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flag  History of Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA

Journey back in time to Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA

Visit Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.

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Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA - Shaftsbury is situated in southwestern Vermont, near the states border with New York. The towns landscape is characterized by rolling hills, lush fo

Shaftsbury is a picturesque town in Bennington County, Vermont. It's known for its charming New England scenery, including rolling hills and historic buildings. The Shaftsbury State Park is a popular spot for outdoor recreation, with hiking trails and a beautiful lake.


Steel carpenter's square was invented by Silas Hawes of Shaftsbury in 1814.

Shaftsbury includes the communities of Shaftsbury Center and South Shaftsbury.



There is MUCH more to discover about Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA. Read on!

Shaftsbury Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards


Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA

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Shaftsbury is situated in southwestern Vermont, near the state's border with New York. The town's landscape is characterized by rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque farmlands. The town of Shaftsbury was chartered in 1761 and was named after Anthony Ashley Cooper, the 3rd Earl of Shaftesbury, who was a prominent English politician and philosopher.

Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA

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Shaftsbury, Vermont, 1907

Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA

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South Shaftsbury, Vt., 1907

Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA

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Old Mill at Shaftsbury, Vermont (1910)

Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA

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Main St., S. Shaftsbury, Vt., 1910

Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA

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River Street, So. Shaftsbury, Vt.

Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA

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Railroad Station, South Shaftsbury, Vt., 1910

Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA

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South Main Street, 1920

Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA

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Spring Brook Farm, 1925

Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA

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Birch Cabin, Lake Shaftsbury, Vt.

Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA

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Iron Kettle Motel

Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA

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Store, Shaftsbury, Vt., featuring Tydol Gasoline and Trojean Ice Cream

Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA

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Art Shop by the Road
Gilbert & Nora Smith
Route 7
Shaftsbury, Vt.

Discover Shaftsbury: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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  • 1791 - Population of Shaftsbury, Vermont - 1,999

    A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
  • 1800 - Population of Shaftsbury, Vermont - 1,895

    A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
  • 1801 - Patriotic Ceremony
    For the VERMONT GAZETTE - On Monday the 17th inst?, a very large and respectable number of inhabitants of Shaftsbury, and towns adjoining met at Major Asa Burnham's in said Shaftsbury for the purpose of celebrating that auspicious anniversary, which gave the first fatal check to the British savages, in the northern parts of the United States of America

    At half past one o'clock the company moved in procession from Major Burnham's to the Meetinghouse where the business of the day commenced by a pertinent and impressive address to the throne of grace, by elder Blood; after which an oration suitable suitable to the occasion was delivered by Doctor A. Woolcutt. The procession then returned to Major Burnham's, where Mr. M. Cobb delivered a short but animating oration to the military gentlemen attending under arms. At four o'clock the company partook of an elegant repast provided by Major Burnham for the occasion, after which the following toasts were drank, each one followed by a volley... Read MORE...

  • 1810 - Population of Shaftsbury, Vermont - 1,973

    A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
  • 1814 - Steel carpenter's square was invented by Silas Hawes of Shaftsbury in 1814.

    www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ vermont.html
  • 1820 - Population of Shaftsbury, Vermont - 2,022

    A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
  • 1830 - Population of Shaftsbury, Vermont - 2,143

    A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
  • News  1836 - Deacon George Galusha
    Deacon George Galusha, says a letter from Shaftsbury, Vermont, dated Nov. 21st, 'in a state of ill health and mental derangement, destroyed himself by hanging.' Mr Galusha was formerly Governor of Vermont.
    genealogybank.com
    New Bedford Gazette
    New Bedford, Massachusetts
    December 12, 1836

    Read more about George GALUSHA
  • News  1838 - INHUMAN MURDER.
    The wife of Mr. Phleman Bates was inhumanly murdered at Shaftsbury, Vermont, on the 2d inst., by the discharge of a rifle, supposed to have been in the hands of Mr. Bates' brother. He was arrested.
    The Sun
    Baltimore, Maryland
    October 11, 1838
  • 1839 - Shaftsbury
    Shaftsbury, Vermont
    Bennington county. This town lies between the Battenkill and Walloomsac, and gives to those rivers some tributaries. West mountain lies in this town and Arlington. Shaftsbury lies 97 miles S.S.W. from Montpelier and 8 N. from Bennington. First settled, 1763. Population, 1830, 2,143. Among the first settlers was the Hon. Jonas Galusha, late governor of the state. He was a captain in the militia in 1777, and commanded a company of the "Green mountain boys," at the battle of Bennington.

