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History of Chester, Vermont, USA
Journey back in time to Chester, Vermont, USA
(Chester Depot) (North Chester) (Gassetts)
Explore Chester, 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 Chester Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
Chester, Windsor, VT
The town was originally chartered by New Hampshire Governor Benning Wentworth as Flamstead in 1754. The terms of the charter were not met and the town was re-chartered as New Flamstead in 1761. In 1766, a patent was issued by New York that changed the name of the town to Chester, after George Augustus Frederick, the Earl of Chester and the eldest son of King George III. wikipedia
Chester is a historic town with charming colonial-era architecture, including several picturesque stone bridges. It's often referred to as the "Prettiest Painted Place in Vermont."
Explore even more about Chester, Vermont, USA. Keep reading!
Chester Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Chester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - South St.){kind=small}
South St.
Chester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Ingraham House Hotel){kind=small}
Ingraham House Hotel
Chester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - R.R. Station and Post Office, Gassetts, Vt., 1908){kind=small}
R.R. Station and Post Office, Gassetts, Vt., 1908
Chester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - The Whiting Library){kind=small}
The Whiting Library
Chester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Town Hall){kind=small}
Town Hall
Chester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Walnut hill from Demming Hill){kind=small}
Walnut hill from Demming Hill
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Main St. Looking South, Chester, Vt.){kind=small}
Main St. Looking South, Chester, Vt.
Chester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Railroad Station, Chester, Vt.){kind=small}
Railroad Station, Chester, Vt.
Chester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Winter view of Chester, Vt.){kind=small}
Winter view of Chester, Vt.
Chester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - A Load of Chester Soapstone, Wgt 7 Tons 1240 Lbs){kind=small}
A Load of Chester Soapstone, Wgt 7 Tons 1240 Lbs
Chester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Depot Square){kind=small}
Depot Square
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Motor Park & the Fullerton){kind=small}
Motor Park & the Fullerton
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Street view of Chester, Vt.){kind=small}
Street view of Chester, Vt.
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Main Street, North Chester){kind=small}
Main Street, North Chester
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Chester Garage){kind=small}
Chester Garage
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - The Fullerton, Chester, Vermont){kind=small}
The Fullerton, Chester, Vermont
Chester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Street view, Chester, Vt.){kind=small}
Street view, Chester, Vt.
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Birdseye View of Chester Depot){kind=small}
Birdseye View of Chester Depot
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Buttonwood Farm, Chester, Vt.){kind=small}
Buttonwood Farm, Chester, Vt.
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Covered Bridge near Chester, Vt.){kind=small}
Covered Bridge near Chester, Vt.
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Depot St., Chester Depot, Vermont, Looking North){kind=small}
Depot St., Chester Depot, Vermont, Looking North
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - North St.){kind=small}
North St.
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Walk and Soldier's Memorial){kind=small}
Walk and Soldier's Memorial
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Williams River & Miner Bridge){kind=small}
Williams River & Miner Bridge
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Black River Valley at Gassets, Vt.){kind=small}
Black River Valley at Gassets, Vt.
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Black River at Gassetts, Vt.){kind=small}
Black River at Gassetts, Vt.
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Approaching Chester, Vt.){kind=small}
Approaching Chester, Vt.
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Birds Eye View, Chester, Vt.){kind=small}
Birds Eye View, Chester, Vt.
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Boss's Store, Gassetts, Vt.){kind=small}
Boss's Store, Gassetts, Vt.
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Old Academy){kind=small}
Old Academy
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - High School){kind=small}
High School
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Main St. looking East from Carpenter's Dry Goods Store){kind=small}
Main St. looking East from Carpenter's Dry Goods Store
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Factoryville){kind=small}
Factoryville
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - North St. and Hill){kind=small}
North St. and Hill
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Snowy scene from Chester, Vt.){kind=small}
Snowy scene from Chester, Vt.
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Vermont Talc Co.){kind=small}
Vermont Talc Co.
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Old Stone House, Chester Depot, Vt.){kind=small}
Old Stone House, Chester Depot, Vt.
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Glenbrook Inn, Up "Popple Dungeon" Way){kind=small}
Glenbrook Inn, Up "Popple Dungeon" Way
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Depot Hill, Chester, Vt.){kind=small}
Depot Hill, Chester, Vt.
