History of Grafton, Vermont, USA

Grafton was first charted April 8, 1754 as Thomlinson for John Thomlinson, Benning Wentworth’s business agent in England

familysearch.org (Mormon Genealogy Records)
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The First Congregational church in Thomlinson, located at Grafton village, was organized June 20, 1785

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~vermont/WindhamGrafton.html

1791 - Thomlinson was changed to Grafton, Vermont
Many of the citizens of the town were anxious to have the town named after the town from which they emigrated, and to give each an equal chance it was decided to put the name of the town up at auction. Joseph Axtell won with a high bid of $5.00, and renamed the town for his former home of Grafton, Massachusetts. The kicker is that Axtell never paid the $5.00. Local lore has it that the bid included a jug of rum, which leads to some colorful conjecture as to how the participants chose to celebrate, and perhaps why they forgot to collect the money.
familysearch.org (Mormon Genealogy Records)
Unofficial Guide to FamilySearch.org: How to Find Your Family History on the World's Largest Free Genealogy Website

1801 - "The Old Tavern" hotel was founded in Grafton

wikipedia.org

The Grafton Baptist church, located at Grafton village, was organized in 1803

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~vermont/WindhamGrafton.html

1839 - Grafton
Grafton, Vermont
Windham county. Grafton is finely watered by Sexton's river, which is formed in the town by the union of several streams; and by a branch of Williams' river. On these streams are manufactures of woolen and other goods. Soap-stone of an excellent quality is very abundant in this place. It is manufactured by water power for various uses to a great extent: it is bored for aqueducts and sold at a very low price. This town contains two pleasant and flourishing villages, and a great variety of mineral treasure. Its surface is uneven with a strong and productive soil. Grafton was first settled, 1780. Population, 1830, 1,439. It lies 90 miles S. from Montpelier and 18 N. from Newfane.
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 - Grafton
Windham Co. Grafton is finely watered by Sexton's River, which is formed in the town by the union of several streams ; and by a branch of Williams' River. On these streams are manufactures of woolen and other goods. Soapstone of an excellent quality is very abundant in this place. It is manufactured by water power for various uses to a great extent ; it is bored for aqueducts and sold at a very low price. This town contains two pleasant and flourishing villages, and a great variety of mineral treasure. Its surface is uneven with a strong and productive soil. A manufacturing company in this town was incorporated in 1848.

Boundaries. North by Chester, east by Rockingham, south by Athens and Acton, and west by Windham.

First Settlers. A Mr. Hinkley and two other families came into this township about the year 1768, and began a settlement on what is called Hinkley Brook. They, however, soon abandoned it, and no permanent settlement was made till 1780. In the spring of this year,... Read MORE...

1854 - Grafton
Grafton, a post-township of Windham county, Vermont, 90 miles S. by E. from Montpelier. Soapstone of an excellent quality is found here in great abundance. Population. 1241.
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 - Grafton
Grafton, a post-village of Windham co., Vt., in Grafton township, on Saxton's River, about 38 miles S.S.E. of Rut land. It has 2 churches, a carriage-shop, a woollen-factory, a lumber-mill, and a churn-factory. Good soapstone abounds here. Pop. of the township, 817.
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

Let's explore some of the best places to go and things to do in Grafton, Vermont.
1. Grafton Village Cheese Company: Start your visit with a trip to the Grafton Village Cheese Company, where you can witness the art of traditional cheese making. They produce some of Vermont's finest cheddar cheeses, and you can sample and purchase these delectable creations. It's a great place to learn about the history of cheese production in the region.

2. Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center: If you're visiting during the warmer months, you'll want to explore the Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center. This vast network of hiking and biking trails offers a range of difficulty levels, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned adventurers. You can also go for a leisurely walk amidst beautiful natural surroundings.

3. Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center: In the winter, Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center transforms into a snowy wonderland. It offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even ice skating. The pristine trails wind through forests and open fields, providing a serene and... Read MORE...