    Although the surface of Shaftsbury is elevated, the soil is generally of an excellent quality; it feeds 12,000 sheep, and its products of beef cattle and of the dairy are considerable. There are valuable beds of iron ore in the town, pine timber and quarries of beautiful marble. It has a number of manufacturing concerns on its small streams, a pleasant village, and a school fund of $10,000.
    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. Alphabetically arranged. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839
  • 1840 - Population of Shaftsbury, Vermont - 1,835

    A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
  • News  1841 - Supposed Murder
    The body of a young woman, named Mary Austin, was found in the woods in Shaftsbury, Vermont, a week or two since, and suspicions having since arisen that she was murdered, four individuals have been arrested for examination in regard to their knowledge of the matter.
    The Weekly Standard
    Raleigh, North Carolina
    October 20, 1841
  • 1849 Shaftsbury
    Shaftsbury lies between the Battenkill and Walloomscoik Rivers; it has no large streams. Some tributaries of each of these rivers rise here, which afford several mill privileges. West Mountain lies partly in this town and partly in Arlington. It extends into Shaftsbury about three miles and is about two miles in width. This mountain is timbered with chestnut, oak, maple, birch, etc. The soil is generally of a good quality and, in the southwestern part, is probably not exceeded in fertility by any in the State. The timber on the highlands is mostly chestnut and oak. The minerals are iron ore, of an excellent quality, and a beautiful white marble, which has been extensively quarried.

    The settlement of the town was commenced about the year 1763. Among the early settlers may be mentioned Messrs. Cole, Willoughby, Clark, Doolittle, Waldo and several families of Mattisons. The Hon. Jonas Galusha, late Governor of Vermont, came into this town in the spring of 1775. During the... Read MORE...

  • 1854 - Shaftsbury
    Shaftsbury, a post-village in Bennington co., Vermont, on the Western Vermont rail road, 100 miles S. S. W. from Montpelier. Population of township, 1896.
    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.
  • News  1864 - Seven deaths from diptheria occurred in 16 days in one house, occupied by two families, in the town of Shaftsbury, Vermont.


    genealogybank.com
    Lowell Daily Citizen and News
    Lowell, Massachusetts
    August 31, 1864
  • News  1873 - Another deposit of brown hematite iron ore has been found in South Shaftsbury, Vermont, near an iron furnace.


    The Indiana Progress
    Indiana, Pennsylvania
    May 15, 1873
  • News  1873 - Championship of Fat People
    Shaftsbury, Vermont, can put forward a claim for the championship of the State on fat people. Living in that town, which has a population of only 2,000, are five persons (four of them in one district) who weigh between 262 and 300 pounds. Among the five is a young lady, seventeen years of age, whose weight is 275 pounds, while one other maiden tips the scales at 300. The other three are of the male persuasion, and the lightest one of them weighs 262 pounds.
    The Indianapolis News
    Indianapolis, Indiana
    October 4, 1873
  • 1895 - Shaftsbury
    Shaftsbury, shafts'ber-e, a post-hamlet in Shaftsbury township, Bennington Co., Vt., on the Harlem Extension Railroad, 14 miles S.S.W. of Manchester, and about 8 miles N. of Bennington. It has a church. The township contains quarries of marble and a village named South Shaftsbury. Pop. of the township, 2027.
    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
    Shaflsbury, a post-village in Shaftsbury township (town), Bennington oo., Vt., on the Rutland R., 8 miles N. of Bennington. The town has quarries of marble. Pop. in 1900, 1857 ; of the village, about 125.
    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

  • 2023 - Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Shaftsbury:
    Lake Shaftsbury State Park:

    Start your visit by enjoying the beautiful Lake Shaftsbury State Park. It's perfect for swimming, picnicking, fishing, and non-motorized boating. There's also a lovely sandy beach where you can relax and soak up the sun.

