History of Leicester, Vermont, USA

1839 - Leicester
Leicester, Vermont
Addison county. Leicester is watered by a river of its own name, by Otter creek, and by a part of lake Dunmore. These waters are too sluggish to afford the town much water power. The soil is a sandy loam, interspersed with some flats of clay. Along the rivers the soil is rich and productive. The high lands are hard and fit for grazing. About 4,000 sheep are kept here. Leicester lies 36 miles S.W. from Montpelier, and 10 S. by E. from Middlebury. First settled, 1773. Population, 1830, 638.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1849 - Leicester
Leicester is watered by a river of its own name, by Otter Creek, and by a part of Lake Dunmore. These waters are too sluggish to afford the town much water power. The soil is of a sandy loam, interspersed with some flats of clay. Along the rivers the soil is rich and productive. The highlands are hard and fit for grazing.

There are in this town several beautiful ponds, which abound in trout and other fish.

Boundaries. North by Salisbury, east by Goshen, south by Brandon, and west by Whiting.

First Settlers. The first settlement was commenced in 1773, by Jeremiah Parker, from Massachusetts. The settlement, however, made but little progress until after the revolution.

Productions of the Soil. Wheat, 772 bushels ; Indian corn, 3,321 bushels ; potatoes, 10,960 bushels ; hay, 4,600 tons ; maple sugar; 820 pounds ; wool, 12,900 pounds.

Distances. Thirty-six miles southwest from Montpelier, and ten south by east from Middlebury.

The great Southern Railroad between Boston... Read MORE...

1854 - Leicester
Leicester, a post-township of Addison co., Vermont. Population, 590.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1886 - Leicester
Leicester is situated in the southern part of the county, and is bounded on the north by Salisbury; on the east by Goshen; on the south by Brandon, in Rutland county, and on the west by Whiting. The surface of the town, except in the eastern part, is moderately level, declining into low, marshy land along the Leicester River and a part of Otter Creek. The most elevated points are the summits of Bald Mountain and Mount Pleasant, the former taking up nearly the entire surface of the eastern part of the town, and the latter occupying a considerable portion to the north. It follows that the scenery is varied, and in many respects beautiful. Lake Dunmore, extending south from Salisbury to nearly the center of the eastern part of the town, is known far and wide for the sparkling beauty of its waters and the grandeur of the grim and stately evergreens which stand like sentinels upon its shores. East of this is another lakelet no less beautiful, called Silver Lake, from the silvery whiteness... Read MORE...

1895 - Leicester
Leicester, a post-township of Addison co., Vt., is bounded on the W. by Otter Creek. It contains 2 churches and a village named Leicester Junction. Pop. 630. Leicester Post-Office is about 12 miles S. of Middlebury.

Leicester Junction, a post-village of Addison co., Vt, in Leicester township, on the Onion River, and on the Central Vermont Railroad, at the junction of the Addison Railroad, 22 miles N.N.W. of Rutland.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1916
Leicester Junction, a post-village of Addison co., Vt., in Leicester township (town), on the Onion River and on the Rutland R., 22 miles NNW. of Rutland. Pop. 150.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Leicester, Vermont:
1. Branbury State Park:
Enjoy the outdoors at Branbury State Park, situated on the eastern shore of Lake Dunmore. It offers hiking trails, a sandy beach, and beautiful picnic spots.

2. Leicester Hollow Loop Trail:
If you're into hiking, the Leicester Hollow Loop Trail is a great choice. It takes you through the serene woods, offering a peaceful escape.

3. Falls of Lana:
Visit the Falls of Lana for a picturesque view. It's a short hike that leads to a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.

4. Lake Dunmore:
Rent a kayak or a paddleboard and spend a relaxing day on Lake Dunmore. The clear waters and mountainous backdrop make it a serene experience.

5. Blueberry Hill Inn and Ski Center:
In winter, Blueberry Hill is a haven for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In the warmer months, explore their trails on foot or by bike.

6. Wood's Market Garden:
For a taste of local produce, visit Wood's Market Garden. Depending on the season, you can pick your own... Read MORE...