The Bennington Battle Monument is the tallest structure in Vermont. It depicts the Battle of Bennington, which transpired in 1777. During the battle, General John Stark and some American colonist were able to protect the supply depot in the area by defeating the British army who attempted to capture it. That triumph of the colonist led to the ultimate defeat of the British. The monument was completed in 1889 with J. Phillip Rinn as its designer.
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In 2010, visitors were allowed to climb the 306-foot obelisk, and for the first time in forty years, the 417 stairs of the monument was opened to the public. People used to get to the observation deck by an elevator, which was added to the Historic site in 1953. The monument is open daily, from April to October.