National Register Listing

Forestdale Iron Furnace

VT 73 and Furnace Rd., Brandon, VT
Local significance of the site:
Historic - Non-aboriginal

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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.
Vermont random facts
Rutland County, located in the southern part of Vermont, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Abenaki tribe. European settlement began in the mid-1700s when New England colonists ventured into the region.

The county began to flourish with the arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century, which led to a boom in industry and commerce. Rutland became a major transportation hub, connecting the rural communities of Vermont with larger cities like Boston and New York. With the railroad came a significant increase in population, as people migrated to the area in search of new opportunities.

Rutland County was known for its manufacturing prowess in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The region's natural resources, including marble and slate, drove the growth of industries such as stone quarrying and mining. Marble extracted from Rutland County was used in notable architectural projects across the country, including the New York Public Library and the Arlington National Cemetery.

The decline of the railroad industry, along with changing economic factors, posed challenges for Rutland County in the 20th century. The phasing out of steam locomotives and the rise of the automobile necessitated the development of new industries to sustain the county's economy. Today, Rutland County has diversified its economic base, with sectors such as healthcare, education, tourism, and manufacturing playing significant roles in the local economy. The county continues to honor its rich history while looking towards the future with optimism.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Rutland County, Vermont.

  • 1761 - Rutland County is chartered and established as a county in the state of Vermont
  • 1792 - Rutland becomes the third county seat, after Wallingford and Castleton
  • 1835 - The Rutland Railroad begins service, connecting Rutland to other parts of Vermont and New York
  • 1861-1865 - Rutland County residents actively participate in the American Civil War
  • 1894 - Rutland City is incorporated as a city within Rutland County
  • 1946 - Vermont State Fair moves to Rutland, boosting the local economy and tourism
  • 1955 - Rutland becomes the first city in Vermont to have a broadcasting television station
  • 1970s - Rutland County experiences significant population growth and development
  • 1980 - Proctor Marble Museum opens, showcasing the county's historic marble industry
  • 2011 - The Vermont State Fair celebrates its 165th anniversary