Seasonal stories & historical reading
History of Rockingham, Vermont, USA
Journey back in time to Rockingham, Vermont, USA
Also known as(Bellows Falls) (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport)
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Rockingham, Vermont, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Rockingham
Rockingham is a picturesque town located in Windham County, Vermont. It's known for its historic village of Bellows Falls, which features charming brick buildings and a stunning waterfall on the Connecticut River. Visitors can explore the quaint downtown area, enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, or take a scenic train ride along the river.
Rockingham contains:
Bartonsville, a hamlet with mills established by Jeremiah Barton about 1840, once a stop on the Rutland Railroad
Brockways Mills, a mill site and former stop on the Rutland Railroad
Cambridgeport, a hamlet with mills named after J.T. Campbridge, partially within the town of Grafton
Bellows Falls, village in Rockingham town (township), Windham county, southeastern Vermont, U.S., on the Connecticut River. It was settled about 1753 and named for Colonel Benjamin Bellows, an early property owner. britannica.com
Located along the Connecticut River, Bellows Falls is known for its picturesque downtown area, historic architecture, and the stunning Bellows Falls gorge.
Rockingham contains:
Bartonsville, a hamlet with mills established by Jeremiah Barton about 1840, once a stop on the Rutland Railroad
Brockways Mills, a mill site and former stop on the Rutland Railroad
Cambridgeport, a hamlet with mills named after J.T. Campbridge, partially within the town of Grafton
Bellows Falls, village in Rockingham town (township), Windham county, southeastern Vermont, U.S., on the Connecticut River. It was settled about 1753 and named for Colonel Benjamin Bellows, an early property owner. britannica.com
Located along the Connecticut River, Bellows Falls is known for its picturesque downtown area, historic architecture, and the stunning Bellows Falls gorge.
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VINTAGE ROCKINGHAM
Rockingham Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - The First Bridge Over the Connecticut River (Built 1785), Bellows Falls, Vermont){kind=small}
The First Bridge Over the Connecticut River (Built 1785), Bellows Falls, Vermont
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Oldest Church in Vermont, Rockingham, Vt.
Built 1787){kind=small}
Oldest Church in Vermont, Rockingham, Vt.
Built 1787
Built 1787
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Saxton's River Hotel, est. 1859){kind=small}
Saxton's River Hotel, est. 1859
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
Advertisement
 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - 1890s
The Vermont Farm Machine Co.
Bellows Falls, Vt.){kind=small}
1890s
The Vermont Farm Machine Co.
Bellows Falls, Vt.
The Vermont Farm Machine Co.
Bellows Falls, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Arch Bridge, Bellows Falls, Vt., Length 648 ft.){kind=small}
Arch Bridge, Bellows Falls, Vt., Length 648 ft.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Main Street looking West, Bellows Falls, Vt.){kind=small}
Main Street looking West, Bellows Falls, Vt.
Show more vintage photos, ads & postcards
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Tucker Toll Bridge, 1905){kind=small}
Tucker Toll Bridge, 1905
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Westminster High Bridge, Bellows Falls, Vermont, 1907){kind=small}
Westminster High Bridge, Bellows Falls, Vermont, 1907
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Island House Fire
August 14, 1907
Bellows Falls, Vt.){kind=small}
Island House Fire
August 14, 1907
Bellows Falls, Vt.
