Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-05-05
GROTON MONUMENT.

The New London Gazette announces the COM
pleton of this Monument in commemOration of
one of the most deplorable events of the revou-
ton. The following is description of it:
Groton Monument. stands OH the summit
of the Hill 20 rods from the shore. near Fort
Griswold, in Groton, on the East bank of the
River Thames, aud directly opposite the centre
of the City of New London. The hill is one
hundred and thirty feet above tide water, and
rises gradually from the river. The foundation
rises one foot above the surface, and is &c feet
square. The Base is "a feet square of large
massy granite, with split faces. feet high, each
stone weighing or tons laid in regular courses.
The styIobation, or Dye. is % feet square, OF
similar stone in size and appearance, raised in
regular courses or piers, preserving regular
bond, II feet high with an entablature of hewn
stone, the architrave three feet face, and the
nice one foot face, extending on each side one
foot beyond the dye, or "a feet square, making
the height from the ground 25 feet.
On this cap is raised a square obelisk, 90 feet
base. 90 feet high, and 10 feet at top. of large
rough faced granite, laid in regular courses, pre-
serving the bond line throughout, finished at the
top with wide fiat hewn stone, for lookout. or
place to stand on; this is secured by Stout iron
railing on the outer edge four feet high. On the
top and in the centre of the obelisk is frame
of iron and copper, rising SIX feet above the iron
railing, covered with thick Boston glass as sky
light, lighting the inside of the building. which
is round and conical. The ascent to the top is
by set of stone steps, 1853 IN number, rising in
spiral form, inserted in the inner wall, and Sc
cured at the other end by an iron railing and
banisters, leaving the centre hollow to admit
light from above, affording safe, easy and light
passage to ascend.
On the top is convenient door in the sky
light, which admits passing out on the stone plat
form, two feet wide all around, between the iron
railing and the sky light, furnishing spectators
safe and convenient stand from which to view
the surrounding country.
On the south and west is presented the Ocean
and Long Island Sound, with its shores and ISL
ands, and Oh the north and east the country
around On The east, south and west, there is
no intervening land to limit the sight. On the
north. some hills at distance partially o5struct
the view. On three sides vision may be extend
ed as far as the naked eye or glass will reach.
and from the top is presented one OF the most
sublime and extensive prospects that can be ina
gine.i-it will amply repay the admirers of ma
ture for the toll of ascending.
On the west side of the Monument, over the
door, Is marble slab inserted, feet long by
feet 9 inches wide, on which is the following in
scription:
THIS MONUMENT
Was erected under the patronage of the
STATE OF CoNNEcTIcUT.
Ammo Domini 1880: and in the 55th year Of the
independence of the
United States Of .7nerica;
In HONOR of the brave PATRIoTs, who fell in the
Massacre in Fort Griswold,
(near this spot
On the 9th of September, A. d. 1881;
When the British soldiers, under the command
of the
TRAITOR, BENEDICT ARNOLD,
Burnt the towns of New London and Groton, and
spread Oscillation and Woe
Throughout this region.
On the south side is inserted marble slab, 9
feet by feet. with the following text, from the
9Th chapter of Judges, 18th verse:
"Zebulon and Naphtali were people that