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History of Brandon, Vermont, USA
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.Do You Have Brandon Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

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...
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Explore even more about Brandon, Vermont, USA. Keep reading!
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to BRANDON

I Love VERMONT Mug – Maple Syrup, Sugar on Snow & Creemee Coffee Cup
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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

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
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
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...
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...
1854 - Brandon
Brandon, a post-township of Rutland county, Vermont, about 40 miles S. W from Montpelier, on Otter creek, and on the Rutland and Burlington railroad. Population, 2835.
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.
Brandon, a post-township of Rutland county, Vermont, about 40 miles S. W from Montpelier, on Otter creek, and on the Rutland and Burlington railroad. Population, 2835.
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.
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
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
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...
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.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Brandon, Vermont, USA
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