August 14, 1907
Bellows Falls, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - 44 Steps, Bellows Falls, Vt.){kind=small}
44 Steps, Bellows Falls, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Street view at Cambridgeport, Vt.){kind=small}
Street view at Cambridgeport, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, Vt., 1909){kind=small}
Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, Vt., 1909
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Farnsworth Hall, Saxton's River, Vt.){kind=small}
Farnsworth Hall, Saxton's River, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Main Street, Saxton's River, Vt.){kind=small}
Main Street, Saxton's River, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - High School Building, Bellows Falls, Vt.){kind=small}
High School Building, Bellows Falls, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Main Street){kind=small}
Main Street
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - New Concrete Bridge, Canal Street){kind=small}
New Concrete Bridge, Canal Street
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Vermont Academy, Saxtons River, Vt.){kind=small}
Vermont Academy, Saxtons River, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Cushing's Store, Cambridgeport, Vt.){kind=small}
Cushing's Store, Cambridgeport, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Bellows Falls Fair
Oct. 4, 1910){kind=small}
Bellows Falls Fair
Oct. 4, 1910
Oct. 4, 1910
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - R.R. Station, Bellows Falls){kind=small}
R.R. Station, Bellows Falls
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Rockingham Public Library, Bellows Falls, Vt.){kind=small}
Rockingham Public Library, Bellows Falls, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Birds Eye View Saxtons River, Vt. Showing Vermont Academy Buildings){kind=small}
Birds Eye View Saxtons River, Vt. Showing Vermont Academy Buildings
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Lawrence Mills - near Bellows Falls, Vt.){kind=small}
Lawrence Mills - near Bellows Falls, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Blake & Higgins Paper Mills, Bellows Falls, Vt.){kind=small}
Blake & Higgins Paper Mills, Bellows Falls, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Green St., Bellows Falls, Vt.){kind=small}
Green St., Bellows Falls, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Rockingham Hospital, Bellows Falls, Vt.){kind=small}
Rockingham Hospital, Bellows Falls, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Bellows Falls Fair, Oct. 1, 1912){kind=small}
Bellows Falls Fair, Oct. 1, 1912
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Ruins of the $250,000.00 Fire in Business Section of Bellows Falls, Vt., on March 26, 1912){kind=small}
Ruins of the $250,000.00 Fire in Business Section of Bellows Falls, Vt., on March 26, 1912
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Bellows Falls Fair
Sept 30, 1913){kind=small}
Bellows Falls Fair
Sept 30, 1913
Sept 30, 1913
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Main Street, 1915){kind=small}
Main Street, 1915
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - At Barber Park, Bellows Falls, Vt.){kind=small}
At Barber Park, Bellows Falls, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Bartonsville Station){kind=small}
Bartonsville Station
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Saxtons River Woolen Mill and Bridge, Saxtons River, Vt.){kind=small}
Saxtons River Woolen Mill and Bridge, Saxtons River, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Town Hall and West Side of Square, Bellows Falls, Vt.){kind=small}
Town Hall and West Side of Square, Bellows Falls, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Main Street, Cambridgeport, Vt.){kind=small}
Main Street, Cambridgeport, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Henry Street, Bellows Falls, Vt.){kind=small}
Henry Street, Bellows Falls, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Rockingham Memorial Hospital, Bellows Falls, Vt.){kind=small}
Rockingham Memorial Hospital, Bellows Falls, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Vilas Bridge, Bellows Falls, Vt.){kind=small}
Vilas Bridge, Bellows Falls, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Home of the United States Cream Separator){kind=small}
Home of the United States Cream Separator
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Freys Factory Mill at Saxton's River, Vt.){kind=small}
Freys Factory Mill at Saxton's River, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - The Twin Falls, Bellows Falls, Vt.){kind=small}
The Twin Falls, Bellows Falls, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Vt. Academy, Saxtons River, Vt.){kind=small}
Vt. Academy, Saxtons River, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Hotel Windham, Bellows Falls, Vt.){kind=small}
Hotel Windham, Bellows Falls, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - New Post Office){kind=small}
New Post Office
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Fuller Store, Saxtons River, Vt.){kind=small}
Fuller Store, Saxtons River, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - The Inn, Saxton's River, Vt. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. G. McIlhiney){kind=small}
The Inn, Saxton's River, Vt. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. G. McIlhiney
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Harwood Residence, Cambridgeport, Vt.){kind=small}
Harwood Residence, Cambridgeport, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - C. A. Stone's Mill, Saxtons River, Vt.){kind=small}
C. A. Stone's Mill, Saxtons River, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Rockingham High School, Bellows Falls, Vermont){kind=small}
Rockingham High School, Bellows Falls, Vermont
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Barber Park Restaurant
Bellows Falls, Vt.){kind=small}
Barber Park Restaurant
Bellows Falls, Vt.
