History of Derby, Vermont, USA

The Town of Derby was chartered on October 29, 1779. The Town consists of 37,696 acres of land, and incorporates the villages of Derby Center, Derby Line and Beebe, Vermont.

http://derbyvt.org/

1839 - Derby
Derby, Vermont
Orleans county. First settled 1795. It is bounded on the N. by Lower Canada, and on the W. by Memphremagog lake. Clyde river, the outlet of Salem pond, affords it a good water power. This town is very pleasant, level, and fertile;—it has some manufactures;—the farmers are industrious and rear a large number of sheep. Derby is 50 miles N.N.E. from Montpelier and 15 N.N.E. from Irasburgh. Population, 1830, 1,469.
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 - Derby
Orleans Co. The surface of this township is very level, more so than any other in the county. There are some plains of several hundred acres extent ; and, where the land rises, the elevations are gradual and moderate and hardly deserve the name of hills. The land is well timbered, principally with rock maple and other hard wood.

Cedar swamps of from one to ten acres are found in various parts. The soil is fertile and abundantly productive. The River Clyde passes through the south part of the township in a north-westerly direction, affording numerous mill sites. Salem Pond, through which Clyde River passes, lies partly in this town, and is four miles long and three broad. Hinman's Pond, near the centre of the town, is one and a half miles long and three quarters broad, and empties into Salem Pond.

Boundaries. North by Stanstead in Canada, east by Holland, south by Salem, and west by Memphremagog Lake, which separates it from Newport.

First Settlers. The first settlement was... Read MORE...

1854 - Derby
Derby, a post-township of Orleans county, Vermont, 50 miles N. N. E. from Montpelier. Population, 1760.
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.

On October 31, 1866, the town erected a granite monument at Derby Center in honor of those who died in the Civil War.
It is inscribed: "In Memory of the Volunteers from Derby, who Lost their Lives in the Great Rebellion, 1861-’65.” It lists the names of fifty-three men from Derby. It is the oldest community memorial to that war in the United States.
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The failed town of Salem was annexed to Derby by an act of the legislature of 1880, and took effect March 1, 1881. This increased the land size of Derby so it became the largest in Orleans County.

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1895 - Derby / Derby Centre
Derby, or Derby Centre, a post-village of Orleans co., Vt., in Derby township, on Clyde River, 4 miles E. of Newport, and about 60 miles N.N.E. of Montpelier. It has 3 churches, the Derby Academy, and manufactures of flour, lumber, sash, and blinds.
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

1908 - Accidental Poisoning
Mrs. Lewis Twine, of Derby, who took a poison tablet which she mistook for a headache tablet, has been seriously ill, but homes are now entertained of her recovery.
St Albans Daily Messenger
St Albans, Vermont
August 29, 1908

In 1928, the Canadian Gateway Airport opened off Vermont 111, within walking distance from Derby Center.

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A Drive-in theater opened in Derby in 1950

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Whether you're a local looking for something new to do or a visitor exploring the area, there are plenty of places to go and things to do in Derby and its surrounding areas. Here's a list to get you started:
Lake Salem Beach: Enjoy a relaxing day at Lake Salem Beach, where you can swim, sunbathe, and have a picnic. The clear waters and beautiful scenery make it a perfect spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Clyde River Recreation: Explore the Clyde River by kayak or canoe. The calm waters and picturesque surroundings provide an excellent opportunity for paddling and wildlife watching.

Brownington Historic District: Just a short drive away, visit the Brownington Historic District. You'll find the Old Stone House Museum, which offers a glimpse into Vermont's history with its well-preserved buildings and exhibits.

Derby Pond Farm: If you're interested in agritourism, check out Derby Pond Farm. They offer farm tours, where you can learn about the dairy farming industry and even pet the cows.

Hiking and Trails: Derby and its surrounding areas boast numerous hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. Try out the Derby Town Forest Trails for a peaceful walk in the... Read MORE...