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History of St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
Journey back in time to St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
Explore St Johnsbury, 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 St Johnsbury Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

St Johnsbury, Caledonia, Vermont, USA
St. Johnsbury was named after Michel Guillaume St. Jean de Vrevecoeur, who was also known as J. Hector St. John, author of "Letters from an American Farmer". St. John was a friend of George Washington and Ben Franklin, as well as a correspondent of Ethan Allen. He had an enthusiasm for the Republic of Vermont and for place names. He suggested the names Vergennes, Danville and St. Johnsbury. Realizing that several places already bore the name of St. John, J. Hector suggested the longer name, St. Johnsbury, which remains the only place with that name in the world. vermonter.com
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St Johnsbury Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
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Discover St Johnsbury: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1791 - Population of St. Johnsbury, Vermont - 143
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 St. Johnsbury, Vermont - 663
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
1810 - Population of St. Johnsbury, Vermont - 1,334
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 St. Johnsbury, Vermont - 1,404
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 - Platform scale was built by Thaddeus Fairbanks at St. Johnsbury in 1830.
www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ vermont.html
www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ vermont.html
1830 - Population of St. Johnsbury, Vermont - 1,592
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
1839 - St. Johnsbury
St. Johnsbury, Vermont
Caledonia county. This pleasant and flourishing town is 35 miles N.E. from Montpelier, 57 N. from Hanover, N.H., and 7 E. from Danville. The town was organized in 1790. Population, 1830, 1,592; 1838, about 2,000. The surface is uneven, but the soil is generally strong and fertile. In 1837 there were 4,546 sheep in the town.
The amount of available water power in St. Johnsbury is great and valuable, indicating its future inportance as a site for large manufactories. The Passumpsic river, a considerable stream, which falls into Connecticut river at the foot of Fifteen Mile Falls, passes through the central part of the town from north to south. Moose and Sleeper's rivers unite with the Passumpsic and afford a succession of excellent mill seats seldom so closely combined.
On Sleeper's river is the establishment of E. and I. Fairbanks, for the manufacture of their improved platform balances, on an extensive scale; also iron works of various kinds, on the other ... Read MORE...
St. Johnsbury, Vermont
Caledonia county. This pleasant and flourishing town is 35 miles N.E. from Montpelier, 57 N. from Hanover, N.H., and 7 E. from Danville. The town was organized in 1790. Population, 1830, 1,592; 1838, about 2,000. The surface is uneven, but the soil is generally strong and fertile. In 1837 there were 4,546 sheep in the town.
The amount of available water power in St. Johnsbury is great and valuable, indicating its future inportance as a site for large manufactories. The Passumpsic river, a considerable stream, which falls into Connecticut river at the foot of Fifteen Mile Falls, passes through the central part of the town from north to south. Moose and Sleeper's rivers unite with the Passumpsic and afford a succession of excellent mill seats seldom so closely combined.
On Sleeper's river is the establishment of E. and I. Fairbanks, for the manufacture of their improved platform balances, on an extensive scale; also iron works of various kinds, on the other ... Read MORE...
1840 - Population of St. Johnsbury, Vermont - 1,887
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 St. Johnsbury
Caledonia Co. The Passumpsic River runs through this town from north to south. and receives, just below the Plain, the Moose River, a considerable stream from the north-east, and Sleeper's River, a smaller tributary, from the north-west. The amount of available water power, furnished by these streams within the town, exceeds that of any other town in this part of the State, and affords facilities for manufacturing operations to any desirable amount.
The business of the town centres in three villages. The Centre village, so called, lies upon the Passumpsic River, in the northerly part of the town. It has been of rapid growth, and does a prosperous business.
The East Village, situated upon Moose River, in the cast part of the town, is the natural centre for the business of parts of St. Johnsbury, Waterford, Concord, Kirby, Victory, and Bradleyvale.
The pleasant village called the Plain is situated in the southerly part of the town.
All these villages are important places... Read MORE...
Caledonia Co. The Passumpsic River runs through this town from north to south. and receives, just below the Plain, the Moose River, a considerable stream from the north-east, and Sleeper's River, a smaller tributary, from the north-west. The amount of available water power, furnished by these streams within the town, exceeds that of any other town in this part of the State, and affords facilities for manufacturing operations to any desirable amount.
The business of the town centres in three villages. The Centre village, so called, lies upon the Passumpsic River, in the northerly part of the town. It has been of rapid growth, and does a prosperous business.
