Washington County, Vermont

Allenwood Farm Athenwood and Thomas W. Wood Studio Barre City Hall and Opera House Barre Downtown Historic District Beck and Beck Granite Shed Bridge 31 Bridge No. 27 Center Road Culvert Central Vermont Railway Depot Coburn Covered Bridge Colby Mansion College Hall Currier Park Historic District East Calais Historic District East Village Meetinghouse Gale-Bancroft House Goddard College Greatwood Campus Great Eddy Covered Bridge Green Mountain Seminary Italian Baptist Church Jones Brothers Granite Shed Jones-Pestle Farmstead Joslin Farm Kents Corner Historic District Kents Corner Historic District Boundary Increase Lareau Farmstead Leonard, Chauncey B. House Lower Cox Brook Covered Bridge Mad River Valley Rural Historic District Martin Covered Bridge Mayo Building McLaughlin Farm Middlesex-Winooski River Bridge Mill Village Historic District Montpelier Historic District Montpelier Historic District (Boundary Increase) National Clothespin Factory Nichols House North Calais Village Historic District Northfield Falls Covered Bridge Old Red Mill Old West Church Pine Brook Covered Bridge Plainfield Village Historic District Reynolds House Roxbury Fish Hatchery Scampini Block Slaughterhouse Covered Bridge Smith, E.L., Roundhouse Granite Shed Socialist Labor Party Hall Stony Brook Covered Bridge Twing, Joshua, Gristmill Union Co-operative Store Bakery Union Meetinghouse Upper Cox Brook Covered Bridge Vermont Statehouse Waitsfield Common Historic District Waitsfield Village Historic District Warren Covered Bridge Warren Village Historic District Waterbury Center Methodist Church Waterbury Village Historic District Wheelock Law Office Wood, Theodore, House Woodbury Graded School Woodbury Town Hall Worcester Town Hall Worcester Village School

Washington County, Vermont has a rich history dating back to the early 18th century. The county, located in the central part of the state, was established on October 20, 1810, and was named after George Washington, the first President of the United States. Prior to European settlement, the area was occupied by various indigenous tribes, primarily the Abenaki people.

In the late 1700s, settlers from Massachusetts and Connecticut began to move into the region, attracted by its fertile land and abundant natural resources. The first town in Washington County, Montpelier, was settled in 1787 and would later become the state capital. Other towns in the county, such as Barre, Waterbury, and Northfield, were established in the early 19th century and played important roles in the county's development.

One of the key events in Washington County's history was the establishment of granite quarries in Barre in the late 19th century. The high-quality granite found in the area helped fuel the growth of the local economy and contributed to the county's reputation as a major supplier of granite for buildings and monuments across the United States.

Throughout its history, Washington County has been influenced by various social and political movements. The county played a significant role in the abolitionist movement during the mid-19th century, with many residents actively supporting the cause of ending slavery. Additionally, during the 20th century, the county saw political changes and advancements in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Today, Washington County continues to thrive as a diverse and vibrant region. Its rich history, scenic landscapes, and cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike. The county's commitment to preserving its historical sites and promoting economic growth ensures that its legacy will continue to be cherished for generations to come.
Brief timeline of the history of Washington County, Vermont:

  • 1781: Washington County is created by the Vermont General Assembly.
  • 1787: Montpelier is chosen as the county seat.
  • 1804: The Vermont State House is constructed in Montpelier.
  • 1813: Arguably the first ski club in the United States is formed in Warren.
  • 1831: Norwich University, the oldest private military college in the country, is founded in Northfield.
  • 1849: The Vermont Central Railroad reaches Montpelier, connecting the county to a wider rail network.
  • 1883: The Green Mountain Club is formed in Waterbury, promoting the development and maintenance of the Long Trail.
  • 1944: The Barre Granite Strike begins, resulting in a significant labor dispute in the granite industry.
  • 1951: The Interstate Highway System is established, eventually leading to the construction of Interstate 89 through the county.
  • 1993: The Vermont State Hospital in Berlin closes, leading to the relocation of its services and patients.

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

Audiobooks about the history of Vermont.