    Hiking and Nature Trails:

    Shaftsbury is surrounded by natural beauty, and there are several hiking and nature trails in the area. Some popular options include the Shaftsbury Hollow Trail and the Lake Shaftsbury Trail. These trails offer a great opportunity to explore the local flora and fauna.

    Battenkill River:

    The Battenkill River is famous for its fly fishing. If you're an angler, this is a great place to cast your line and try to catch some trout or other freshwater fish.
    Apple Picking:

    In the fall, make sure to visit the local orchards. Shaftsbury and its neighboring towns offer fantastic apple picking opportunities. Consider a visit to Clear Brook Farm or Mad Tom Orchard to pick your own apples and enjoy delicious... Read MORE...

Discover Your Roots: Shaftsbury Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA

We currently have information about ancestors who were born or died in Shaftsbury.

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male ancestorNathan SALISBURY (5 August 1712, Rehoboth, Massachusetts, USA - 19 November 1791, Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA)
male ancestorEbenezer COLE (29 March 1712, Swansea, Massachusetts, USA (Ocean Grove) - 22 March 1794, Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA)
female ancestorMary WILSON (17 October 1714, Rehoboth, Massachusetts, USA - 26 March 1794, Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA)
male ancestorNathan HUNTINGTON (30 October 1730, Norwich, Connecticut, USA (Norwichtown) (Yantic) (Greeneville) (Occum) (Taftville) - 14 November 1794, Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA)
female ancestorAmie BROWN (BROWNE) (4 October 1732, Preston, Connecticut, USA (Poquetanuck) - 8 March 1796, Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA)
female ancestorElizabeth PARKER (3 February 1736, Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA - 11 August 1804, Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA)
male ancestorJoseph William AMES (10 June 1737, Mansfield, Connecticut, USA (Storrs) - 7 December 1831, Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA)
male ancestorAmos HUNTINGTON (4 September 1739, Norwich, Connecticut, USA (Norwichtown) (Yantic) (Greeneville) (Occum) (Taftville) - 2 July 1822, Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA)
female ancestorPeace CLARK (17 December 1740, Plainfield, Connecticut, USA (Moosup) (Wauregan) (Central Village) (Almyville) (Packerville) - 14 February 1825, Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA)

Ancestors Who Were Married in Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA

We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Shaftsbury.

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male ancestorJacob GALUSHA (28 December 1750 - 25 July 1834) and female ancestorParthenia HARD (14 April 1754 - 18 August 1846) married 13 February 1765
male ancestorBenjamin COLE (30 June 1750 - 25 October 1822) and female ancestorPrudence HARD (28 February 1755 - 1823) married 3 December 1778
male ancestorDavid COLE (15 April 1749 - 29 September 1845) and female ancestorZeruiah (Jerusha) HUNTINGTON (24 September 1757 - 24 May 1804) married 18 November 1784
male ancestorJohn HUNTINGTON (8 October 1763 - 1 October 1840) and female ancestorOlive CLARK ( - ) married 25 December 1788
male ancestorSimon BOTTUM (23 August 1759 - 7 February 1822) and female ancestorElizabeth HUNTINGTON (28 May 1767 - 12 March 1848) married 13 May 1790
male ancestorHenry HUNTINGTON (23 September 1765 - 19 August 1846) and female ancestorChloe STANLEY (6 July 1772 - 19 September 1812) married 16 June 1791
male ancestorHenry R AMES (12 March 1771 - 21 December 1857) and female ancestorPolly HASKINS (30 March 1773 - 1801) married 1791
male ancestorAmos HUNTINGTON (21 August 1768 - 24 September 1848) and female ancestorPamelia HURD (1770 - ) married 9 March 1794
male ancestorElias HUNTINGTON (31 October 1774 - 8 September 1854) and female ancestorAurelia GALUSHA (6 March 1779 - 30 April 1862) married 4 January 1798

Ancestors buried in Shaftsbury - Cemeteries in Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA

Shaftsbury Center Cemetery

Genealogy Resources for Shaftsbury

www.rootsweb.com

Elwell, Levi Henry, 1854-1916. The gravestone records of Shaftsbury, Bennington County, Vermont / copied and verified 1908-10 by Levi Henry Elwell. Amherst, Mass.: Composition and Press Work, 1911.

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Updated: 9/11/2023 12:24:18 PM

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