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History of St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
Journey back in time to St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About St Johnsbury
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
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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VINTAGE ST JOHNSBURY
St Johnsbury Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Avenue House
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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South Main Street, St. Johnsbury, Vt., 1905
View of St. Johnsbury House, Congregational church, Academy and South Hall
View of St. Johnsbury House, Congregational church, Academy and South Hall
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Main Street
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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St. Johnsbury, Vermont, Old Covered Bridge
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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St. Johnsbury from Harris Hill, 1906
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Western Avenue
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St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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B. & M. Station
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Birdseye View
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Railroad Street, North, St. Johnsbury, Vt., in the Future, 1908
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Bird's Eye View looking Northeast
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Charlotte Fairbanks Cottage
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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The Summerville School
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Fairbanks Scale Factory
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Avenue House and Rail-Road Street looking North
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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View of St. Johnsbury, Vermont
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Entrance Museum of Natural Science
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Pumping Station
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Our New Theatre
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Harris Hill
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Pinehurst
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Joe's Brook
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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St. Johnsbury, Vt. Rustic Bridge at "Elmwoode"
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Company D at New Armory, St. Johnsbury, Vt.
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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St. Johnsbury Hospital
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Union Schools
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
Advertisement
D. S. Frechette & Co. Grocers
95 Railroad St.
St. Johnsbury, Vermont
1912
95 Railroad St.
St. Johnsbury, Vermont
1912
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Churches of St. Johnsbury, Vermont
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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U.S. Fish Hatchery
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Winter Scene - Citizens Bank Block and R.R. St.
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Arnold Park
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Water St., East St. Johnsbury
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Methodist Church, St. Johnsbury, Vt.
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Passumpsie River and New Iron Bridge, St. Johnsbury, Vt.
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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St. Johnsbury House, St. Johnsbury, Vt.
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Academy
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Fairbank's Museum
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Brightlook Hospital and Nurses Home
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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North Church
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Masonic Temple and Post Office
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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State Armory
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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The Athenaeum
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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The Meadows and View of St. Johnsbury, Vt. Looking North
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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View of St. Johnsbury, Vt. from Aeroplane, 1920
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Turner Centre System Ice Cream
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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New Jail, St. Johnsbury, Vt., 1921
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Gannon's Store, East St. Johnsbury, Vt.
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Maple Cabin Inn
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Caledonia County Court House, St. Johnsbury, Vt., 1926
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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St Johnsbury Electric Light Station
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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St. Johnsbury Airport, 1939
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Fairbanks Morse & Company
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Leo & Mac's Restaurant, Memorial Drive, St. Johnsbury, Vt.
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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New Avenue Hotel
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Elks Home
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Main Street, 1943
St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
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Railroad Street looking North
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to ST JOHNSBURY
ST JOHNSBURY, VT Vintage Main Street Postcard Ceramic Mug Vermont Genealogy Genealogist
Sip your favorite beverage in style with our Vintage St. Johnsbury, Vermont Postcard Ceramic Mug! This beautifully designed mug features a stunning vintage postcard depiction of Main Street in St. Johnsbury, capturing the charm and nostalgia of this picturesque Vermont town.
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
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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 St Johnsbury: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped St Johnsbury through the years.
1791 - Population of St. Johnsbury, Vermont - 143
1800 - Population of St. Johnsbury, Vermont - 663
1810 - Population of St. Johnsbury, Vermont - 1,334
1820 - Population of St. Johnsbury, Vermont - 1,404
1830 - Platform scale was built by Thaddeus Fairbanks at St. Johnsbury in 1830.
1830 - Population of St. Johnsbury, Vermont - 1,592
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 ...
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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 ...
1840 - Population of St. Johnsbury, Vermont - 1,887
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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...
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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...
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.
St. Johnsbury Centre, a post-office of Caledonia co., Vermont.
St. Johnsbury East, a post-office of Caledonia co., Vermont.
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.
1876 - J. W. Willard of St. Johnsbury was prostrated by sun-stroke, the 19th, and lies in critical condition.
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...
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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...
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.
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, ...
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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, ...
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...
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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...
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.
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.
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.
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...
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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...
GENEALOGY IN ST JOHNSBURY
Discover YOUR Roots: St Johnsbury Ancestry
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BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in St Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
We currently have information about 34 ancestors who were born or died in St Johnsbury.
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Updated: 1/10/2025 2:26:58 PM
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