National Register Listings in
Addison County, Vermont

Addison Baptist Church Bottum Farm Bridge 26 Bristol Downtown Historic District Camp Marbury Historic District Cedar Swamp Covered Bridge Chimney Point Tavern Chipman's Point Cornwall General Store Cornwall Town Hall Cotton Free Library Daniels, Capts. Louis and Philomene, House District School No. 1 District Six Schoolhouse Doolittle, Colonel Ephraim and Sarah, Farm East Shoreham Covered Railroad Bridge Fenn Farm Field Farm First Congregational Church First Congregational Church of Cornwall Parsonage Fletcher, Paris and Anna, House Frost, Robert, Farm Glen Dale Halpin Covered Bridge Hamilton, John, Farmstead Hand's Cove Hawley's Ferry House Heights, The Hoag Gristmill and Knight House Complex House at 215 School Street Lampson School Larrabee's Point Complex Leicester Meeting House Middlebury Gorge Concrete Arch Bridge Middlebury Village Historic District Middlebury Village Historic District (Boundary Increase) Monkton Borough Baptist Church Monkton Town Hall Mount Independence New Haven Junction Depot Old Stone Blacksmith Shop Pulp Mill Covered Bridge Ripton Community House Rokeby Salisbury Congregational Church Salisbury Fish Hatchery Salisbury Town Hall Salisbury Village Blacksmith Shop School House and Town Hall Shard Villa Shoreham Congregational Church South Starksboro Friends Meeting House and Cemetery Stagecoach Inn Starksboro Village Meeting House Stone Mill Stone Row, Old Stone, Ruth, House Strong, Gen. Samuel, House Strong, John, House Strong, Samuel Paddock, House Union Church Union Meetinghouse University of Vermont Morgan Horse Farm Vergennes Historic District Vergennes Residential Historic District Vergennes Station House Waybury Inn Wesleyan Methodist Church Wilcox-Cutts House Willard, Emma, House Witherell Farm
Vermont was the first state to elect a socialist to Congress: In 1910, Vermont elected its first socialist congressman, named Victor Berger. Berger was a member of the Socialist Party of America and served in Congress for three terms.
Addison County, Vermont is situated in the western part of the state and has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The land was originally inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Abenaki people, who relied on the region's fertile soil and abundant natural resources for sustenance.

European settlement in the area began in the mid-18th century, with the establishment of New Haven and Vergennes, two of the county's oldest towns. The region quickly attracted settlers due to its favorable farming conditions, proximity to Lake Champlain, and opportunities for trade. Agriculture soon became the backbone of the local economy, with farmers producing hay, corn, wheat, and dairy products.

During the American Revolution, Addison County played a significant role in the fight for independence. The Battle of Bennington, a pivotal engagement in the war, took place just south of the county's border in 1777. Many local residents patriotically served in the Continental Army, defending their homes and fighting for liberty.

In the 19th century, Addison County experienced steady growth and development. The construction of the Champlain Canal in the early 1800s brought increased commerce and trade, and the county's population expanded. Villages like Middlebury and Bristol emerged as important centers of education and industry, hosting prestigious colleges and bustling mills and factories.

Today, Addison County remains an agricultural hub, known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant small towns, and strong sense of community. While the county has seen many changes over the years, its rich heritage and agricultural traditions continue to shape its identity.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Addison County, Vermont.

  • 1761 - Addison County is chartered and named after English writer Joseph Addison
  • 1773 - The town of Middlebury is settled
  • 1785 - Middlebury College is founded
  • 1796 - The town of Vergennes becomes the first chartered city in Vermont
  • 1800s - Agriculture, particularly dairy farming, becomes a major industry in the county
  • 1825 - The Champlain Transportation Company is established to provide transportation on Lake Champlain
  • 1834 - The Rutland and Burlington Railroad, the county's first railroad, is completed
  • 1840 - The Vermont Central Railroad is built through the county, connecting it to the rest of the state
  • 1851 - Middlebury Female Seminary, precursor to Middlebury College's women's program, is founded
  • 1861-1865 - Many men from Addison County serve in the Civil War
  • 1883 - The Pulp Mill Bridge in Middlebury is completed, becoming an iconic landmark in the county
  • 1891 - The town of Bristol is connected to the rest of the county by a railroad
  • 1914-1918 - Many residents of Addison County serve in World War I
  • 1920s - The Great Depression affects the county's economy, leading to decreased farm prices and increased poverty
  • 1930s - The federal government initiates various relief programs in the county during the Great Depression
  • 1941-1945 - Many residents of Addison County serve in World War II
  • 1950s-1960s - Interstate 89 is built through the eastern part of the county, improving transportation
  • 2000s - The county experiences steady population growth, with more people moving to the area
  • Present - Addison County is known for its beautiful landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and vibrant arts scene