fort Dummer served its purpose well.

The park overlooks the site of Fort Dummer which was flooded when the Vernon Dam was built on the Connecticut River in 1908. This site can be seen from the northernmost scenic vista on the Sunrise Trail. It is now underwater near the lumber company located on the western bank of the river.

Located in the southern foothills of the Green Mountains, the forest is more like those of southern New England than like a typical Vermont forest. Southern tree species such as white, red, and chestnut oaks, dominate the hardwood forest, which also contains beech, maple, yellow birch and white birch.

An abundance of oak trees provides food and shelter for gray squirrels, turkeys and deer. Ruffed grouse also inhabit these woods, attracted by its dense woody cover and open understory.

Recreation - Fort Dummer State Park offers camping with flush toilets and hot showers, a playground, nearby fishing opportunities, a large picnic area with shelters and hiking trails. Cross-country skiing permitted in winter by walking around entrance gate; all facilities closed including restrooms.

Nearby attractions include Basketville, Putney; Flea Market, Newfane; Bennington Battle Monument, Bennington; Townshend Dam, Townshend; also Creamery Covered Bridge along SR 9 west of Brattleboro.

Climate - Winter daytime temperatures average above 18 degrees Fahrenheit (above -8 Celsius). Summer daytime temperatures average above 70 degrees Fahrenheit (above 21 Celsius). Much of the state's precipitation is the result of snow, particularly throughout the mountains. The Places in History Travel Region has an average precipitation of more than 44 inches (more than 112 centimeters). However, along the eastern boundary of this region, precipitation drops between 36 and 40 inches (91 to 102 centimeters).

Location - From the junction of Interstate 91 (Exit 1, Brattleboro) and US 5, travel .10 mile north on US 5. Then travel .5 mile east on Fairground Road. Turn on Main Street / Old Guilford Road and travel 1 mile south.

LAT: 42.8195266
LONG: -72.5628679