The East Village, situated upon Moose River, in the cast part of the town, is the natural centre for the business of parts of St. Johnsbury, Waterford, Concord, Kirby, Victory, and Bradleyvale.
The pleasant village called the Plain is situated in the southerly part of the town.
All these villages are important places... Read MORE...
1854 - St Johnsbury
St. Johnsbury, a post-township of Caledonia co., Vermont, about 35 miles N. E. from Montpelier. The village is the N. terminus of the Connecticut and Passumpsic Rivers railroad. It contains 1 bank, and an extensive manfactory of weighing scales. Population of the township, 2758.
St. Johnsbury Centre, a post-office of Caledonia co., Vermont.
St. Johnsbury East, a post-office of Caledonia co., Vermont.
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.
St. Johnsbury, a post-township of Caledonia co., Vermont, about 35 miles N. E. from Montpelier. The village is the N. terminus of the Connecticut and Passumpsic Rivers railroad. It contains 1 bank, and an extensive manfactory of weighing scales. Population of the township, 2758.
St. Johnsbury Centre, a post-office of Caledonia co., Vermont.
St. Johnsbury East, a post-office of Caledonia co., Vermont.
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.
1869 - An attempt to poison a miller at St. Johnsbury, Vt.,was made a few days ago
by leaving a plug of tobacco in his mill, with strychine enough to kill twenty men concealed in one end of it.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 30, 1869
by leaving a plug of tobacco in his mill, with strychine enough to kill twenty men concealed in one end of it.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 30, 1869
1876 - J. W. Willard of St. Johnsbury was prostrated by sun-stroke, the 19th, and lies in critical condition.
St Albans Daily Messenger
St Albans, Vermont
July 21, 1876
St Albans Daily Messenger
St Albans, Vermont
July 21, 1876
1893 - SHAKEN BY AN EARTHQUAKE
MILD SENSATION IN THE CHAMPLAIN VALLEY REGION.
Considerable Alarm Felt in Montreal, Particularly in the Narrow Streets - Buildings Tremble and the Inmates Flee in Fright - Residents of Malone Greatly Excited - Reached Over Into New-Hampshire and Massachusetts.
BURLINGTON, Vt., Nov. 27.- A severe earthquake shock shook the buildings throughout the city at 11:53 o'clock this forenoon. The duration of the shock was about fifteen seconds. It was accompanied by a low rumbling noise. Telegrams and telephone messages from surrounding towns report the shock as having occurred simultaneously throughout Western Vermont. Eastern New-York, and most of the Providence of Quebec and a part of Ontario...
ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt., Nov. 27. - An earthquake shock of considerable proportion was experienced here about noon to-day. The tremor lasted three or four seconds. Buildings shook perceptibly, as if under the influence of some near-by explosion. It was the heaviest shock felt here for many... Read MORE...
MILD SENSATION IN THE CHAMPLAIN VALLEY REGION.
Considerable Alarm Felt in Montreal, Particularly in the Narrow Streets - Buildings Tremble and the Inmates Flee in Fright - Residents of Malone Greatly Excited - Reached Over Into New-Hampshire and Massachusetts.
BURLINGTON, Vt., Nov. 27.- A severe earthquake shock shook the buildings throughout the city at 11:53 o'clock this forenoon. The duration of the shock was about fifteen seconds. It was accompanied by a low rumbling noise. Telegrams and telephone messages from surrounding towns report the shock as having occurred simultaneously throughout Western Vermont. Eastern New-York, and most of the Providence of Quebec and a part of Ontario...
ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt., Nov. 27. - An earthquake shock of considerable proportion was experienced here about noon to-day. The tremor lasted three or four seconds. Buildings shook perceptibly, as if under the influence of some near-by explosion. It was the heaviest shock felt here for many... Read MORE...
1895 - St Johnsbury
Saint Johns'bury, a post-village, capital of Caledonia. co., Vt., in St. Johnsbury township, on the Passumpsic River, and on the Passumpsic Railroad where it crosses the Portland & Ogdensburg Railroad, 21 miles N. of Wells River, 44 miles S. of Newport, and about 34 miles E.N.E. of Montpelier. It contains a fine court-house on a hill, a graded school, an academy, a soldiers' monument, the athenaeum, which has a library of about 9000 volumes, a national bank, which has a capital of $500,000, a savings bank, 8 or 9 churches, and printing-offices which issue 2 weekly newspapers. Here are several foundries, machine shops, manufactories of farming-implements, and Fair banks & Co.'s large manufactory of scales and balances, which employs about 300 men, and produces scales and balances to the value of $1,500,000 annually. Mowing- and threshing-machines are also made here. Pop, in 1890, 3857; of the township, 6567.
