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History of Richmond, Vermont, USA
Journey back in time to Richmond, Vermont, USA
(Jonesville)
Visit Richmond, Vermont, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.Do You Have Richmond Roots? Share MY Ancestral Story!

Richmond is a town in Chittenden County, known for its scenic beauty and proximity to the state capital, Montpelier, and the city of Burlington. It's a popular destination for those seeking both rural charm and urban amenities.
In 1775, Amos Brownson and John Chamberlain made the first settlement attempt. They abandoned their efforts in the fall of that year, but returned in the spring of 1784, at the close of the Revolutionary War. Richmond was incorporated by the General Assembly on October 27, 1794, then organized in 1795.
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Richmond Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Richmond, Vermont, USA
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The Round Church
This 16-sided church, Richmond's first meeting house, was built by a group led by William Rhodes in 1812-12 on land donated by Isaac Gleason & Thomas Whitcomb. The first Proprietors were members of five denominations: Baptist, Christian, Congregational, Methodist & Universalist. Richmond Town Meetings were held here for 160 years, until 1973, when it was closed due to structural problems and for restoration. Maintained by the Richmond Historical Society, and staffed by volunteers, this National Historic Landmark is used for tours, meetings, ecumenical services, weddings and concerts.
Vermont Division for Historic Preservation - 2003
Discover Richmond: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1775 - (Richmond) The first settlements made within the limits of the town were begun by Amos BROWNSON and John CHAMBERLAIN with their families in 1775, on what is called Richmond Flats,
on the south side of Winooski River, in what was then the town of Williston. In the fall of that year they joined the ranks of those whom the fear of the British army was driving south, and did not return until the close of the War of the Revolution. In 1784 they returned to their farms, accompanied by Asa and Joel BROWNSON, Samuel and Joshua CHAMBERLAIN, James HOLLY, Joseph WILSON and Jesse McFAIRLAIN.
History of Chittenden County, Vermont With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Edited By W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y.
D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1886
on the south side of Winooski River, in what was then the town of Williston. In the fall of that year they joined the ranks of those whom the fear of the British army was driving south, and did not return until the close of the War of the Revolution. In 1784 they returned to their farms, accompanied by Asa and Joel BROWNSON, Samuel and Joshua CHAMBERLAIN, James HOLLY, Joseph WILSON and Jesse McFAIRLAIN.
History of Chittenden County, Vermont With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Edited By W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y.
D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1886
1800 - Population of Richmond, Vermont - 718
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
1801-02 (Richmond) In 1801 or 1802 John PRESTON erected there the first grist-mill in town
History of Chittenden County, Vermont With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Edited By W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y.
D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1886
History of Chittenden County, Vermont With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Edited By W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y.
D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1886
1810 - Population of Richmond, Vermont - 935
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
1813 (Richmond) - It seems that there was no regular church edifice in Richmond until 1813, when the sixteen-sided church was erected on the south side of the river by the united efforts of all denominations, Wm. RHODES being the principal builder.
Isaac GLEASON contributed the land for the site of the church at the same time that he gave land for a public common. It still stands a monument to the architectural ability of its builders. It is constructed of pure pine timber, and is furnished with interior galleries on all sides except at the side occupied by the pulpit, which is elevated to accord with old-time notions of acoustic propriety. The cost of its construction was about $2,500. It has not been used as a church for a number of years, but is, strictly speaking, the town hall. From its peculiar form it is known as the "Old Round Church."
History of Chittenden County, Vermont With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Edited By W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y.
D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1886
Isaac GLEASON contributed the land for the site of the church at the same time that he gave land for a public common. It still stands a monument to the architectural ability of its builders. It is constructed of pure pine timber, and is furnished with interior galleries on all sides except at the side occupied by the pulpit, which is elevated to accord with old-time notions of acoustic propriety. The cost of its construction was about $2,500. It has not been used as a church for a number of years, but is, strictly speaking, the town hall. From its peculiar form it is known as the "Old Round Church."
History of Chittenden County, Vermont With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Edited By W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y.
D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1886
1820 - Population of Richmond, Vermont - 1,014
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
1830 - Population of Richmond, Vermont - 1,109
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
1839 - Richmond
Richmond, Vermont
Chittenden county. Richmond is 24 miles N.W. from Montpelier and 13 S.E. from Burlington. Population, 1830, 1,109. First settled, 1784. The town is finely watered by Onion and Huntington rivers, on the banks of which are good mill seats and large tracts of beautiful meadow. The village is neat, and the centre of considerable travel. The several religious denominations united here in building a curious looking meeting house; it has sixteen sides. This is a healthy place, and noted for the longevity of its inhabitants.
