Hill 204 was an important site in the battle of Belleau Wood in World War I. For some time German troops dug in there, until the end of June 1918 when the Marines succeeded in taking Belleau Wood.

While the monument at Belleau Wood is specifically a Marine monument, the Château-Thierry Monument provides a larger commemoration of both the American and the French soldiers who were involved in the Aisne Marne and Oise-Aisne battles.

This large pillared structure stands on the hill and overlooks the town of Château-Thierry and the Marne River Valley. A large map shows the changing battle lines of 1918, and an orientation table points out some of the major battle sites. An allegorical statue shows two women holding hands, representing the friendship of France and the United States.

The monument was designed by Paul Cret, who was born in France but lived and worked in America. His style has been described as New Classicism, of which this monument is an early example. Unfortunately for Cret, the style was "adopted" by leaders of the Third Reich, and thus became associated with the Nazis.

In 2016 - 2017 the monument underwent major renovations, which limit access to the site. It is, however, visible from below in the town.

It is easy to combine a visit to the Aisne-Marne Cemetery and Belleau Wood with a stop at the Château-Thierry Monument, as they are close together (map).

The Château-Thierry Monument is managed and maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission.

American Battle Monuments Commission

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Belleau Wood American Monument Aisne-Marne American Cemetery World War I in France American Troops in WWI Château-Thierry What to See and Do World War I Sites Northern France