Bellows Falls, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Down the Connecticut from Bellows Falls, Vermont){kind=small}
Down the Connecticut from Bellows Falls, Vermont
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Proctor Hall, Saxton's River, Vt.){kind=small}
Proctor Hall, Saxton's River, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Post Office, Saxton's River, Vt.
The Fuller Hardware Co.){kind=small}
Post Office, Saxton's River, Vt.
The Fuller Hardware Co.
The Fuller Hardware Co.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - The Highlands - Jct. 103 and U.S. 5 - Bellows Falls, Vermont){kind=small}
The Highlands - Jct. 103 and U.S. 5 - Bellows Falls, Vermont
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Chimes Cafe){kind=small}
Chimes Cafe
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Miss Bellows Falls Diner){kind=small}
Miss Bellows Falls Diner
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Nurses' Home, Rockingham Memorial Hospital, Bellows Falls, Vt.){kind=small}
Nurses' Home, Rockingham Memorial Hospital, Bellows Falls, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Rockingham Memorial Hospital, Bellows Falls, Vt.){kind=small}
Rockingham Memorial Hospital, Bellows Falls, Vt.
Rockingham, Vermont, USA
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 (Saxton's River) (Cambridgeport) - Steamtown, USA, Bellows Falls, Vermont){kind=small}
Steamtown, USA, Bellows Falls, Vermont
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to ROCKINGHAM
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!
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Rockingham: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Rockingham through the years.
1791 - Population of Rockingham, Vermont - 1,235
1800 - Population of Rockingham, Vermont - 1,684
1810 - Population of Rockingham, Vermont - 1,954
1820 - Population of Rockingham, Vermont - 2,155
1830 - Population of Rockingham, Vermont - 2,272
1839 - Rockingham
Rockingham, Vermont
Windham county. This town is beautifully situated on the west side of Connecticut river, and at the celebrated "Bellows Falls," noted under Walpole, N.H. The water power afforded by these falls, with that of Williams and Saxton's rivers, which pass through the town, are of vast extent; it cannot fail of becoming exceedingly useful and of rendering this town and vicinity the site of immense manufacturing operations.
This place lies on a navigable river, 65 miles above Northampton, and 85 above Springfield, Mass., 111 above Hartford, Ct., and 23 below Windsor, Vt. It is 85 miles S. from Montpelier, and 18 N.E. from Newfane. First settled in 1753. Population, 1830, 2,272.
The surface of the town is uneven; but the soil is generally strong, warm and productive. Its agricultural products are considerable: in 1837 it pastured 12,600 sheep.
The location of Rockingham renders it a mart of much interior trade, and has caused the erection of a number of pleasant...
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Windham county. This town is beautifully situated on the west side of Connecticut river, and at the celebrated "Bellows Falls," noted under Walpole, N.H. The water power afforded by these falls, with that of Williams and Saxton's rivers, which pass through the town, are of vast extent; it cannot fail of becoming exceedingly useful and of rendering this town and vicinity the site of immense manufacturing operations.
This place lies on a navigable river, 65 miles above Northampton, and 85 above Springfield, Mass., 111 above Hartford, Ct., and 23 below Windsor, Vt. It is 85 miles S. from Montpelier, and 18 N.E. from Newfane. First settled in 1753. Population, 1830, 2,272.
The surface of the town is uneven; but the soil is generally strong, warm and productive. Its agricultural products are considerable: in 1837 it pastured 12,600 sheep.
The location of Rockingham renders it a mart of much interior trade, and has caused the erection of a number of pleasant...
1840 - Population of Rockingham, Vermont - 2,330
1849 Rockingham
Windham Co. Connecticut River washes the eastern border of this township. William's River runs through the central part, and unites with the Connecticut about three miles north of Bellows Falls. Saxton's River runs through the south part, and falls into the Connecticut a mile south of Bellows Falls, in the north-east comer of Westminster. These streams afford a great number of valuable sites for
mills.
The surface of Rockingham is somewhat broken, but the soil is in general warm and productive.
Bellows Falls are in Connecticut River, near the south-east comer of this town. The breadth of the river above the falls is from sixteen to twenty-two rods. At the falls a large rock divides the stream into two channels, each about ninety feet wide. When the water is low, the eastern appears crossed by a bar of solid rock, and the whole river flows into the western channel, where it is contracted to the breadth of sixteen feet, and flows with astonishing rapidity. There are several...