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
Saint Johns'bury, a post-village, capital of Caledonia. co., Vt., in St. Johnsbury township, on the Passumpsic River, and on the Passumpsic Railroad where it crosses the Portland & Ogdensburg Railroad, 21 miles N. of Wells River, 44 miles S. of Newport, and about 34 miles E.N.E. of Montpelier. It contains a fine court-house on a hill, a graded school, an academy, a soldiers' monument, the athenaeum, which has a library of about 9000 volumes, a national bank, which has a capital of $500,000, a savings bank, 8 or 9 churches, and printing-offices which issue 2 weekly newspapers. Here are several foundries, machine shops, manufactories of farming-implements, and Fair banks & Co.'s large manufactory of scales and balances, which employs about 300 men, and produces scales and balances to the value of $1,500,000 annually. Mowing- and threshing-machines are also made here. Pop, in 1890, 3857; of the township, 6567.
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
1903 - DEATH-DEALING AUTOMOBILE. Machine Runs Away at a Vermont Fair, Killing One Man and Injuring Two.
ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt., Sept. 17. - An automobile, speeding at the rate of fifty miles an hour at the Caledonia County fair grounds, to-day dashed over an embankment fifteen feet high, causing the death of Herbert Lamphere. Dr. John M. Allen, who was operating the machine, was severely injured, and another man, named Fred Garrick, was hurt.
The accident occurred in the course of an automobile race. Dr. John M. Allen had made the first quarter of the fourth heat in 23 seconds, closely followed by Edmund Follinsby, when the doctor lost control of his automobile on a sharp curve. At this point he was recording a speed of nearly fifty miles an hour. Suddenly the heavy machine left the track and dashed down an embankment fifteen feet high.
Herbert Lamphere, who was riding on the front of the machine for the purpose of balancing the automobile in going around curves, was thrown against a hitching rail and almost instantly killed. His skull was crushed.
Dr. Allen's machine was overturned, ... Read MORE...
ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt., Sept. 17. - An automobile, speeding at the rate of fifty miles an hour at the Caledonia County fair grounds, to-day dashed over an embankment fifteen feet high, causing the death of Herbert Lamphere. Dr. John M. Allen, who was operating the machine, was severely injured, and another man, named Fred Garrick, was hurt.
The accident occurred in the course of an automobile race. Dr. John M. Allen had made the first quarter of the fourth heat in 23 seconds, closely followed by Edmund Follinsby, when the doctor lost control of his automobile on a sharp curve. At this point he was recording a speed of nearly fifty miles an hour. Suddenly the heavy machine left the track and dashed down an embankment fifteen feet high.
Herbert Lamphere, who was riding on the front of the machine for the purpose of balancing the automobile in going around curves, was thrown against a hitching rail and almost instantly killed. His skull was crushed.
Dr. Allen's machine was overturned, ... Read MORE...
1905 - EX-SENATOR ROSS HURT. Train Hit Sleigh and Vermont's Jurist's Wife Was Killed.
ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt., Feb. 21. - While Jonathan Ross, formerly United States Senator and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Vermont, was driving with his wife this afternoon their sleigh was struck by a train on the St. Johnsbury and Lake Champlain Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad, and Mrs. Ross was killed, Judge Ross was severely injured.
The accident occurred at Gould's Crossing, about two miles from East St. Johnsbury. The horse which Judge Ross was driving became frightened at the approach of a west-bound freight train and dashed between two of its cars. The sleigh was demolished, and the Judge and Mrs. Ross were hurled many feet away. Mrs. Ross was instantly killed and Judge Ross was rendered unconscious. The train was stopped as quickly as possible, and the victims were brought here in the caboose.
A hasty examination by physicians showed that Judge Ross had suffered a broken hip. As the Judge is over eighty years old, it was feared that this injury, together with... Read MORE...
ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt., Feb. 21. - While Jonathan Ross, formerly United States Senator and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Vermont, was driving with his wife this afternoon their sleigh was struck by a train on the St. Johnsbury and Lake Champlain Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad, and Mrs. Ross was killed, Judge Ross was severely injured.
