Description
Fort Dummer State Park, located in the Connecticut River Valley just outside of Brattleboro, has 217 acres of forest land. 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.
Geography:
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.
Recreation:
Excellent camping, hiking and picnicking.
Facilities:
50 tent/RV sites, 10 lean-to's, restrooms with flush toilets, hot and cold running water and coin-operated showers. There is a small picnic area, play field and hiking trails. There is a RV sanitary station but there are no hookups.
Nearby Attractions:
Basketville in Putney, Downtown Brattleboro, Bennington Battle Monument