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History of Thetford, Vermont, USA
Journey back in time to Thetford, Vermont, USA
Also known as(East, North) (Thetford Hill) (Thetford Center) (Rices Mills) (Union Village) (Post Mills)
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Thetford, Vermont, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Thetford
Thetford is a town in Orange County, Vermont, known for its rural beauty and historic charm. It's a popular destination for hiking and exploring nature.
The town was created on August 12, 1761 by way of a royal charter which King George III of England issued to Governor Benning Wentworth of New Hampshire. Wentworth named it for Augustus Henry Fitzroy, 3rd Duke of Grafton, 4th Earl of Arlington and 4th Viscount Thetford, who in 1768 became prime minister. It was first settled in 1764 by John Chamberlin, who lived at East Thetford beside the Connecticut River. He was an agent for one of 62 proprietors (51 from Hebron, Connecticut).
Villages within the town include East Thetford, North Thetford, Thetford Hill, Thetford Center, Rices Mills, Union Village, and Post Mills.
The town was created on August 12, 1761 by way of a royal charter which King George III of England issued to Governor Benning Wentworth of New Hampshire. Wentworth named it for Augustus Henry Fitzroy, 3rd Duke of Grafton, 4th Earl of Arlington and 4th Viscount Thetford, who in 1768 became prime minister. It was first settled in 1764 by John Chamberlin, who lived at East Thetford beside the Connecticut River. He was an agent for one of 62 proprietors (51 from Hebron, Connecticut).
Villages within the town include East Thetford, North Thetford, Thetford Hill, Thetford Center, Rices Mills, Union Village, and Post Mills.
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VINTAGE THETFORD
Thetford Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Thetford, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Thetford Hill) (Thetford Center) (Rices Mills) (Union Village) (Post Mills) - D. M. Bond Store, North Thetford, Vt.){kind=small}
D. M. Bond Store, North Thetford, Vt.
Thetford, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Thetford Hill) (Thetford Center) (Rices Mills) (Union Village) (Post Mills) - Thetford, Vt. Railroad Station, 1905){kind=small}
Thetford, Vt. Railroad Station, 1905
Thetford, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Thetford Hill) (Thetford Center) (Rices Mills) (Union Village) (Post Mills) - Thetford Academy, Thetford, Vermont, 1907){kind=small}
Thetford Academy, Thetford, Vermont, 1907
Thetford, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Thetford Hill) (Thetford Center) (Rices Mills) (Union Village) (Post Mills) - Birds eye view of Thetford, Vt.){kind=small}
Birds eye view of Thetford, Vt.
Thetford, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Thetford Hill) (Thetford Center) (Rices Mills) (Union Village) (Post Mills) - Birds Eye View Thetford Ctr., Vt.){kind=small}
Birds Eye View Thetford Ctr., Vt.
Thetford, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Thetford Hill) (Thetford Center) (Rices Mills) (Union Village) (Post Mills) - Main Street, Thetford, Vt.){kind=small}
Main Street, Thetford, Vt.
Show more vintage photos, ads & postcards
Thetford, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Thetford Hill) (Thetford Center) (Rices Mills) (Union Village) (Post Mills) - The Turn, North Thetford, Vt.){kind=small}
The Turn, North Thetford, Vt.
Thetford, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Thetford Hill) (Thetford Center) (Rices Mills) (Union Village) (Post Mills) - Congregational Church, Thetford Hill, Vt.
Oldest Meeting House in Continual Use in Vermont){kind=small}
Congregational Church, Thetford Hill, Vt.
Oldest Meeting House in Continual Use in Vermont
Oldest Meeting House in Continual Use in Vermont
Thetford, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Thetford Hill) (Thetford Center) (Rices Mills) (Union Village) (Post Mills) - Conn. River Above N. Thetford, Vt.){kind=small}
Conn. River Above N. Thetford, Vt.
