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History of Rutland, Vermont, USA
Journey back in time to Rutland, Vermont, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Rutland, Vermont, USA.
About Rutland
Chartered in 1761, the settlement was named for Rutland, Massachusetts. The first settlers, New England Yankees, arrived in 1770. During the American Revolution, Forts Rutland (originally Picket) and Ranger were built in the vicinity. Rutland was the capital of Vermont from 1784 to 1804. It is the home of Vermont’s oldest newspaper, the Rutland Daily Herald, published continuously since 1794. britannica.com
Rutland Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
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Genealogy gifts & optional resources
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to RUTLAND

I Love VERMONT Mug – Maple Syrup, Sugar on Snow & Creemee Coffee Cup
Celebrate the flavors and charm of the Green Mountain State with this Vermont-inspired ceramic mug. Featuring a beautiful design highlighting maple syrup, sugar on snow, and iconic creemees, it’s perfect for locals, visitors, and anyone who loves Vermont.

VERMONT Roots Mug: Skiing, Syrup and Suds - Vermont Genealogy
Celebrate your Vermont heritage with our whimsical ceramic mug! Featuring the caption, "My Ancestors Came From Vermont! That explains a lot about my love for skiing, maple syrup and finding the best craft breweries," this mug is perfect for those who proudly embrace their Green Mountain State roots.

VERMONT Roots - Genealogy-Themed Ceramic Coffee Mug Gift Idea
Celebrate your family heritage with our "Vermont Roots" Genealogy Coffee Mug! Whether you’re sipping your morning brew or relaxing with an evening tea, this sturdy ceramic mug is the perfect companion for anyone who proudly traces their lineage back to the Green Mountain State.

VERMONT Long Trail Mug – Vintage Postcard - Hiking & Adventure Coffee Cup
Carry a piece of Vermont with every sip! The Long Trail Vermont Mug features vintage postcard art and the charming slogan “Following Footprints of the Past on the Long Trail!” Perfect for hikers, history buffs, and coffee lovers alike, this high-quality ceramic mug is dishwasher & microwave safe. Ideal for sipping coffee while planning your next trek, reminiscing about past hikes, or cozy mornings with maps spread out, it’s a heartfelt nod to adventure, nature, and the trails that connect us. Bring warmth, story, and a touch of Vermont to your kitchen or campsite!

VERMONT Long Trail Aluminum Bookmark - Following in the Footsteps of Hikers Before Me
Mark your place in style with this durable aluminum bookmark featuring a vintage postcard image of Vermont’s legendary Long Trail. Adorned with the inspiring slogan "Following in the Footsteps of Those Who Hiked Before Me!", it’s the perfect keepsake for outdoor enthusiasts, history lovers, and Long Trail hikers. Lightweight yet sturdy, this bookmark makes a great gift for bookworms and adventurers alike. Whether you're reading trail guides or your favorite novel, let this bookmark keep the spirit of the Long Trail alive!
Discover Rutland: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Rutland through the years.
Chief town, Rutland county. This town was settled about the year 1770, and for some time during the revolutionary war was a frontier town. The Green mountain boys erected here two small picket forts, which were found very useful. The soil of the town is various but generally of an excellent quality. Iron ore of a good quality is found; clay, lime, and a great abundance of beautifully variegated marble.
The village of Rutland is neat, well built and handsomely located: it is the centre of trade for a large section of fertile country. The agricultural productions of Rutland are large and valuable:—in 1837, there were within its limits 20,981 sheep. Otter Creek and its tributaries give the town a good water power, and manufacturing establishments are springing up along their banks. Rutland lies 50 miles S.W. from Montpelier, 52 N. by E. from Bennington, 60 S.S.E. from Burlington, and 34 W.N.W. from Windsor. Population, 1830, 2,753.
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Loss of $75,000; partly insured.
THE KILLED.
WILLIAM LUKAS, a Pole.
FRANK SULIG, a Pole.
EDWARD POWERS.
ALEXANDER BLUMQUEST, a Swede, and three unrecognized men.
INJURED.
JAMES DOOLEY, leg broken.
JOHN DUMM, slightly injured.
CHARLES ANDERSON, slightly injured.
FREDERICK MARCHAND, rib broken.
ANTON RACTIO, slightly injured.
JOHN C. ANDERSON, slightly injured.
PETER GRENIER, slightly injured.
JOHN MICHAN, slightly injured about the head.
M. CUPPS, slightly injured.
As soon as the accident happened, the electric danger signal was rung in at the company's...
Great Damage to Railroads by the Surging Rivers.
TOWNS PARTIALLY SUBMERGED.
ST. ALBANS, Vt., April 16. - The Winooski river is higher than it has been for twenty five years. The country for miles around is one vast sheet of water, many farms being partially of wholly flooded. Several villages are using boats and rafts as a means of moving about. Much damage had been done to bridges, and washouts have occurred in many places on both railroads and highways. The railroad between Proctor and Central Rutland for a distance of three miles is under water, and has been abandoned. Many of the residents of Northfield and Central Rutland have been driven from their dwellings, the water having reached the first stories. It is though that the water has reached its highest point...
At Rutland there was a steady downpour of rain for fifty-two hours, and a flood is prevailing in the western Vermont valley that is almost without parallel. All trains to Boston and stations...
The fire got beyond the control of the local department, and help was summoned from Whitehall, N. Y. and other places. The heaviest losses WILLIAM Y. RIPLEY estate (buildings), $20,000; DR. A. J. MEADE (buildings), $50,000; A. H. ABRAHAM, drugs and tobacco, $23,000; WILSON & ROOT, clothing, $23,000; J. L. BAKER (buildings), $40,000, the TUTTLE company (buildings), $40,000, the TUTTLE company, printers, $130,000; CRANSTON and COMBINATION cash store block, $60,000; Combination Cash Store company's stock, $125,000. The insurance amounts to about two-thirds.
Start your exploration of Rutland by delving into its history. The Historical Society and Museum provide a fascinating glimpse into the region's past.
Chaffee Art Center:
If you appreciate art, visit the Chaffee Art Center. It often hosts exhibitions featuring local and regional artists.
Paramount Theatre:
Catch a live performance or a movie at the historic Paramount Theatre. The architecture alone is worth the visit.
Vermont State Fair:
If your visit coincides with late summer, don't miss the Vermont State Fair. It's a classic American fair with rides, games, and delicious fair food.
Wilson Castle:
Take a short drive to Proctor to see the Wilson Castle. This impressive structure has a unique architectural style and offers guided tours.
Pine Hill Park:
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Pine Hill Park. It has a network of trails for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking.
Rutland Bowlerama:
Have some indoor...
Discover YOUR Roots: Rutland Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Rutland through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Rutland, Vermont, USA
We currently have information about 93 ancestors who were born or died in Rutland.
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