History of Grand Isle, Vermont, USA

1798 - Grand Isle - The town was originally named "Middle Hero" when it was subdivided from the town of "South Hero" in November of 1798

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1810 - Grand Isle - In November of 1810, the town was renamed to "Grand Isle."

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1839 - Grand Isle
Grand Isle, Vermont
Grand Isle county. This town is bounded on all sides by Lake Champlain except on the S., where it is bounded by South Hero, from which it was taken in 1809. It lies 50 miles N.W. from Montpelier and 18 N. by W. from Burlington.—First settled, 1783. Population, 1830, 643. The soil of the town is very fertile; it produces fine crops of grain and an abundance of fruit and cider. Marble, lime-stone, rock crystals, &c., are found here, and Grand Isle contains the only water mill in the county. This is a fine place for fishing and fowling.
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 - Grand Isle
Grand Isle Co. The soil of the town is very fertile ; it produces fine crops of grain, and an abundance of fruit and cider. Marble, limestone, rock crystals, &c., are found here, and Grand Isle contains the only water mill in the county. This is a fine place for fishing and fowling.

Boundaries. It is bounded on all sides by Lake Champlain, except the south, where it is bounded by South Hero.

First Settlers. The settlement of the township was commenced about the year 1783, by Alexander Gordon, William Hazen, and Lamberton Allen, emigrants from New Hampshire, and the southern parts of this State. For some years after the settlement commenced, many circumstances tended to prevent its progress.

First Minister: The Rev. Asa Lyon, a Congregationalist, preached here many years previous to his death, which occurred in 1840.

Productions of the Soil. Wheat, 2,953 bushels; Indian corn, 2,187 bushels; potatoes, 19,968 bushels; hay, 2,061 tons ; maple sugar, 9,893 pounds ; wool, 12,504 ... Read MORE...

1854 - Grand Isle
Grand Isle, a post-township of Grand Isle county, Vermont, in Lake Champlain, 60 miles N. W. from Montpelier. Population, 666.
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 - Grand Isle
Grand Isle, a post-township of Grand Isle co., Vt., is a part of South Hero, an island in Lake Champlain, 8 miles E.N.E. of Plattsburg, N.Y., and about 18 miles N. of Burlington. This island is connected with the mainland by a bridge. Pop. 682.
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

1920 - 20 HURT IN WRECK OF MONTREAL FLIER Train from New York Derailed Near Burlington - One Car Plunges Into Lake Champlain
TWO GIRLS AID IN RESCUE

Passengers in Wet Night Clothing Pulled Through Windows In Cold 30 Degrees Below Zero.

Special to The New York Times.

BURLINGTON, Vt., Jan. 31. - More than a score of persons, including a number of New Yorkers, are in the hotels and hospitals of this city tonight suffering from injuries and exposure, received when the New York-Montreal express was wrecked this morning at the Rutland Railroad bridge between Grand Isle and South Hero. Several cars plunged down a thirty-foot embankment, and one of the sleepers smashed through the ice into Lake Champlain.

Passengers were rescued from the sleeper, clad only in their night clothes, these in many cases being wet, and carried long distances in a temperature of 30 degrees below zero. At the hospital tonight grave fears are entertained that pneumonia will develop from the shock and exposure, although every precautionary measure has been taken.

Those at the hospital are William Proctor, George C. Snyder and ... Read MORE...

Whether you're looking to unwind, explore the outdoors, or delve into local culture, here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Grand Isle:
Grand Isle State Park: Start your visit with a trip to Grand Isle State Park. This stunning park offers a beautiful sandy beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. There are also hiking trails, a nature center, and ample opportunities for bird-watching.

Island Line Rail Trail: Take a scenic bike ride or leisurely walk along the Island Line Rail Trail. This 14-mile trail offers breathtaking views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. The highlight is the causeway, a three-mile stretch across the lake on a converted railroad bed.

Fishing: Grand Isle is a paradise for anglers. Cast your line into Lake Champlain and try to catch some of the region's famed fish, like bass, trout, and walleye. You can fish from the shore or rent a boat for a more immersive experience.

Birding: Birdwatchers will delight in the many opportunities for spotting feathered friends. The Lake Champlain Birding Trail is a great resource for finding prime... Read MORE...