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mills.
The surface of Rockingham is somewhat broken, but the soil is in general warm and productive.
Bellows Falls are in Connecticut River, near the south-east comer of this town. The breadth of the river above the falls is from sixteen to twenty-two rods. At the falls a large rock divides the stream into two channels, each about ninety feet wide. When the water is low, the eastern appears crossed by a bar of solid rock, and the whole river flows into the western channel, where it is contracted to the breadth of sixteen feet, and flows with astonishing rapidity. There are several...
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1849 Bellows Falls
There are in Rockingham several pleasant villages. Bellows Falls Village, situated on the bank of the Connecticut at Bellows Falls, in the south-eastern part of the town, is the most important.
A gazetteer of Vermont, containing descriptions of all the counties, towns, and districts in the state; and of all its principal mountains, rivers, waterfalls, harbors, islands, and curious places. To which are added, statistical accounts of its agriculture, commerce and manufactures; with ... other useful information
by John Hayward
Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason
1849
A gazetteer of Vermont, containing descriptions of all the counties, towns, and districts in the state; and of all its principal mountains, rivers, waterfalls, harbors, islands, and curious places. To which are added, statistical accounts of its agriculture, commerce and manufactures; with ... other useful information
by John Hayward
Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason
1849
1852 - Fire at Bellows Falls, Vermont.
SPRINGFIELD, Monday, Dec. 20. The Valley Hotel at Bellows Falls, Vermont was destroyed by fire early this morning. The inmates barely escaped with their lives.
1854 - Bellows Falls
Bellows Falls, a post-village of Wind ham county, Vermont, on the E. side of Con necticut river, 80 miles S. by W. from Mont- pelier. In the river, nearly opposite this place, are numerous falls, having a descent of 44 feet in the course of half a mile. Around these falls, a canal with nine locks has been cut through the solid rock. A bridge, erected in 1785, of above 350 feet in length, crosses the river at this place. The village is situated at the intersection of the railroads connecting Boston with Montreal, and New Haven with St. Johnsbury. It is remarkable for its beautiful scenery, and for containing a celebrated medicinal spring. There is a bank in the village.
1888 - AN EXPRESS TRAIN WRECKED. AND BOTH THE ENGINEER AND FIREMAN WERE KILLED.
BELLOWS FALLS, Vt., April 7. - The night express train on the Vermont Central Railroad which left Boston at 7 o'clock last night was wrecked about 10:40 o'clock by a washout near Rockingham, five miles north of this place. The engineer, Moses Pratt, of Rutland, and the fireman, John Pratt, of Rutland, were instantly killed, and several persons injured. The train reached this station at 10"30 o'clock. At this point it was taken in charge by Conductor Whitney. The train consisted of the engine and tender, one baggage and express car, a first-class passenger coach and a Wagner car with passengers for Ottawa. About a quarter of a mile north of Rockingham there is a long embankment about 100 feet high. Just as the train started over this embankment the left side of the single track gave way and the engine left the roadway and toppled down the embankment nearly into the Williams River, followed by the baggage car, which contained 12 passengers, followed suit and landed on end half way down...
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1889 - PASSENGERS HAD A NARROW ESCAPE
BELLOWS FALLS, Vt., March 20. - The Montreal and Boston night express over the Central Vermont Railway, Rutland Division, which reaches Boston at 5:15 A. M., met with a serious accident this morning about one mile north of Rockingham station and six miles north of here. The scene of the disaster was where the road winds along the east bank of Williams River, with an embankment on the right side 30 feet steep into the river, and on the left side a high mountain of rocks.
The engine, upon rounding a curve while running at a fair rate of speed, struck a huge boulder which had rolled from above, throwing the train, consisting of baggage car, passenger, and Wagner sleeping coach, entirely from the track, but fortunately they went off on the side away from the embankment. All escaped, some, however, with more or less serious injuries.
The engine, upon rounding a curve while running at a fair rate of speed, struck a huge boulder which had rolled from above, throwing the train, consisting of baggage car, passenger, and Wagner sleeping coach, entirely from the track, but fortunately they went off on the side away from the embankment. All escaped, some, however, with more or less serious injuries.
