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History of Shelburne, Vermont, USA
Journey back in time to Shelburne, Vermont, USA
Explore Shelburne, Vermont, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Shelburne Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Shelburne is a town in Chittenden County, Vermont, known for its scenic location on the shores of Lake Champlain. The town is famous for the Shelburne Museum, which houses a diverse collection of art, historic buildings, and exhibits showcasing Vermont's heritage.
Shelburne was chartered by New Hampshire, August 18, 1763, to Jesse Hallock and 64 associates by Governor Benning Wentworth. The name "Shelburne" or "Shelburn" was chosen to honor William Petty, 2nd Earl of Shelburne, a celebrated nobleman of the British Parliament and Prime Minister. wikipedia
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1785 (Shelburne) The first settlement commenced at Shelburne Falls was in 1785, by Ira ALLEN, then a resident in Winooski village.
A rudely-constructed log bridge was built across La Plotte River, a dam was constructed some ten rods above the present saw-mill dam, a saw-mill erected on the north side of the stream, and a forge on the south.
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
A rudely-constructed log bridge was built across La Plotte River, a dam was constructed some ten rods above the present saw-mill dam, a saw-mill erected on the north side of the stream, and a forge on the south.
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
1786 (Shelburne) - In 1786 a dam was constructed at the lower end of the falls, and a grist-mill put in operation the next season.
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
1787 (Shelburne) - The first town meeting in Shelburne, of which Dudley HAMILTON was chosen moderator, was held on the 29th of March, 1787. Caleb SMITH was elected first town clerk.
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
1789 (Shelburne) - Clothing works were erected and put in operation between the grist-mill and saw-mill in 1789, by David FISH.
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
1791 - Population of Shelburne, Vermont - 389
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
1800 - Population of Shelburne, Vermont - 723
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
1807 (Shelburne) - A Congregational Church was organized in Shelburne on the 29th of January, 1807, by the Rev. Jedediah BUSHNELL, of Cornwall, with a membership of three men and seven women.
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 Shelburne, Vermont - 987
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
1820 - Population of Shelburne, Vermont - 936
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 Shelburne, Vermont - 1,123
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
1835 Shelburne
The population of Shelburne in 1835 was about 1,100. The village of Shelburne, now at the railroad station, was then in appearance very much as it is now. It had one church, the site for which, as well as that for the school-house and the public common, was given by Benjamin HARRINGTON. L. M. HAGAR, now of Burlington, was engaged in mercantile business on the same site now occupied by the brick store, and in the building now used as a storehouse, adjoining the brick building on the south. The only other merchants in the village were David IRISH and Nelson PERRY, who, under the firm name of IRISH & PERRY, conducted a store in a brick building on the opposite side of the street from HAGAR, on the site afterwards used for the Methodist parsonage. The only doctor in the village was Dr. Joel FAIRCHILD, who lived in the next house north of the old tavern, the same building being now occupied by the widow of Hezekiah COMSTOCK. There was no lawyer in town, Jacob MAECK's practice here... Read MORE...
The population of Shelburne in 1835 was about 1,100. The village of Shelburne, now at the railroad station, was then in appearance very much as it is now. It had one church, the site for which, as well as that for the school-house and the public common, was given by Benjamin HARRINGTON. L. M. HAGAR, now of Burlington, was engaged in mercantile business on the same site now occupied by the brick store, and in the building now used as a storehouse, adjoining the brick building on the south. The only other merchants in the village were David IRISH and Nelson PERRY, who, under the firm name of IRISH & PERRY, conducted a store in a brick building on the opposite side of the street from HAGAR, on the site afterwards used for the Methodist parsonage. The only doctor in the village was Dr. Joel FAIRCHILD, who lived in the next house north of the old tavern, the same building being now occupied by the widow of Hezekiah COMSTOCK. There was no lawyer in town, Jacob MAECK's practice here... Read MORE...
