Press Release

Contact: Marylou Chicote

(802) 447-0550

Marylou.Chicote@state.vt.us

August 3, 2007

The Molly Stark Cannon returns to the Bennington Battle Monument on August 11

BenningtonVT:  A battle many historians consider to be one of the most important of the American Revolution is celebrated every year in Vermont.  This year, the 230^th Anniversary of the  Battle of Bennington will start with a bang on Saturday August 11^th as the Molly Stark Cannon returns to Old Bennington and to the grounds of the Battle Monument.

Legend has it that the “Molly”, as the historic cannon is called, was used in the August 16^th, 1777 Battle of Bennington.  It is a bronze four-pounder cast in Paris in 1743.  The “Molly” was one of the artillery pieces brought to Saratoga by British General John Burgoyne when his army invaded the colonies in June of 1777.  In August of that year, “Molly”, her mate, and two smaller brass cannons were dispatched with Colonel Breyman and his German troops to seize the military stores located where the Monument now stands. 

General John Stark and his New Hampshire Militiamen, with the aid of Seth Warner’s Continentals, defeated the Germans, captured “Molly” and the three other cannons at the Battle of Bennington.  After the War of 1812 the cannon returned to New Hampshire where she was under the guard of the Old Militia. The only time the Molly Stark Cannon leaves New Hampshire is to come to Bennington to celebrate Battle Day.  The cannon is escorted by a guard and firing crew, part of the New Boston Artillery, a group formed in 1938 from the original old Militia Company. Although firing a cannon is no easy job, it takes a crew of five men.  

The Molly Stark Cannon will be fired on August 11^th and the morning of August 12^th. The cannon will be on display from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM on Saturday and 10:00 AM until Noon on Sunday.  Firings will take place in the morning and afternoon.  Along with the New Boston Artillery and the Molly Stark Cannon, a group of children from the past will be at the Monument to show the 21^st century what life was like in colonial days. Dressed in authentic looking 17^th and 18^th century period outfits these visitors from history invite the children of today to come and try a rolling hoop and spinning top, or jacks and marbles, and the Game of Graces.

The Bennington Battle Monument is a Vermont State Owned Historic Site, located in Old Bennington Vermont just north of Route 9. The Monument and Gift Shop are opened 7 days a week from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, mid April until October 31^st.   For information call (802) 447-0550 or visit us online at www.HistoricVermont.org/sites

                                                    ***