1895 - Rockingham
Rockingham, a post-hamlet and township of Wind ham co., Vt., on Williams River, and on the Central Vermont Railroad, 5 miles N. of Bellows Falls. It is bounded on the E. by the Connecticut River. It contains a bank, an academy, a newspaper office, 3 paper-mills, and 2 woollen-mills. Pop. of the township, including Bellows Falls, 3797. It also contains a village named Saxton's River.
1895 - Flood
...The most damage in Vermont was done at Bellows Falls, where the Connecticut river is very narrow. An old railroad bridge was swept away, and there has been great damage to the Boston and Maine railroad tunnel, being flooded and rendered impassable. The mills are all closed...
1901 - ON THE VERY EDGE Rutland Shifter Just Escaped a Bad Fall JUMPED TRACK AT BELLOWS FALLS Crew All Uninjured but Death Was but a Few Feet Distant- An Elopement at Rutland.
(Special to The Messenger.)
Bellows Falls, June 3. - A shifting engine, Bristol No. 1, of the Rutland railroad, when going around the curve near the toll bridge across the falls of the Connecticut river, struck a broken rail, and went off the track and just escaped going off the steep embankment on to the rocks in the river below.
Brakeman John Keefe and Yardmaster W. W. Dodge jumped, but the engineer, David Keefe and the fireman, George Lavallee, hadn't time. None of the men were injured, but they had a narrow escape from death.
Bellows Falls, June 3. - A shifting engine, Bristol No. 1, of the Rutland railroad, when going around the curve near the toll bridge across the falls of the Connecticut river, struck a broken rail, and went off the track and just escaped going off the steep embankment on to the rocks in the river below.
Brakeman John Keefe and Yardmaster W. W. Dodge jumped, but the engineer, David Keefe and the fireman, George Lavallee, hadn't time. None of the men were injured, but they had a narrow escape from death.
1906
Rockingham, a post-village and township (town) of Windham co., Vt., on the Williams River and on the Rutland R., 5 miles N. of Bellows Falls. Pop. of the town (including Bellows Falls) in 1900, 5809.
1910 - FIRE IN VERMONT ACADEMY Farnsworth Hall Totally Destroyed at Loss of $30,000, While Students Were Home for Christmas Vacation.
Farnsworth hall, one of the main buildings of Vermont academy grounds and aroused Principal Lawson and others. The fire stated from some unknown cause, and it spread rapidly with the help of a strong wind, so the the entire structure was consumed within an hour. No one had been in the building since early in the day, as the students and teachers left Wednesday for their Christmas vacation. All their efforts were burned, with the exception of a few trunks and a little furniture. It is thought that the fire started in the front of the building on the first floor.
A large number of townspeople answered the alarm, but all were helpless. There was no water, because of the present shortage of water, and had there been it were useless to try to save the building itself. All attention was turned to Fuller hall, and every attempt made to insure its safety. A large number of people were set to work carrying the records of the academy and the valuable papers from the school offices to a place ...
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A large number of townspeople answered the alarm, but all were helpless. There was no water, because of the present shortage of water, and had there been it were useless to try to save the building itself. All attention was turned to Fuller hall, and every attempt made to insure its safety. A large number of people were set to work carrying the records of the academy and the valuable papers from the school offices to a place ...
1912 - BELLOWS FALLS HAS BIG FIRE. HOTEL AND TWO BIG BLOCKS DESTROYED AT LOSS OF $200,000.
Bellows Falls, Vt., March 26. - The three principal business structures here, the Union and Arms blocks and the Hotel Windham were destroyed by fire, early today, at a loss of $200,000. For hours it was feared the whole business section of the city would be wiped out, but the flames were contained to two blocks and the hotel.
Thirty guests were asleep in the hotel when the fire started in the Union block, but hotel employes aroused the sleepers in time to rise and escape. One aged man was carried out after the hotel was afire.
All the burned buildings were of brick, the Arms and Union three stories, and the hotel four. The hotel loss is $50,000 and the other losses are $75,000 each.
