Hill 304 Memorial

Hill 304 Memorial is a large quadrangular column in Esnes-en-Argonne that bears the carved names of French military units who fought at this location during World War I. The monument stands on elevated ground and overlooks the landscape shaped by the intense combat that unfolded here.

The memorial marks the Battle of Verdun, which began in 1916 when German forces attacked this hill and continued for months. The struggle for this position became one of the bloodiest engagements of the entire war, with enormous losses on both sides.

The memorial preserves the names of all French units that held position here, showing how soldiers from different regions fought side by side. The site is a gathering place for descendants and historians who want to understand the connection between a nation and those who defended it.

The memorial is accessible throughout the year and sits directly on the D38 road coming from Esnes-en-Argonne. Parking is available near the monument, and the surroundings can be easily explored on foot.

The bombardment during the war was so intense that it lowered the elevation of the hill by several meters and changed the topography of the entire region. This physical transformation illustrates the unimaginable force and destruction unleashed during this battle.

Location: Esnes-en-Argonne

Inception: June 17, 1934

GPS coordinates: 49.22512,5.20734

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:52