History of Bennington County, Vermont
Bennington County, located in the southwestern corner of Vermont, is one of the state’s oldest and most historically significant counties. Established in 1778, the county has played a pivotal role in Vermont’s development from its early colonial days through the American Revolution and into the industrial age. Bennington’s history is particularly marked by the famous Battle of Bennington during the Revolutionary War, a critical victory that helped turn the tide in favor of the American cause. Today, the county is known for its beautiful landscapes, historic architecture, and a rich cultural heritage that continues to attract visitors from around the world.
Origins of Bennington County
Early Settlements and Indigenous Peoples
Long before European settlers arrived, the region that is now Bennington County was home to Native American tribes, particularly the Mahican and Abenaki peoples. These tribes lived along the Green Mountains and were well-adapted to the area’s dense forests, rivers, and mountain ranges. The Mahican tribe, which occupied the western side of Vermont, established settlements along the Hoosic and Walloomsac rivers, while the Abenaki people, located to the north and east, hunted and gathered throughout the region.
In the early 17th century, European settlers began to encroach on the lands of these Indigenous peoples. The Dutch were the first to establish trading relationships with the Native American tribes, followed by the French, and eventually the British. By the mid-1700s, the British controlled most of New England, including the area that would become Vermont.
Colonial Beginnings and the Green Mountain Boys
The history of Bennington County is closely tied to the history of the state of Vermont. Initially part of the New York Colony, the area was claimed by the New York government, but settlers from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut began to establish homesteads in the region. As the population grew, disputes over land claims and jurisdiction between New York and New Hampshire settlers arose, leading to what is known as the “New Hampshire Grants.”
Bennington, one of the county’s most prominent early settlements, became a center of these tensions. The New Hampshire Grants were land titles granted to settlers in the area by New Hampshire’s colonial government. The settlers’ desire for land in the Green Mountain region led to the formation of the Green Mountain Boys, a militia group led by Ethan Allen. The Green Mountain Boys fought to defend the settlers’ rights to the land and eventually helped Vermont achieve its independence from New York and its eventual statehood in 1791.
The Revolutionary War and the Battle of Bennington
Bennington County’s historical significance is perhaps best exemplified by its role in the American Revolutionary War. In 1777, the area was the site of the Battle of Bennington, a decisive victory for the American colonists. The battle took place on August 16, 1777, and was a key part of the larger Saratoga Campaign. The British, under General John Burgoyne, sought to capture supplies and reinforcements stored in Bennington by the Americans. However, American forces, led by General John Stark and supported by local militias, defeated the British and their allies, significantly weakening Burgoyne’s army and setting the stage for the later American victory at the Battle of Saratoga.
The Battle of Bennington is considered one of the turning points of the Revolutionary War, as it boosted morale and helped secure crucial foreign support from France for the American cause. Today, the site of the battle is preserved as the Bennington Battle Monument, which stands as a tribute to the bravery of those who fought in the battle.
Bennington County in the 19th Century
The Growth of Industry and Manufacturing
Following Vermont’s statehood in 1791, Bennington County began to experience significant economic growth. The county’s rich natural resources, including timber, limestone, and iron, were harnessed for industrial purposes. In the early 1800s, Bennington became a center of textile manufacturing, particularly woolen mills. The Hoosic River provided water power for these mills, helping to fuel the county’s burgeoning textile industry.
Bennington also became known for its iron works, with the production of wrought iron being a major industry in the early 19th century. These industries attracted a growing population of skilled workers, many of whom were of English, Irish, and French-Canadian descent. The construction of the railroad in the mid-1800s further spurred Bennington County’s industrial expansion, providing improved access to markets in the eastern United States.
The Impact of the Civil War
Like much of the United States, Bennington County was deeply impacted by the Civil War. Although Vermont remained a staunchly Union state, many of its residents were involved in the conflict, either as soldiers or by contributing to the war effort through manufacturing. Several regiments from Vermont fought in major battles, and Bennington County’s factories played a role in producing goods needed for the Union army.