The fire, it is thought was caused by a carelessly thrown cigarette butt. When the firemen arrived the Union block was a mass of flames and attention was directed in saving nearby property. North Walpole rendered assistance. The sky was lighted for miles around.
Thirty guests were asleep in the hotel when the fire started in the Union block, but hotel employes aroused the sleepers in time to rise and escape. One aged man was carried out after the hotel was afire.
All the burned buildings were of brick, the Arms and Union three stories, and the hotel four. The hotel loss is $50,000 and the other losses are $75,000 each.
The fire, it is thought was caused by a carelessly thrown cigarette butt. When the firemen arrived the Union block was a mass of flames and attention was directed in saving nearby property. North Walpole rendered assistance. The sky was lighted for miles around.
1920 - SIX DEAD IN RUTLAND WRECK IN VERMONT Boston-Montreal Express and Freight Train Crash Head-On - Several Passengers Injured.
BELLOWS FALLS, Vt., March 14. - Five men were killed, one died later, four were severely injured and several suffered lesser injuries in a head-on collision late today between the Boston and Montreal Express, northbound, and a freight on the Rutland Railroad four miles north of here.
F. S. Lent of Rockingham, a passenger, who was taken to a hospital, died early tonight.
The other dead were the two engineers, one fireman and two brakemen.
For of the bodies were still under the wreckage tonight. The dead engineers were Thomas Sullivan of Bellows Falls, in charge of the passenger train, and George Cady of Rutland, in charge of the freight.
Two of the men reported injured were A. G. Simonds of Portland, Me., and Enoch Dulosh of Ludlow. Their condition was said to be serious.
A porter was taken to the hospital but was found to be suffering only from cuts and abrasions and was permitted to leave.
The engines were badly smashed and the wreckage has blocked both...
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F. S. Lent of Rockingham, a passenger, who was taken to a hospital, died early tonight.
The other dead were the two engineers, one fireman and two brakemen.
For of the bodies were still under the wreckage tonight. The dead engineers were Thomas Sullivan of Bellows Falls, in charge of the passenger train, and George Cady of Rutland, in charge of the freight.
Two of the men reported injured were A. G. Simonds of Portland, Me., and Enoch Dulosh of Ludlow. Their condition was said to be serious.
A porter was taken to the hospital but was found to be suffering only from cuts and abrasions and was permitted to leave.
The engines were badly smashed and the wreckage has blocked both...
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Rockingham:
Visit the Vermont Country Store:
Explore this iconic store that has been operating since 1946. It offers a nostalgic shopping experience with a wide range of Vermont-made products, old-fashioned toys, and delicious treats.
Saxtons River Distillery:
Take a tour of the Saxtons River Distillery and learn about the art of crafting small-batch spirits. Don't forget to sample their unique Vermont maple liqueur.
Bellows Falls Opera House:
Check the schedule for events at the Bellows Falls Opera House. This historic venue hosts concerts, theater productions, and community events.
Great River Outfitters:
If you're an outdoor enthusiast, consider a kayaking or tubing adventure with Great River Outfitters. They offer rentals and guided trips along the Connecticut River.
Explore Main Street:
Stroll along Main Street in Bellows Falls to discover charming shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. The historic architecture adds to the town's character.
Bartonsville Covered...
Read more
Explore this iconic store that has been operating since 1946. It offers a nostalgic shopping experience with a wide range of Vermont-made products, old-fashioned toys, and delicious treats.
Saxtons River Distillery:
Take a tour of the Saxtons River Distillery and learn about the art of crafting small-batch spirits. Don't forget to sample their unique Vermont maple liqueur.
Bellows Falls Opera House:
Check the schedule for events at the Bellows Falls Opera House. This historic venue hosts concerts, theater productions, and community events.
Great River Outfitters:
If you're an outdoor enthusiast, consider a kayaking or tubing adventure with Great River Outfitters. They offer rentals and guided trips along the Connecticut River.
Explore Main Street:
Stroll along Main Street in Bellows Falls to discover charming shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. The historic architecture adds to the town's character.
Bartonsville Covered...
GENEALOGY IN ROCKINGHAM
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Updated: 1/10/2025 12:50:54 PM
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