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Fullerton Inn){kind=small}
Fullerton Inn
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Universalist Church){kind=small}
Universalist Church
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Fire Engine House){kind=small}
Fire Engine House
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Chester Inn){kind=small}
Chester Inn
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Church Street, Chester, Vt.){kind=small}
Church Street, Chester, Vt.
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Martin Novelty Works, Chester, Vt.){kind=small}
Martin Novelty Works, Chester, Vt.
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Nichols Overnight Tourists){kind=small}
Nichols Overnight Tourists
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Orcutt Flat){kind=small}
Orcutt Flat
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - The High School Building){kind=small}
The High School Building
Chester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Main Street, Chester, Vermont, 1946){kind=small}
Main Street, Chester, Vermont, 1946
Chester, Vermont, USA
Advertisement
 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Patriot House, Manufacturers of Colonial Reproductions
Rt. 35, Chester, Vt.){kind=small}
Patriot House, Manufacturers of Colonial Reproductions
Rt. 35, Chester, Vt.
Chester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - A Grand Ski Slope with two Tows){kind=small}
A Grand Ski Slope with two Tows
Chester, Vermont, USA
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 (North Chester) (Gassetts) - Stone Village, 1960s){kind=small}
Stone Village, 1960s
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to CHESTER
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 Chester: History, News, Travel, and Stories
1839 - Chester
Chester, Vermont
Windsor county. First settled 1764. Population, 1830, 2,320. Three considerable streams form William's river and give Chester a good water power. The land is uneven, but fertile and productive. This is a very pleasant town, with two handsome villages, manufactures of various kinds, and about 10,000 sheep. This is a great throughfare for travellers from the eastern part of New England to the Hudson river, near Troy, N.Y. The passage over the Green Mountains, from Chester to Manchester, is considered the best in this part of the state. Chester lies 16 miles S.S.W. from Windsor, 79 S. from Montpelier, and about 30 E.N.E. from Manchester.
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
Chester, Vermont
Windsor county. First settled 1764. Population, 1830, 2,320. Three considerable streams form William's river and give Chester a good water power. The land is uneven, but fertile and productive. This is a very pleasant town, with two handsome villages, manufactures of various kinds, and about 10,000 sheep. This is a great throughfare for travellers from the eastern part of New England to the Hudson river, near Troy, N.Y. The passage over the Green Mountains, from Chester to Manchester, is considered the best in this part of the state. Chester lies 16 miles S.S.W. from Windsor, 79 S. from Montpelier, and about 30 E.N.E. from Manchester.
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 - Chester
Windsor Co. William's River is formed in this township by the union of three considerable branches. These branches unite, nearly in the same place, and about one and a half miles south-east of the two villages ; they constitute the principal waters, heading in the towns of Andover, Ludlow, and Windham. No natural pond, cave, or Indian name or relic was ever known or recorded in this town The surface is considerably diversified with hills and valleys, but the soil is generally I good ; the uplands yield excellent pasturage, and when newly cleared, produce abundance of grain. The intervales are rich and fertile, producing good crops of rye, corn, barley, oats, peas, beans, potatoes, &c. The roads are now all free, remarkably well laid, level and well wrought for such an uneven township, mainly following streams. Timber, mostly hard wood, with some hemlock, spruce, and pine. Minerals, granite, actynolite, augite chlorite, common and potter's clay, cyanite, epidote, feldspar, garnet,... Read MORE...
Windsor Co. William's River is formed in this township by the union of three considerable branches. These branches unite, nearly in the same place, and about one and a half miles south-east of the two villages ; they constitute the principal waters, heading in the towns of Andover, Ludlow, and Windham. No natural pond, cave, or Indian name or relic was ever known or recorded in this town The surface is considerably diversified with hills and valleys, but the soil is generally I good ; the uplands yield excellent pasturage, and when newly cleared, produce abundance of grain. The intervales are rich and fertile, producing good crops of rye, corn, barley, oats, peas, beans, potatoes, &c. The roads are now all free, remarkably well laid, level and well wrought for such an uneven township, mainly following streams. Timber, mostly hard wood, with some hemlock, spruce, and pine. Minerals, granite, actynolite, augite chlorite, common and potter's clay, cyanite, epidote, feldspar, garnet,... Read MORE...