Thetford, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Thetford Hill) (Thetford Center) (Rices Mills) (Union Village) (Post Mills) - Main Street, Thetford, Vt.){kind=small}
Main Street, Thetford, Vt.
Thetford, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Thetford Hill) (Thetford Center) (Rices Mills) (Union Village) (Post Mills) - Wayside Tea Shop, Thetford Ctr., Vt.){kind=small}
Wayside Tea Shop, Thetford Ctr., Vt.
Thetford, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Thetford Hill) (Thetford Center) (Rices Mills) (Union Village) (Post Mills) - Noyes Store & P.O., Union Village, Vt.){kind=small}
Noyes Store & P.O., Union Village, Vt.
Thetford, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Thetford Hill) (Thetford Center) (Rices Mills) (Union Village) (Post Mills) - Library, Post Mills, Vt.){kind=small}
Library, Post Mills, Vt.
Thetford, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Thetford Hill) (Thetford Center) (Rices Mills) (Union Village) (Post Mills) - Public Buildings, Thetford Ctr., Vt.){kind=small}
Public Buildings, Thetford Ctr., Vt.
Thetford, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Thetford Hill) (Thetford Center) (Rices Mills) (Union Village) (Post Mills) - Village and Lake, Post Mills, Vt.){kind=small}
Village and Lake, Post Mills, Vt.
Thetford, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Thetford Hill) (Thetford Center) (Rices Mills) (Union Village) (Post Mills) - Grandad's Toy Shop, North Thetford, Vt.){kind=small}
Grandad's Toy Shop, North Thetford, Vt.
Thetford, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 (Thetford Hill) (Thetford Center) (Rices Mills) (Union Village) (Post Mills) - Hanoum Camp){kind=small}
Hanoum Camp
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to THETFORD
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VERMONT Long Trail Mug – Vintage Postcard - Hiking & Adventure Coffee Cup
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LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Thetford: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Thetford through the years.
1791 - Population of Thetford, Vermont - 862
1800 - Population of Thetford, Vermont - 1,478
1810 - Population of Thetford, Vermont - 1,785
1820 - Population of Thetford, Vermont - 1,915
1830 - Population of Thetford, Vermont - 2,113
1839 - Thetford
Thetford, Vermont
Orange county. This town is pleasantly situated on the west side of Connecticut river, opposite to Lyme, N.H. The Ompomponoosuc and its branches, give the town an excellent water power. There are several ponds in Thetford, one of which is worthy of notice. It covers about 9 acres, and is situated on an elevation, the base of which is only 4 rods from Connecticut river, and 100 feet in height. It is very deep; and has neither inlet nor outlet, and contains large quantities of perch and other fish. The surface of the town is generally rocky and uneven; it has but little intervale, but the soil is strong and productive. It feeds between 7 and 8,000 sheep. There are some manufactures in the town, a rich vein of galena, and three neat villages. Thetford was first settled in 1764. It lies 34 miles S.S.E. from Montpelier and 18 S.E. from Chelsea. Population, in 1830, 2,113.
Orange county. This town is pleasantly situated on the west side of Connecticut river, opposite to Lyme, N.H. The Ompomponoosuc and its branches, give the town an excellent water power. There are several ponds in Thetford, one of which is worthy of notice. It covers about 9 acres, and is situated on an elevation, the base of which is only 4 rods from Connecticut river, and 100 feet in height. It is very deep; and has neither inlet nor outlet, and contains large quantities of perch and other fish. The surface of the town is generally rocky and uneven; it has but little intervale, but the soil is strong and productive. It feeds between 7 and 8,000 sheep. There are some manufactures in the town, a rich vein of galena, and three neat villages. Thetford was first settled in 1764. It lies 34 miles S.S.E. from Montpelier and 18 S.E. from Chelsea. Population, in 1830, 2,113.
