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History of Thetford, Vermont, USA
Journey back in time to Thetford, Vermont, USA
(East, North) (Thetford Hill) (Thetford Center) (Rices Mills) (Union Village) (Post Mills)
Explore Thetford, 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 Thetford Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

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.
Explore even more about Thetford, Vermont, USA. Keep reading!
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Discover Thetford: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1791 - Population of Thetford, Vermont - 862
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
1800 - Population of Thetford, Vermont - 1,478
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
1810 - Population of Thetford, Vermont - 1,785
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
1820 - Population of Thetford, Vermont - 1,915
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
1830 - Population of Thetford, Vermont - 2,113
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
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.
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
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.
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
1840 - Population of Thetford, Vermont - 2,065
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
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... Read MORE...
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... Read MORE...
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.
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.
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.
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 - 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.
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
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.
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'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... Read MORE...
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... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Thetford Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Thetford, Vermont, USA
We currently have information about 12 ancestors who were born or died in Thetford.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Thetford, Vermont, USA
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