1839 - Shelburn
Shelburn [Shelburne], Vermont
Chittenden county. On the east side of Lake Champlain, 33 miles W. by N. from Montpelier and 7 S. from Burlington. Population, 1830, 1,123. Logan's and Potter's points were settled previous to the revolutionary war by men of those names. During the war these settlements were abandoned, but re-established at its close. Shelburn is finely watered by Platt river, a pond covering 600 acres, and by the waters of the lake.
Shelburn Bay sets into the township about 4 miles from the N.W., and affords the town a good harbor, and a depot of the interior trade on the beautiful Champlain. The soil of the town is strong, fertile, and generally well improved. About 10,000 sheep are within its limits.
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
Shelburn [Shelburne], Vermont
Chittenden county. On the east side of Lake Champlain, 33 miles W. by N. from Montpelier and 7 S. from Burlington. Population, 1830, 1,123. Logan's and Potter's points were settled previous to the revolutionary war by men of those names. During the war these settlements were abandoned, but re-established at its close. Shelburn is finely watered by Platt river, a pond covering 600 acres, and by the waters of the lake.
Shelburn Bay sets into the township about 4 miles from the N.W., and affords the town a good harbor, and a depot of the interior trade on the beautiful Champlain. The soil of the town is strong, fertile, and generally well improved. About 10,000 sheep are within its limits.
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 Shelburne, Vermont - 1,089
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 - Shelburne
Chittenden Co. Shelburne is finely watered by La Piatt River, a pond covering 600 acres, and by the waters of Lake Champlain.
Shelburne Bay sets into the town, about four miles from the north-west, and affords the town a good harbor, and a depot of the interior trade on the beautiful Champlain.
The soil of the town is strong, fertile, and generally well improved.
A part of this town was annexed to St. George in 1848.
Boundaries. North by Burlington, east by St. George, south by Charlotte, and west by Lake Champlain.
First Settlers. A small settlement Was made in this town previous to the revolutionary war. The earliest settlers were two Germans, by the name of Logan and Pottier, who commenced upon two points of hind extending into Lake Champlain, which still bear the names 'Pottier's Point,' and 'Logan's Point.' The first settlers were employed principally in getting out lumber for the Canada market, and tradition says that Pottier and Logan were murdered for their... Read MORE...
Chittenden Co. Shelburne is finely watered by La Piatt River, a pond covering 600 acres, and by the waters of Lake Champlain.
Shelburne Bay sets into the town, about four miles from the north-west, and affords the town a good harbor, and a depot of the interior trade on the beautiful Champlain.
The soil of the town is strong, fertile, and generally well improved.
A part of this town was annexed to St. George in 1848.
Boundaries. North by Burlington, east by St. George, south by Charlotte, and west by Lake Champlain.
First Settlers. A small settlement Was made in this town previous to the revolutionary war. The earliest settlers were two Germans, by the name of Logan and Pottier, who commenced upon two points of hind extending into Lake Champlain, which still bear the names 'Pottier's Point,' and 'Logan's Point.' The first settlers were employed principally in getting out lumber for the Canada market, and tradition says that Pottier and Logan were murdered for their... Read MORE...
1854 - Shelburn
Shelburn, a post-village in Chittenden co., Vermont, near Lake Champlain, on the Rutland and Burlington railroad. Population of the township, 1257.
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.
Shelburn, a post-village in Chittenden co., Vermont, near Lake Champlain, on the Rutland and Burlington railroad. Population of the township, 1257.
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 Shelburne
SHELBURNE lies in the southwestern part of the county, and is bounded north by South Burlington and a part of Williston, east by St. George, south by Charlotte and a part of Hinesburg, and west by Lake Champlain. It was chartered by New Hampshire on the 18th of August, 1763...
It derived its name from that of a celebrated nobleman of the British Parliament, the Earl of Shelburne, who opposed the claims of the government of New York to the territory now comprised within the boundaries of Vermont. The original area of the town, according to its charter, was to consist of 23,500 acres, a little more than six miles square; but a mistake of the surveyors stripped it of much of its expected possessions. Two surveying parties, employed to run the lines of the lake towns, approached each other gradually from opposite directions, meeting-the party from the south in surveying Shelburne; the party from the north in surveying Burlington. It was then discovered that there was not land... Read MORE...