1840 - Population of Thetford, Vermont - 2,065
1849 - Thetford
Orange Co. This town is pleasantly situated on the west side of Connecticut River, opposite to Lyme, N. H. The Ompomponoosuc, and its branches, give the town an excellent water power. There are several ponds in Thetford, one of which is worthy of notice. It covers about nine acres, and is situated on an elevation, the base of which is only four rods from Connecticut River, and 100 feet in height. It is very deep; it has neither inlet or outlet, and contains large quantities of perch and other fish.
The surface of the town is generally rocky and uneven ; it has but little intervale, but the soil is strong and productive. There are some manufactures in the town, a rich vein of galena, and three neat villages.
Boundaries. North by Fairlee and west Fairlee, east by Connecticut River, which separates it from Lyme, N. H., south by Norwich, and west by Strafford.
First Settlers. The settlement was commenced here in 1764, by John Chamberlain, from Hebron, Ct. The next year he was...
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The surface of the town is generally rocky and uneven ; it has but little intervale, but the soil is strong and productive. There are some manufactures in the town, a rich vein of galena, and three neat villages.
Boundaries. North by Fairlee and west Fairlee, east by Connecticut River, which separates it from Lyme, N. H., south by Norwich, and west by Strafford.
First Settlers. The settlement was commenced here in 1764, by John Chamberlain, from Hebron, Ct. The next year he was...
Show more local history, news & stories
1854 - Thetford
Thetford, a post-village in Orange, co., Vermont, on the W. side of the Connecticut, and on the Connecticut and Passurrpsic Rivers railroad, 33 miles S. S. E. from Montpelier, contains 1 or 2 churches and an academy. Population of the township, 2016.
1895 - Thetford / Thetford Centre
Thetford, a post-village in Thetford township, Orange co., Vt., 2 miles W of Thetford Station of the Passumpsie Railroad, 15 miles N.N.E. of White River Junction, and about 40 miles E.N.E. of Rutland. It has a church and an academy. The township is bounded on the E. by the Connecticut River. It contains North Thetford and Union Willage. Pop. of the township, 1613.
Thetford Centre, a post-hamlet of Orange co., Vt., in Thetford township, about 38 miles S.S.E. of Montpelier. It has a church.
Thetford Centre, a post-hamlet of Orange co., Vt., in Thetford township, about 38 miles S.S.E. of Montpelier. It has a church.
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Thetford, Vermont:
Lake Fairlee: Start your visit to Thetford with a trip to Lake Fairlee. This beautiful lake offers opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing during the summer months. There's even a public beach area where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Fairlee Drive-In Theater: Just a short drive from Thetford, the Fairlee Drive-In Theater is a nostalgic experience that's perfect for a laid-back evening. Catch a double feature under the stars from spring to fall.
Thetford Hill State Park: This state park is a hidden gem in Thetford. It features hiking trails that lead to panoramic views of the surrounding area, making it an ideal spot for a day hike or a picnic with friends and family.
Connecticut River: Thetford is situated along the Connecticut River, and there are numerous access points for kayaking, canoeing, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along its banks. The river is particularly scenic during the fall foliage season.
Thetford Historical...
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Fairlee Drive-In Theater: Just a short drive from Thetford, the Fairlee Drive-In Theater is a nostalgic experience that's perfect for a laid-back evening. Catch a double feature under the stars from spring to fall.
Thetford Hill State Park: This state park is a hidden gem in Thetford. It features hiking trails that lead to panoramic views of the surrounding area, making it an ideal spot for a day hike or a picnic with friends and family.
Connecticut River: Thetford is situated along the Connecticut River, and there are numerous access points for kayaking, canoeing, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along its banks. The river is particularly scenic during the fall foliage season.
Thetford Historical...
GENEALOGY IN THETFORD
Discover YOUR Roots: Thetford Ancestry
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BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Thetford, Vermont, USA
We currently have information about 13 ancestors who were born or died in Thetford.
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Ancestors Who Were Married in Thetford, Vermont, USA
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Updated: 1/10/2025 2:40:36 PM
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