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Journey back in time to Brandon, Vermont, USA

(Forest Dale)

Explore Brandon, 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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Brandon, Vermont, USA - Brandon, Vermont, USA - Graded School, Built About 1830

On October 20, 1761, the town of Neshobe was chartered to Capt. Josiah Powers. In October 1784, the name of the town was changed to Brandon by an act of legislature.

Brandon is a study in early American architecture and Vermont history. When the first settlers came to the area in the mid-1770s, they established the village of Neshobe. The area was rich in natural resources with excellent farmland along the rivers and abundant supplies of timber and minerals. The town flourished during the 1800s with several industries relying on the key resources of waterpower, iron ore and marble. The coming of the railroad in 1849 enabled the manufacture and shipping of iron-based products such as the Howe scale, as well as Brandon paints, wood products and marble.

During its century of rapid growth, Brandon Village evolved a unique village plan. The historic Crown Point military road came through Brandon to connect Lake Champlain to the Atlantic coast. In the ensuing decades, government and individuals developed commercial streets at the core which radiated out from the greens lined with residences leading to farms, mines and quarries in the town. Pearl and Park streets were laid out to be suitable for militia training, resulting in broad, tree-shaded streets with deep front yards.

Statesman Stephen A. Douglas was born in Brandon...

Thomas Davenport, proclaimed by some to have invented the electric motor, was born and lived in Brandon...

kids.kiddle.co

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



Brandon Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Brandon, Vermont, USA - Graded School, Built About 1830
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Graded School, Built About 1830
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Brandon Inn Coach, Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Brandon Inn Coach, Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Park and Franklin St's., 1907
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Park and Franklin St's., 1907
Brandon, Vermont, USA - R.R. Station
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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R.R. Station
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Passenger Station, Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Passenger Station, Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Brandon, Vt. and Vicinity, 1908
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Brandon, Vt. and Vicinity, 1908
Brandon, Vermont, USA - View on Park St.
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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View on Park St.
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Business Blocks, Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Business Blocks, Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA - The Main Street
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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The Main Street
Brandon, Vermont, USA - 10 Mile Road, Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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10 Mile Road, Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Birthplace of Stephen A Douglas, Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Birthplace of Stephen A Douglas, Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Silver Lake Hotel
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Silver Lake Hotel
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Mountain Spring Hotel, Lake Dunmore, Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Mountain Spring Hotel, Lake Dunmore, Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Old Stage Coach
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Old Stage Coach
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Street view of Forestdale, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Street view of Forestdale, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Snowy view of Brandon Inn, Sunday, February 15, 1914
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Snowy view of Brandon Inn, Sunday, February 15, 1914
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Brandon, Vt., May 9, 1919
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Brandon, Vt., May 9, 1919
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Brandon Country Club as Seen From Ninth Fairway
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Brandon Country Club as Seen From Ninth Fairway
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Franklin Street, showing Free Public Library
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Franklin Street, showing Free Public Library
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Italian Marble Quarry
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Italian Marble Quarry
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Park St.
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Park St.
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Methodist Church
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Methodist Church
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Conant Square
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Conant Square
Brandon, Vermont, USA - St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Brandon, Vermont, USA - The Hog Back, Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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The Hog Back, Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Lane, Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Lane, Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Business Section, Center St., Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Business Section, Center St., Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Baker's Tourist Lodge
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Baker's Tourist Lodge
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Brandon Inn
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Brandon Inn
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Public Library
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Public Library
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Methodist Church
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Methodist Church
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Miller Covered Bridge near Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Miller Covered Bridge near Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Park Street
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Park Street
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Brandon, Vt. and Vicinity
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Brandon, Vt. and Vicinity
Brandon, Vermont, USA - The Village St., Forestdale, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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The Village St., Forestdale, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA - High School
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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High School
Brandon, Vermont, USA - The Atwell, 21 Grove St, Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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The Atwell, 21 Grove St, Brandon, Vt.
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Center St.
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Center St.
Brandon, Vermont, USA - The Farr Residence - Park Street

The Marsh Residence - Pearl Street

Stephen A Douglas Birthpla
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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The Farr Residence - Park Street

