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History of Hartford, Vermont, USA

Journey back in time to Hartford, Vermont, USA

(White River Junction) (Quechee) (Wilder) (West Hartford)

Explore Hartford, 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.

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Hartford, Vermont, USA - Hartford, Vermont, USA - White River Tavern

Hartford was chartered in 1761 by Governor Benning Wentworth of New Hampshire. It was the first town east of the Green Mountains to be chartered after the French and Indian Wars and is one of the so-called Connecticut towns of Vermont that were settled by pioneers from Connecticut. hartford-vt.org

Hartford contains the following villages: Quechee, Hartford Village, White River Junction, Wilder, and West Hartford.

Hartford, often referred to as the "Gateway to Vermont," is a vibrant community with the bustling village of White River Junction at its center.

Explore even more about Hartford, Vermont, USA. Keep reading!

Hartford Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Hartford, Vermont, USA - White River Tavern

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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White River Tavern

Hartford, Vermont, USA - White River Junction, Vt., Junction House

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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White River Junction, Vt., Junction House

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Hartford, Vt

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Hartford, Vt

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Smith & Son, White River Jc. Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Smith & Son, White River Jc. Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - White River Junction, Vt., 1906

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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White River Junction, Vt., 1906

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Junction House, White River Junction, Vt., 1907

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Junction House, White River Junction, Vt., 1907

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Homestead Farm - Residence of Arthur Hazen, West Hartford, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Homestead Farm - Residence of Arthur Hazen, West Hartford, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Charles Taylor, White River Junction, Vt., 101 years old in 1907. Oldest Driver in the World.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Charles Taylor, White River Junction, Vt., 101 years old in 1907. Oldest Driver in the World.
Read more about Charles TAYLOR photo of Charles TAYLOR

photo of Charles TAYLOR

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Wilder, Vermont, 1907

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Wilder, Vermont, 1907

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Scott Tinkham, General Merchandise, Quechee, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

Postcard

Scott Tinkham, General Merchandise, Quechee, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - R. R. Bridge over Connecticut River at White River Junction, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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R. R. Bridge over Connecticut River at White River Junction, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Ice Jam, Hartford, Vt., Feb. '08

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Ice Jam, Hartford, Vt., Feb. '08

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Hartford, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Hartford, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Hartford Village, Hartford, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Hartford Village, Hartford, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - White River Valley above Hartford, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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White River Valley above Hartford, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - The Greenough Block, White River Junction, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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The Greenough Block, White River Junction, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - South Main St. and Depot Square, W. R. Junction, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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South Main St. and Depot Square, W. R. Junction, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Packing Hanover Crackers, Smith & Son, White River, Jc., Vt., 1910

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Packing Hanover Crackers, Smith & Son, White River, Jc., Vt., 1910

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Bird's Eye View White River Junction, Vt., and W. Lebanon, N.H., 1911

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Bird's Eye View White River Junction, Vt., and W. Lebanon, N.H., 1911

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Southeast Corner of Main Street in 1912, White River Junction

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Southeast Corner of Main Street in 1912, White River Junction

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Whitcomb & Hosking Meat and Groceries, Wilder, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Whitcomb & Hosking Meat and Groceries, Wilder, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Union Passenger Station, White River Junction, Vt., 1913

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Union Passenger Station, White River Junction, Vt., 1913

Hartford, Vermont, USA - White River Junction, Garage of the Miller Automobile Co.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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White River Junction, Garage of the Miller Automobile Co.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - West Hartford, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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West Hartford, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - The Coolidge Hotel, White River Junction, Vt., 1915

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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The Coolidge Hotel, White River Junction, Vt., 1915

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Gate's Street, looking West, White River Jct., Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Gate's Street, looking West, White River Jct., Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Main Street, West Hartford, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Main Street, West Hartford, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Munsell's Store and Post Office, West Hartford, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Munsell's Store and Post Office, West Hartford, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - No. Main St., White River Jct., Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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No. Main St., White River Jct., Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Birds eye view of White River Junction, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Birds eye view of White River Junction, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Hartford High School

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Hartford High School

Hartford, Vermont, USA - The Gorge on the Ottaquechee River, Known as Quechee Gulf, Showing Woodstock Railroad Bridge, Dewey'

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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The Gorge on the Ottaquechee River, Known as Quechee Gulf, Showing Woodstock Railroad Bridge, Dewey's Mills, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Hotel, West Hartford, Vermont

