Chateau-Thierry American Monument

The Chateau-Thierry American Monument, sometimes known as the Hill 204 Monument, commemorates the American soldiers who fought in the region during World War I, such as those who took part in the Second Battle of the Marne.

Overlooking the River Marne, the granite structure of the Chateau-Thierry American Monument is a commanding sight with its colonnades and heroic statues.

Visitors to the Chateau-Thierry American Monument can learn about the battles which took place in the area using the orientation map on the monument.

History of Chateau-Thierry American Monument

The Chateau-Thierry American Monument is located on a hill two miles west of Chateau-Thierry, France, and has a commanding view of the Marne River. It commemorates the sacrifices and achievements of the Americans and French before and during the Aisne-Marne and Oise-Aisne offences.

The monument is a notable architectural example of Stripped Classicism, and consists of an impressive double colonnade rising above a long terrace.

On the west façade are a collection of heroic sculpted figures, designed by French-American artist Alfred Bottiau – which represent the US and France, and on the east is a map which outlines American military operations in the region, with an orientation which pinpoints significant battle sites.

Chateau-Thierry American Monument Today

Today, the monument is a beautiful and fairly isolated site. Visitors can expect to be alone, which, in comparison to crowds at the World War II cemetery in Normandy, makes for a more detailed visit.

There is also a small visitors centre, with about an hour’s worth of information to absorb information about key historic battle sites in the area.

Behind the site is a scenic forest for those who are wanting a walk. For those who have travelled in from Paris, it is recommended that you have a bite to eat in the nearby village, which is off the beaten track and also contains a number of historic buildings.

For those who wish to deepen their understanding of other historical events in the area, the Belleau Wood US Marines monument is located near the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, about 9.3 km northwest of the site, and 27 km southwest of the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery and Memorial.

Getting to Chateau-Thierry American Monument

From Paris, the monument takes between an hour and a half to two hours by car, via the A4 or A104 and A4.

Within Chateau-Thierry itself, the monument is an 8 minute drive via Avenue de Paris/D1003 and Route du Monument, or is a scenic 40 minute walk via Avenue de Paris.