The Marsh Residence - Pearl Street

Stephen A Douglas Birthplace
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Congregational Church
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Congregational Church
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Water's Edge
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Water's Edge
Brandon, Vermont, USA - 1938 hurricane - September 22
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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1938 hurricane - September 22
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Baptist Church
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Baptist Church
Brandon, Vermont, USA - The Adams Restaurant
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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The Adams Restaurant
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Living Room, Stephen A Douglas Birthplace. (Born 1813)
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Living Room, Stephen A Douglas Birthplace. (Born 1813)
Brandon, Vermont, USA - The Kings Den - Imported & Domestic Gifts - Maple Products - U.S. Route 7 - Brandon, Vt
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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The Kings Den - Imported & Domestic Gifts - Maple Products - U.S. Route 7 - Brandon, Vt
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Wood, 1/2 Mile South of Brandon, Vermont
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Wood, 1/ 2 Mile South of Brandon, Vermont
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Home Made Underwear by W. D. Nutting
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Home Made Underwear by W. D. Nutting
Brandon, Vermont, USA - Park St. Business Center
Brandon, Vermont, USA

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Park St. Business Center

Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to BRANDON

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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!

Discover Brandon: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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1834-1837 - Electric railway (1837), printing press, piano, and motor (1834) were built by Thomas Davenport of Brandon. He was also the editor of the first electrical journal.

www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ vermont.html
1839 - Brandon
Brandon, Vermont
This is a flourishing town in Rutland county, 40 miles S.W. from Montpelier, 16 N. by W. from Rutland, and 16 S. from Middlebury. It was first settled in 1775, and organized in 1784. Population, 1830, 1,940. Brandon is finely watered by Otter creek, Mill river, and Spring pond; on which streams are good mill seats. Some of the land is level with rather a light soil, but that on Otter creek is the best alluvial. Bog iron ore, of an excellent quality, is found here; copperas and marble are also found. There are two curious caverns in this town. The largest contains two apartments, each from 16 to 20 feet square. It is entered by descending from the surface about 20 feet. They are formed in limestone.
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
1849 - Brandon
Rutland Co. Brandon is a flourishing town. It is finely watered by Otter Creek, Mill River, and Spring Pond ; on which streams are good mill sites. Some of the land is level, with rather a light soil, but that on Otter Creek is the best alluvial. Bog iron ore, of an excellent quality, is found here ; copperas and marble are also found.

There are two curious caverns in this town. The largest contains two apartments, each from sixteen to twenty feet square. It is entered by descending from the surface about twenty feet. They are formed of limestone. Boundaries. North by Leicester, east by Goshen and Chittenden, south by Pittsford, and west by Sudbury and a small part of Whiting.

First Settlers. The settlement of the town was commenced in the year 1775 by John Whelan, Noah Strong, David June, Jedediah Winslow, Amos Cutler, and others. Mr. Cutler was, however, the only person who remained in town during the following winter. He lived the whole winter here entirely alone, without... Read MORE...

1895 - Brandon
Brandon, a post-village of Rutland co., Vt., 17 miles by rail N. by W. of Rutland, and 51 miles S. of Burlington. It is about 1 mile E. of Otter Creek, which intersects the township. It has 7 churches, 2 national banks, 2 hotels, a graded school, and manufactures of spools, wooden-Ware, marble, &c. One weekly newspaper is published here. The township has quarries of fine marble, and mines of iron, kaolin, and lignite. Pop. 3310.
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
1916
Brandon, a banking post-village of Rutland co., Vt., on the Rutland R., 17 miles N. by W. of Rutland. It is about 1 mile E. of Otter Creek, which intersects the town ship (town). The town has quarries of line marble and mines of bog-iron, manganese, kaolin, and lignite. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2759.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
There are plenty of places to go and things to do in Brandon. Here's a list to get you started:
Downtown Brandon: Begin your journey in the heart of the town. Downtown Brandon is a quintessential New England village with tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and unique shops. Take a leisurely stroll and explore the boutiques, art galleries, and antique stores.

Stephen A. Douglas Birthplace: Visit the birthplace of Stephen A. Douglas, the famous 19th-century politician. The site offers a glimpse into the history of the town and the life of this influential figure.

Neshobe River Winery: If you enjoy wine, don't miss the Neshobe River Winery. They produce a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. Take a tour of the vineyard and enjoy a tasting session with scenic views.

Brandon Music: Check out Brandon Music for live performances featuring local and nationally recognized musicians. This intimate venue provides a unique musical experience in a cozy setting.

Warren Kimble Gallery & Studio: Warren Kimble, a renowned folk artist, calls Brandon home. Visit his ... Read MORE...

Discover YOUR Roots: Brandon Ancestry

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

We currently have information about 14 ancestors who were born or died in Brandon.

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Updated: 1/8/2025 4:02:02 PM