Franklin County, Vermont

Ballard Farm Billado Block Boright, Sheldon, House Bridge 12 Bridge 9 Bridge Number VT105-10 Brigham Academy Central Vermont Railroad Headquarters Comstock Covered Bridge District No. 2 School District School No. 8 School Douglas & Jarvis Patent Parabolic Truss Iron Bridge Downtown Richford Historic District East Fairfield Covered Bridge Enosburg Congregational Memorial Church Enosburg Opera House Evarts-McWilliams House Fairfax Covered Bridge Fairfield Street School First Congregational Church of Swanton Fletcher Union Church Fuller Covered Bridge Georgia Plain Baptist Church Giroux Furniture Company Building Goodrich, Solomon, Homestead Hathaway's Tavern Hectorville Covered Bridge Hopkins Covered Bridge Houghton House Hutchins Covered Bridge Kemp-Shepard House Kendall, Dr. B. J., Company L'Ecole Saintes-Anges Longley Covered Bridge Methodist Episcopal Church Missisquoi River Bridge Montgomery House Parish of the Holy Trinity Perley, Moses P., House Quincy Hotel Richford Primary School Richwood Estate Rockledge St. Albans Historic District St. Albans Town Hall St. Ann's Episcopal Church St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church St. George's Catholic Church St. John's Episcopal Churdh Swanton Covered Railroad Bridge Swanton School Sweat-Comings Company House U.S. Inspection Station-East Richford, Vermont U.S. Inspection Station-Richford, Vermont U.S. Inspection Station-West Berkshire, Vermont United States Post Office and Custom House Warner Home West Berkshire School West Hill Covered Bridge Wheeler, F.W., House Willard Manufacturing Company Building

Franklin County is located in northwestern Vermont and has a rich history dating back centuries. The region was originally occupied by the indigenous Abenaki people, who hunted, fished, and farmed in the area. European settlement began in the 18th century when French and English fur traders arrived, followed by British and American settlers.

During the American Revolutionary War, the area played a significant role. The Battle of Missisquoi in 1776 was fought on the county's southwestern border, as American forces tried to prevent British control of Lake Champlain. This battle was part of the broader campaign to secure the region and prevent a British invasion from Canada.

The county's economy flourished in the 19th century. Agriculture, particularly dairy farming, became a dominant industry. The introduction of the railroad in the mid-1800s further stimulated economic growth. The county became known for its cheese production, with some Franklin County cheeses winning international awards.

Franklin County also witnessed the rise of the temperance and abolitionist movements in the 19th century. The county was home to Jonathan B. Turner, a prominent abolitionist, and the Congregational Church and Methodists provided strong support for the anti-slavery and temperance causes. The county played a role in the Underground Railroad, providing refuge for escaping slaves.

Today, Franklin County is a vibrant area with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and commercial activities. It continues to be known for its dairy farming and cheese production. The county is also home to numerous recreational opportunities, including Lake Champlain, the Missisquoi River, and several state parks. With its rich history and natural beauty, Franklin County remains a significant part of Vermont's heritage.
Brief timeline of the history of Franklin County, Vermont:

  • 1781: Franklin County established as one of Vermont's fourteen counties
  • 1791: Vermont admitted to the Union as the 14th U.S. state
  • 1804: St. Albans town incorporated
  • 1816: Enosburg town incorporated
  • 1822: Fairfax town incorporated
  • 1825: Franklin County Grammar School established in St. Albans
  • 1837: Franklin County Agricultural Society organized
  • 1864: Swanton town incorporated
  • 1885: Missisquoi Railroad opens, connecting St. Albans to Montreal
  • 1924: Richford village incorporated
  • 1942: Grand Isle County separates from Franklin County
  • 1973: Franklin County Industrial Development Corporation incorporated

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

Audiobooks about the history of Vermont.