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
Richmond, Vermont
Chittenden county. Richmond is 24 miles N.W. from Montpelier and 13 S.E. from Burlington. Population, 1830, 1,109. First settled, 1784. The town is finely watered by Onion and Huntington rivers, on the banks of which are good mill seats and large tracts of beautiful meadow. The village is neat, and the centre of considerable travel. The several religious denominations united here in building a curious looking meeting house; it has sixteen sides. This is a healthy place, and noted for the longevity of its inhabitants.
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
1840 - Population of Richmond, Vermont - 1,054
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
1849 Richmond
Chittenden Co. The town is finely watered by Winooski and Huntington Rivers, on the banks of which are good mill sites and large tracts of beautiful meadow. The village is neat, and the centre of considerable travel. This is a healthy place, and noted for the longevity of its inhabitants.
Boundaries. Northerly by Jericho, easterly by Bolton, southerly by Huntington, and westerly by Williston.
First Settlers. The first attempt to form a settlement here was made in 1775, by Amos Brownson and John Chamberlain, with their families ; but they abandoned the town in the fall, and did not return till the close of the revolutionary war. In the spring of 1784 they returned to the farms, on which they had made beginnings, accompanied by Asa and Joel Brownson, Samuel and Joshua Chamberlain, Jas. Holly, Joseph Wilson, and Jesse McFairlain.
First Ministers. The religious denominations are the Congregationalist, Baptist, Freewill Baptist, and Universalist. Elder Ezra Wilmot was ordained... Read MORE...
Chittenden Co. The town is finely watered by Winooski and Huntington Rivers, on the banks of which are good mill sites and large tracts of beautiful meadow. The village is neat, and the centre of considerable travel. This is a healthy place, and noted for the longevity of its inhabitants.
Boundaries. Northerly by Jericho, easterly by Bolton, southerly by Huntington, and westerly by Williston.
First Settlers. The first attempt to form a settlement here was made in 1775, by Amos Brownson and John Chamberlain, with their families ; but they abandoned the town in the fall, and did not return till the close of the revolutionary war. In the spring of 1784 they returned to the farms, on which they had made beginnings, accompanied by Asa and Joel Brownson, Samuel and Joshua Chamberlain, Jas. Holly, Joseph Wilson, and Jesse McFairlain.
First Ministers. The religious denominations are the Congregationalist, Baptist, Freewill Baptist, and Universalist. Elder Ezra Wilmot was ordained... Read MORE...
1854 - Richmond
Richmond, a post-village in Chittenden co., Vermont, on the Vermont Central railroad, and Onion river, 23 miles N. W. from Montpelier. Population of the township, 1453.
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.
Richmond, a post-village in Chittenden co., Vermont, on the Vermont Central railroad, and Onion river, 23 miles N. W. from Montpelier. Population of the township, 1453.
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.
1857 (Richmond) In 1857 the carriage manufactory at Richmond village was established
History of Chittenden County, Vermont With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Edited By W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y. D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1886
History of Chittenden County, Vermont With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Edited By W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y. D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1886
1879 - (Richmond) The Church of the Restoration, Universalist, was organized by Rev. S. C. HAYFORD in 1879, with a membership of seventeen.
History of Chittenden County, Vermont With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Edited By W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y. D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1886
History of Chittenden County, Vermont With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Edited By W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y. D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1886
1885 - (Richmond) The creamery of H. C. GLEASON was started in the spring of 1885, by the present proprietor, who makes about 600 pounds of butter daily.
History of Chittenden County, Vermont With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Edited By W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y. D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1886
History of Chittenden County, Vermont With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Edited By W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y. D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1886
1885 - (Richmond) A.E. CRANDALL first operated his saw-mill at Jonesville, in October, 1885, on the site of a blacksmith shop which had been used for twenty-five or thirty years previously.
History of Chittenden County, Vermont With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Edited By W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y.
D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1886
History of Chittenden County, Vermont With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Edited By W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y.
D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1886
1886 Richmond
THE town of Richmond, situated in the central part of the county, is bounded north by Jericho, east by Bolton, south by Huntington and Hinesburg, and west by Williston. Except South Burlington, it is the only town in the county the charter of which was not granted by New Hampshire. It has an area of about 20,000 acres, and was chartered by the Legislature of Vermont on the 27th of October, 1794, being formed from portions of the towns of Jericho, Bolton, Huntington and Williston, and on the 25th of October, 1804, receiving an addition from Bolton.
