History of Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA

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

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.
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New Bedford Gazette
New Bedford, Massachusetts
December 12, 1836

Read more about George GALUSHA

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. 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

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
BENNINGTON Co. 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.

Boundaries. North by Arlington, east by Glastenbury, south by Bennington, and west by Cambridge, New York.

First Settlers. 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... 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.

1864 - Seven deaths from diptheria occurred in 16 days in one house, occupied by two families, in the town of Shaftsbury, Vermont.


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Lowell Daily Citizen and News
Lowell, Massachusetts
August 31, 1864

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

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

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...