The accident occurred at Gould's Crossing, about two miles from East St. Johnsbury. The horse which Judge Ross was driving became frightened at the approach of a west-bound freight train and dashed between two of its cars. The sleigh was demolished, and the Judge and Mrs. Ross were hurled many feet away. Mrs. Ross was instantly killed and Judge Ross was rendered unconscious. The train was stopped as quickly as possible, and the victims were brought here in the caboose.
A hasty examination by physicians showed that Judge Ross had suffered a broken hip. As the Judge is over eighty years old, it was feared that this injury, together with... Read MORE...
1906
Saint Johnsbury, a post-village, capital of Caledonia co., Vt., in St. Johnsbury township (town), on the Pasrumpsic River and on the Boston and Maine and the St. Johnsbury and Lake Champlain Rs., 34 miles NE. of Montpelier. It contains the Fairbanks Museum, St. Johnsbury Academy, an art-gallery, public library (with 17,000 volumes), and extensive manufactories of weighing-scales, engines, electrical machines, and agricultural implements. Pop. in 1900, 5666; of the town, 7010.
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
Saint Johnsbury, a post-village, capital of Caledonia co., Vt., in St. Johnsbury township (town), on the Pasrumpsic River and on the Boston and Maine and the St. Johnsbury and Lake Champlain Rs., 34 miles NE. of Montpelier. It contains the Fairbanks Museum, St. Johnsbury Academy, an art-gallery, public library (with 17,000 volumes), and extensive manufactories of weighing-scales, engines, electrical machines, and agricultural implements. Pop. in 1900, 5666; of the town, 7010.
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
1922 - CARS OVERTURN IN WRECK. Spreading Rails Cause Accident in Vermont.
ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt., July 15. - Twenty-four passengers in a Pullman car on the Portland-Montreal train of the Maine Central Railroad were severely shaken up and scores in other cars narrowly escaped injury when the train, due in this city at 2:20 P. M. today, was wrecked at East St. Johnsbury, a few miles out.
Three of the five cars of the train overturned while the train was making forty miles an hour. The last two cars, filled with men, women and children, held to the roadbed.
The accident was caused by spreading rails, according to railroad men.
The New York Times
New York, New York
July 16, 1922
ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt., July 15. - Twenty-four passengers in a Pullman car on the Portland-Montreal train of the Maine Central Railroad were severely shaken up and scores in other cars narrowly escaped injury when the train, due in this city at 2:20 P. M. today, was wrecked at East St. Johnsbury, a few miles out.
Three of the five cars of the train overturned while the train was making forty miles an hour. The last two cars, filled with men, women and children, held to the roadbed.
The accident was caused by spreading rails, according to railroad men.
The New York Times
New York, New York
July 16, 1922
St. Johnsbury, Vermont is a charming town with a rich history and plenty of things to see and do. Here's a list:
Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium: Explore this fascinating museum that houses a diverse collection of natural history specimens, historical artifacts, and a planetarium. It's a great place for both kids and adults to learn and be entertained.
St. Johnsbury Athenaeum: This is not your typical library. It's a combination of a library and an art gallery, featuring impressive artworks and a collection of rare books. Take a leisurely stroll through its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.
Dog Mountain: If you're a dog lover, this is a must-visit. It's a unique and dog-friendly destination with hiking trails, a chapel, and even a dog art gallery. The off-leash areas are perfect for your furry friends to run and play.
Maple Grove Farms of Vermont: Learn everything there is to know about maple syrup production at this family-owned farm. Take a tour, sample some delicious maple products, and perhaps buy some to take home as a tasty souvenir.
Northeast Kingdom Tasting... Read MORE...
Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium: Explore this fascinating museum that houses a diverse collection of natural history specimens, historical artifacts, and a planetarium. It's a great place for both kids and adults to learn and be entertained.
St. Johnsbury Athenaeum: This is not your typical library. It's a combination of a library and an art gallery, featuring impressive artworks and a collection of rare books. Take a leisurely stroll through its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.
Dog Mountain: If you're a dog lover, this is a must-visit. It's a unique and dog-friendly destination with hiking trails, a chapel, and even a dog art gallery. The off-leash areas are perfect for your furry friends to run and play.
Maple Grove Farms of Vermont: Learn everything there is to know about maple syrup production at this family-owned farm. Take a tour, sample some delicious maple products, and perhaps buy some to take home as a tasty souvenir.
Northeast Kingdom Tasting... Read MORE...
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