The Civil War also had social and economic effects on Bennington County. While the region was largely unaffected by battles, the economic boom generated by wartime production helped to solidify the county’s role as a regional industrial hub. However, after the war ended, Bennington County, like much of the northeastern United States, experienced a period of economic decline, as the textile industry and iron works faced increasing competition from the southern states.
20th Century to Present
Economic Shifts and Tourism
In the 20th century, Bennington County’s economy shifted from industry to tourism and agriculture. As the United States entered the era of mass production and manufacturing, many of the county’s factories closed or relocated to other regions of the country. However, the region’s natural beauty, including the Green Mountains and the Taconic Range, began to attract visitors from nearby urban centers.
Bennington became a popular destination for tourists, particularly those interested in outdoor recreation such as hiking, skiing, and fishing. The rise of tourism in the region helped diversify the local economy and led to the development of various cultural institutions, such as museums, art galleries, and music festivals.
Preservation of Historic Sites
Over the years, the citizens of Bennington County have worked hard to preserve the county’s rich historical heritage. Many of the historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries have been restored and are open to the public, allowing visitors to experience the county’s history firsthand. Notable examples of preserved historic sites include the Bennington Battle Monument, the Robert Frost Stone House Museum, and the Bennington Museum.
Historical Sites in Bennington County
1. Bennington Battle Monument
Overview:
The Bennington Battle Monument, standing at 306 feet, is the tallest structure in Vermont and marks the site of the Battle of Bennington. The monument was completed in 1889 and serves as a tribute to the American soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, which was crucial during the battle. The monument is part of a larger historical site, which includes a visitor center and exhibits detailing the battle and its significance.
Location:
15 Monument Circle, Bennington, VT 05201
Ticket Price:
Adults: $5, Children: $2, Family Pass: $12
Parking Information:
Free parking is available on-site at the monument complex.
2. Bennington Museum
Overview:
The Bennington Museum is a treasure trove of local history and art, showcasing collections that span the region’s history from the pre-colonial era to the present day. The museum is particularly known for its extensive collection of Vermont-made art, including works by the renowned artist Grandma Moses, as well as artifacts from Bennington’s industrial past. The museum offers rotating exhibits, special events, and a wonderful collection of historical memorabilia.
Location:
75 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201
Ticket Price:
Adults: $10, Seniors and Students: $8, Children (6-18): $4, Children under 6: Free
Parking Information:
Parking is available in a lot behind the museum, with additional street parking nearby.
3. Robert Frost Stone House Museum
Overview:
This museum is dedicated to the life and works of the poet Robert Frost, who lived in the house during the 1920s. The Robert Frost Stone House Museum offers visitors the chance to explore the home where Frost wrote some of his most famous poems. The museum features exhibits on Frost’s life and career, as well as the surrounding landscapes that inspired much of his poetry.
Location:
121 Phelps Lane, Shaftsbury, VT 05262
Ticket Price:
Adults: $5, Children: $2
Parking Information:
Free parking is available on-site.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Bennington County is located in the southwestern corner of Vermont, bordered by Massachusetts to the south and New York to the west. The county is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with the Green Mountains running through its eastern portion. The Hoosic River flows through the county, providing fertile land for agriculture and contributing to the area’s early industrial development.
The climate in Bennington County is classified as humid continental, with cold winters and mild summers. Snowfall is common during the winter months, especially in the higher elevations. The area is known for its fall foliage, attracting tourists from all over the world who come to see the vibrant colors of the changing leaves.
County Facts:
- Year Founded: 1778
- County Seat: Bennington
- Population: 37,000 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: 101.5 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Bennington, Arlington, Woodford
- Major Highways: U.S. Route 7, Vermont Route 9, Vermont Route 7A
- Adjacent Counties:
- Berkshire County, Massachusetts (south)
- Rensselaer County, New York (west)
- Washington County, New York (northwest)
- Windham County, Vermont (east)