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Hotel, West Hartford, Vermont

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Main Street, West Hartford, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Main Street, West Hartford, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - A Log Drive on the Connecticut River at Wilder, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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A Log Drive on the Connecticut River at Wilder, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - The Plant of the International Paper Co. at Wilder, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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The Plant of the International Paper Co. at Wilder, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Intersection of White and Connecticut Rivers and Union Station, White River Junction, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Intersection of White and Connecticut Rivers and Union Station, White River Junction, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Hartford Grammar School

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Hartford Grammar School

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Main Street, W. R. Tavern on Left

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Main Street, W. R. Tavern on Left

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Hartford High School, White River Junction, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Hartford High School, White River Junction, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Hartford Woolen Mill

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Hartford Woolen Mill

Hartford, Vermont, USA - H. A. Perkins, White River Jcn, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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H. A. Perkins, White River Jcn, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Southeast Corner of Main Street in 1927, White River Junction, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Southeast Corner of Main Street in 1927, White River Junction, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Wilder Station, Wilder, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Wilder Station, Wilder, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Engine, Dynamo & Ice Machine
Smith & Son
White River Jc. Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

Postcard

Engine, Dynamo & Ice Machine
Smith & Son
White River Jc. Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Church St. White River Jct., Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Church St. White River Jct., Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - School Building, Wilder, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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School Building, Wilder, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - 25000 Gifts, White River Jct., Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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25000 Gifts, White River Jct., Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - The Old Homestead
Mr. and Mrs. Bomhower
3 Miles North White River Jct., Vermont

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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The Old Homestead
Mr. and Mrs. Bomhower
3 Miles North White River Jct., Vermont

Hartford, Vermont, USA - White River Junction, Vt., from Taft Flat

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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White River Junction, Vt., from Taft Flat

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Welcome to the Gateway of Vermont.
Union Passenger Station Cafe, White River Junction, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Welcome to the Gateway of Vermont.
Union Passenger Station Cafe, White River Junction, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - South Main Street, White River Junction, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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South Main Street, White River Junction, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - Dam, Wilder, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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Dam, Wilder, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - The Dewey Corporation - Quechee Gorge - Quechee, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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The Dewey Corporation - Quechee Gorge - Quechee, Vt.

Hartford, Vermont, USA - The Olde Sugar House Shoppe, On Route 14, West Hartford, Vermont

Hartford, Vermont, USA

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The Olde Sugar House Shoppe, On Route 14, West Hartford, Vermont

Discover Hartford: History, News, Travel, and Stories

Add History/News/Story

1839 - Hartford
Hartford, Vermont
Windsor county. This town is on the west side of the Connecticut, and is otherwise finely watered by White and Waterqueechy rivers. It lies 42 miles S.S.E. from Montpelier and 14 N. from Windsor. First settled, 1764. Population, 1830, 2,044. The surface of the town is uneven, but the soil is rich, warm, and very productive. The two principal villages are pleasantly located on the banks of the rivers that meet the Connecticut at this place, both of which are flourishing in manufactures and trade. Many cattle, beside pork, butter, cheese, &c., are sent to market from Hartford. In 1837 it had 13,207 sheep.
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

1844 - Horace Wells of White River Junction was the first person to use laughing gas as an anesthetic for pulling teeth in 1844.

www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ vermont.html

1849 - Hartford
Windsor Co. Hartford is watered by White and Quechee Rivers, which are the only streams of consequence. White River enters the township near the north-west corner, and falls into the Connecticut about the middle of the eastern boundary, and Quechee River mns through the south part. They both afford very valuable privileges for mills, and other machinery driven by water, particularly at the places called White River Village and Quechee Village.

The surface of the town is broken, but the soil is rich and warm, and produces good grass and grain.

The gulf formed by the passage of Quechee River through a considerable hill, is a curiosity, and is about one mile below Quechee Village. There are evident appearances of there having been a considerable pond here, which was emptied by the wearing down of the channel. The timber is principally white pine, beech, maple, and birch.

There are several villages in town : the largest are White River Village and Quechee Village. White River... Read MORE...

1854 - Hartford
Hartford, a post-township of Windsor co., Vermont, on the W. side of Connecticut river, 40 miles S. S. E. from Montpelier. Pop., 2159.
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.