1850 - THE RECENT FLOOD.
We had one of the greatest floods last week known since 1830.
In Chester, Mr. David Johnson was drowned. While crossing a bridge over a branch of Williams river, it was swept off, and he fell into the stream. He was about 60 years of age.
The Vermont Journal
Windsor, Vermont
July 26, 1850
We had one of the greatest floods last week known since 1830.
In Chester, Mr. David Johnson was drowned. While crossing a bridge over a branch of Williams river, it was swept off, and he fell into the stream. He was about 60 years of age.
The Vermont Journal
Windsor, Vermont
July 26, 1850
1854 - Chester
Chester, a post-township of Windsor county, Vermont, 80 miles S. of Montpelier. Population, 2001.
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.
Chester, a post-township of Windsor county, Vermont, 80 miles S. of Montpelier. Population, 2001.
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.
1893 - ACCIDENTS TO RAILROAD TRAINS. ONE PERSON WAS KILLED AND TWO WERE FATALLY INJURED.
CHESTER, Vt., Feb. 23. - A big snowplow on the Central Vermont Railroad, pushed by two engines, left the rails and tumbled down an embankment two miles above Ludlow this morning. The snowplow was smashed and one engine. The snowplow was smashed and one engine was shattered. Section Boss Brown of Bellows Falls was fatally injured and Roadmaster Sheehan of Rutland had both legs broken.
The New York Times
New York, New York
February 24, 1893
CHESTER, Vt., Feb. 23. - A big snowplow on the Central Vermont Railroad, pushed by two engines, left the rails and tumbled down an embankment two miles above Ludlow this morning. The snowplow was smashed and one engine. The snowplow was smashed and one engine was shattered. Section Boss Brown of Bellows Falls was fatally injured and Roadmaster Sheehan of Rutland had both legs broken.
The New York Times
New York, New York
February 24, 1893
1895 - Chester
Chester, a post-village of Windsor co., Vt., in Chester township, on Williams River, and on the Central Vermont Railroad, 39 miles S.E. of Rutland. It has 3 churches and a graded school. The township has manufactures of carriages, lumber, boots, sash, &c. Pop. of the township, 2052.
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
Chester, a post-village of Windsor co., Vt., in Chester township, on Williams River, and on the Central Vermont Railroad, 39 miles S.E. of Rutland. It has 3 churches and a graded school. The township has manufactures of carriages, lumber, boots, sash, &c. Pop. of the township, 2052.
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
Here are some must-visit places and things to do in Chester, Vermont:
The Chester Green: Start your visit in the heart of Chester at the town green. It's a picturesque spot with a quintessential white steepled church, historic homes, and well-maintained gardens. Take a leisurely stroll around the green, and you'll instantly feel the small-town charm.
Visit the Chester Historical Society: If you're interested in the town's history, stop by the Chester Historical Society. You can learn about the town's origins and see artifacts from its past. They often have exhibits that shed light on the area's history, and the volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable.
Vermont Country Store: A trip to Chester wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Vermont Country Store. It's an iconic place where you can find all sorts of nostalgic goods, from candies you remember from your childhood to household items that have a vintage charm.
Explore the Art Galleries: Chester has a thriving arts scene, and you can explore various art galleries featuring works by local ... Read MORE...
The Chester Green: Start your visit in the heart of Chester at the town green. It's a picturesque spot with a quintessential white steepled church, historic homes, and well-maintained gardens. Take a leisurely stroll around the green, and you'll instantly feel the small-town charm.
Visit the Chester Historical Society: If you're interested in the town's history, stop by the Chester Historical Society. You can learn about the town's origins and see artifacts from its past. They often have exhibits that shed light on the area's history, and the volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable.
Vermont Country Store: A trip to Chester wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Vermont Country Store. It's an iconic place where you can find all sorts of nostalgic goods, from candies you remember from your childhood to household items that have a vintage charm.
Explore the Art Galleries: Chester has a thriving arts scene, and you can explore various art galleries featuring works by local ... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Chester Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Chester, Vermont, USA
We currently have information about 22 ancestors who were born or died in Chester.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Chester, Vermont, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Chester.View Them Now
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