Though the surface is generally uneven and broken, especially in the northern and western parts, the town contains an unusual area of level land, which increases the value of the territory for farming purposes. The soil is generally rich and productive. Along Winooski River it is a rich alluvial deposit, while in the uplands and other parts it is composed of clay, gravelly loam and marl. The timber is principally beech, birch, hemlock,... Read MORE...
THE town of Richmond, situated in the central part of the county, is bounded north by Jericho, east by Bolton, south by Huntington and Hinesburg, and west by Williston. Except South Burlington, it is the only town in the county the charter of which was not granted by New Hampshire. It has an area of about 20,000 acres, and was chartered by the Legislature of Vermont on the 27th of October, 1794, being formed from portions of the towns of Jericho, Bolton, Huntington and Williston, and on the 25th of October, 1804, receiving an addition from Bolton.
Though the surface is generally uneven and broken, especially in the northern and western parts, the town contains an unusual area of level land, which increases the value of the territory for farming purposes. The soil is generally rich and productive. Along Winooski River it is a rich alluvial deposit, while in the uplands and other parts it is composed of clay, gravelly loam and marl. The timber is principally beech, birch, hemlock,... Read MORE...
1895 - Richmond
Richmond, a post-village in Richmond township, Chittenden co., Vt., on Winooski River, and on the Central Vermont Railroad, 25 miles W.N.W. of Montpelier, and 14 miles E.S.E. of Burlington. It is in a fertile valley among the Green Mountains, has 2 churches, an academy, and manufactures of £ bobbins, and leather, and exports much butter and cheese. Pop. of the township, 1309.
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
Richmond, a post-village in Richmond township, Chittenden co., Vt., on Winooski River, and on the Central Vermont Railroad, 25 miles W.N.W. of Montpelier, and 14 miles E.S.E. of Burlington. It is in a fertile valley among the Green Mountains, has 2 churches, an academy, and manufactures of £ bobbins, and leather, and exports much butter and cheese. Pop. of the township, 1309.
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
1906
Richmond, a post-village in Richmond township (town), Chittenden co., Vt., on the Winooski River and on the Central Vermont R., 25 miles WNW. of Montpelier. It is in a fertile valley among the Green Mountains and has manufactures of underwear, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1057.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
Richmond, a post-village in Richmond township (town), Chittenden co., Vt., on the Winooski River and on the Central Vermont R., 25 miles WNW. of Montpelier. It is in a fertile valley among the Green Mountains and has manufactures of underwear, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1057.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
Richmond
Camel's Hump State Park:
If you're an outdoor enthusiast, Camel's Hump is a must-visit. It offers hiking trails of varying difficulty levels and rewards you with stunning panoramic views of Vermont from the summit.
Richmond Farmers Market:
Experience the local flavor by visiting the Richmond Farmers Market. You can find fresh produce, artisan crafts, and often there are live performances. It's a great way to support local businesses.
Cochran's Ski Area:
In the winter, hit the slopes at Cochran's Ski Area. It's a family-friendly spot with skiing and snowboarding options. Lessons are available for all skill levels.
Round Church:
Don't miss the historic Round Church, a unique and well-preserved 19th-century meetinghouse. It's a beautiful piece of architecture and often hosts events and concerts.
Richmond Historical Society & Museum:
Learn more about the town's history at the Richmond Historical Society & Museum. It's a small but informative museum that provides ... Read MORE...
Camel's Hump State Park:
If you're an outdoor enthusiast, Camel's Hump is a must-visit. It offers hiking trails of varying difficulty levels and rewards you with stunning panoramic views of Vermont from the summit.
Richmond Farmers Market:
Experience the local flavor by visiting the Richmond Farmers Market. You can find fresh produce, artisan crafts, and often there are live performances. It's a great way to support local businesses.
Cochran's Ski Area:
In the winter, hit the slopes at Cochran's Ski Area. It's a family-friendly spot with skiing and snowboarding options. Lessons are available for all skill levels.
Round Church:
Don't miss the historic Round Church, a unique and well-preserved 19th-century meetinghouse. It's a beautiful piece of architecture and often hosts events and concerts.
Richmond Historical Society & Museum:
Learn more about the town's history at the Richmond Historical Society & Museum. It's a small but informative museum that provides ... Read MORE...
Discover MY Roots: Richmond Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Richmond, Vermont, USA
We currently have information about 8 ancestors who were born or died in Richmond.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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