1887 - THE HARTFORD DISASTER, FEB. 5, 1887
The writer was personally cognizant of the history of this horrible railway disaster. He visited the scent of the wreck about day light on the morning of the accident; visited and conversed with the survivors from the ill-fated train, from time to time, during their convalescence; observed the reprehensible conduct of the officials of the Central railroad, in their premature attempts to effect settlements with the mangled, tortured survivors of that holocaust. Justice, humanity and decency were set at defiance by the attorneys and the Vial-lainous ame damnee representing said corporation, who did not hesitate to villify and traduce those who were not obsequious to their will, or ready to be their time severs at the price of an annual pass.

The following report of the railroad commissioners concerning the disaster of Feb. 5, 1887, is an acceptable showing of facts, but the number of passengers aboard the train is, and ever will be a matter of mere guess-work. As to the speed of the... Read MORE...

1895 - Hartford
Hartford, a post-village in Hartford township, Windsor co., Vt., on White River, about 1 mile W. of the Connecticut River, and on the Central Vermont Rail" and the Woodstock Railroad, 60 miles S. of Montpelier. It has several churches, a chair-factory, and manufactures of boxes, carriages, and farming-implements. The township contains two other villages, White River Junction and Quechee. Total pop. 3740.
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

1895 - Flood
...At White River Junction, Vt., highways have become impassable and the rivers have overflowed their banks. The rise in White river at White River Junction exceeded ten feet flooding basements and compelling the occupants of some houses to vacate. Boats were inquired for saving personal property in many instances. All railroad trains there have been delayed and trains on the Central Vermont were cancelled. Trains on the Passumpsic division of the Boston and Maine are stopped because of the high water. Trains from Concord, H. H., are detained, as the tracks of the road are flooded here and at Franklin, N. H...
Middletown Daily Argus
Middletown, New York
April 16, 1895

1906
White River (officially, Whiteriver) Junction, a banking post-village of Windsor co., Vt., on the Connecticut River, at the mouth of tho White River, 84 miles S. by E. of Montpelier, on the Boston and Maine, the Central Vermont and the Woodstock Rs. Pop. about 1600.
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

1907 - 27 DEAD IN WRECK; DISPATCHER ERRED
Confused Orders and Caused Collision on the Boston & Maine Railroad.

TWENTY-SEVEN ARE INJURED

Passenger Car Telescoped in Crash with Freight in New Hampshire and Occupants Crushed to Death.

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, Vt., Sept.15. - A head-on collision between the south-bound Quebec Express and a north-bound freight train on the Concord division of the Boston & Maine Road occurred four miles north of Canaan Station early to-day, due to a mistake in train dispatcher's orders, and from a demolished passenger coach there were taken out twenty-seven dead passengers, and twenty-seven dead passengers, and twenty-seven others, more or less wounded. Nearly all those who were in the wrecked car were returning from a fair at Sherbrooke, Quebec, 160 miles north.

The conductor of the freight train was given to understand that he had plenty of time to reach a siding by the night operator at Canaan Station, receiving, according to the Superintendent of the division, a copy of a telegraph... Read MORE...

Hartford, Vermont has a bunch of cool spots and activities to explore! Whether you're into outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just good food, there's something for everyone. Here's a list to get you started:
Quechee Gorge: Known as Vermont's Little Grand Canyon, Quechee Gorge is a must-visit. You can stroll across the bridge, hike the trails, and enjoy breathtaking views of the gorge.

Simon Pearce Glassblowing Studio: Watch artisans at work and browse the beautiful glassware at Simon Pearce. Plus, the restaurant overlooking the Ottauquechee River is a fantastic spot for a meal.

Billings Farm & Museum: A working dairy farm, Billings Farm provides a glimpse into Vermont's rural heritage. You can see farm animals, explore the farm life exhibits, and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS): Perfect for nature lovers, VINS offers interactive exhibits, live bird shows, and nature trails. It's educational and fun for all ages.

Hartford Historical Society: Dive into the local history at the Hartford Historical Society. The exhibits and artifacts provide insight into the region's past.

White River Junction: This quirky town is known for its vibrant ... Read MORE...

Discover YOUR Roots: Hartford Ancestry

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

We currently have information about 17 ancestors who were born or died in Hartford.

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Long Trail Vermont Coffee Mug - Following Footprints of the Past
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Updated: 1/13/2025 11:37:30 AM