Historical Markers in
Windham County, Vermont

1857 Schoolhouse No. 6 7 West Main Street Abijah and Lucy Terry Prince Bellows Falls Bellows Falls Canal Bradley Law Office Brattleboro Civil War Monument Brattleboro Veterans Monument Brigham Young Birthplace Broad Brook House Centre Congregational Church Clarina Howard Nichols Court House Crafts Inn Dr. Laura Plantz House Elizabeth Page “Molly” Stark, 1737 – 1814 Estey Organ Company Family Home of John Humphrey Noyes Fort Bridgman Marker Fort Dummer Glenwood Seminary and Brattleborough Academy Grafton Inn Green Mountain Hall Historic Vernon Union Church History of the Victorian Village Bridge Hotel Windham / Andrews Inn In Memory of Jonathan Park Jamaica Veterans Monument Jemima Tute Lyman House Mary Wilkins Freeman Memorial Tree Molly Stark Byway Naulahka Newfane Civil War Monument Newfane Honor Roll Newfane World War II Monument Old Brick Church Primary Peace Corps Training Site Prospect Hill Soldier's Lot Putney Town Hall Putney Veterans Monument Rev. John Williams Rockingham Meeting House Rockingham Meetinghouse Royall Tyler Scott Bridge Simpsonville Stone Arch Bridge Site of Fort Dummer Stoyan Christowe Taft Homestead Site The Dam at Franklin Pond The First Building of the Centre Congregational Church The Norton House The Round Schoolhouse The Westminster Massacre Upon This Ground Vermont - Connecticut Valley Route Vermont’s Interstate Highway System Veterans Memorial Waypoint Center West Dover General Store c. 1827 West Dover Inn West River Railroad Westminster World War II Monument Wilmington Veterans Memorial Wilmington Veterans Monument
Vermont was home to the first African American college graduate: In 1823, Alexander Twilight became the first African American college graduate in the United States. He earned his degree from Middlebury College in Vermont.
Vermont random facts
Windham County, Vermont has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The county was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Abenaki people, who relied on the land's abundant natural resources for their sustenance. European settlers began arriving in the area in the mid-18th century, with the establishment of Fort Dummer in present-day Brattleboro in 1724. The initial settlements faced challenges from both Native American tribes and conflicts between colonial powers.

In the late 18th century, Windham County played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. It was the site of important military actions, such as the Battle of Bennington in 1777, which marked a turning point for the American forces. Following the war, Windham County experienced rapid growth and became known for its thriving manufacturing industry, particularly in textiles, paper, and agriculture.

As transportation improved with the expansion of railroads and canals, Windham County became an important hub for trade and commerce. The county grew economically, attracting businesses and industries that fueled its development. The advent of the industrial revolution in the 19th century transformed many towns in Windham County, such as Brattleboro and Bellows Falls, into bustling centers of production and trade.

In the 20th century, Windham County faced economic challenges as the decline of industries such as manufacturing and logging affected the region. However, the county adapted to the changing times and embraced new opportunities, particularly in tourism, services, and the arts. Today, Windham County is cherished for its picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and vibrant cultural scene, attracting visitors from near and far.

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

  • 1771 - Windham County formed and named after Windham in Connecticut
  • 1777 - Putney, one of the county's towns, incorporated
  • 1781 - Brattleboro, the county seat, incorporated
  • 1800s - Windham County experiences industrial growth with mills and factories
  • 1834 - Vermont's first medical college, the Vermont Academy of Medicine, established in Brattleboro
  • 1845 - Westminster, known for its historic meeting house, incorporated
  • 1855 - Marlboro College founded in Marlboro
  • 1869 - Wilmington Village becomes a popular tourist destination
  • 1900s - Windham County becomes a popular area for tourism and outdoor activities
  • 1935 - Mount Snow ski resort opens in Dover
  • 1970s - Windham County becomes known for its vibrant arts community