SHELBURNE lies in the southwestern part of the county, and is bounded north by South Burlington and a part of Williston, east by St. George, south by Charlotte and a part of Hinesburg, and west by Lake Champlain. It was chartered by New Hampshire on the 18th of August, 1763...
It derived its name from that of a celebrated nobleman of the British Parliament, the Earl of Shelburne, who opposed the claims of the government of New York to the territory now comprised within the boundaries of Vermont. The original area of the town, according to its charter, was to consist of 23,500 acres, a little more than six miles square; but a mistake of the surveyors stripped it of much of its expected possessions. Two surveying parties, employed to run the lines of the lake towns, approached each other gradually from opposite directions, meeting-the party from the south in surveying Shelburne; the party from the north in surveying Burlington. It was then discovered that there was not land... Read MORE...
1895 - Shelburne
£urne, a post-village in Shelburne township, Chittenden co., Vt., on the Rutland & Burlington Railroad, 7 miles S. of Burlington, and about 2 miles E. of Lake Champlain. It has 2 churches, an academy or high school, a cheese-factory, and a grist-mill. The township is bounded on the W. by Lake Champlain. Pop. of the township, 1190.
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
£urne, a post-village in Shelburne township, Chittenden co., Vt., on the Rutland & Burlington Railroad, 7 miles S. of Burlington, and about 2 miles E. of Lake Champlain. It has 2 churches, an academy or high school, a cheese-factory, and a grist-mill. The township is bounded on the W. by Lake Champlain. Pop. of the township, 1190.
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
Shelburne, a post-village in Shelburne township (town), Chittenden co., Vt., on tho Rutland R., 7 miles S. of Burlington and about 2 miles E. of Lake Champlain. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1202 ; of the village, about 500.
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
Shelburne, a post-village in Shelburne township (town), Chittenden co., Vt., on tho Rutland R., 7 miles S. of Burlington and about 2 miles E. of Lake Champlain. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1202 ; of the village, about 500.
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
Here's a list of things to do and places to visit in and around Shelburne:
Shelburne Museum:
Start your visit with the Shelburne Museum, which is renowned for its diverse collection of art, Americana, and artifacts. The museum's 45 acres house historic buildings, gardens, and exhibits.
Shelburne Farms:
Enjoy the beautiful landscape of Shelburne Farms, a working farm with walking trails, a cheese-making facility, and stunning views of Lake Champlain. Don't forget to explore the Breeding Barn and the walking trails.
Vermont Teddy Bear Company:
For a whimsical experience, visit the Vermont Teddy Bear Company. Take a tour to see how teddy bears are made, and you can even create your own bear.
Shelburne Vineyard:
If you're a wine enthusiast, head to Shelburne Vineyard. Sample local wines, take a vineyard tour, and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.
Magic Hat Brewing Company:
Beer lovers should check out the Magic Hat Brewing Company. Take a brewery tour to learn about the beer-making process and try some unique and flavorful... Read MORE...
Shelburne Museum:
Start your visit with the Shelburne Museum, which is renowned for its diverse collection of art, Americana, and artifacts. The museum's 45 acres house historic buildings, gardens, and exhibits.
Shelburne Farms:
Enjoy the beautiful landscape of Shelburne Farms, a working farm with walking trails, a cheese-making facility, and stunning views of Lake Champlain. Don't forget to explore the Breeding Barn and the walking trails.
Vermont Teddy Bear Company:
For a whimsical experience, visit the Vermont Teddy Bear Company. Take a tour to see how teddy bears are made, and you can even create your own bear.
Shelburne Vineyard:
If you're a wine enthusiast, head to Shelburne Vineyard. Sample local wines, take a vineyard tour, and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.
Magic Hat Brewing Company:
Beer lovers should check out the Magic Hat Brewing Company. Take a brewery tour to learn about the beer-making process and try some unique and flavorful... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Shelburne Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Shelburne, Vermont, USA
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