History of Barton, Vermont, USA

1824 - Barton
BARTON, a post town in Orleans county, situated in lat. 44° 45′ north and long. 4° 45′ east, containing 36 square miles. It is bounded north by Brownington, east by Westmore and Sheffield, south by Glover, and west by Irasburgh and Albany, lying 40 miles northeast from Montpelier. October 23, 1781, it was granted to Gen. William Barton, of Rhode Island, and his associatles; and from him the town derives its name. Its charter is dated Oct. 20, 1789. The first settlement of this town was commenced about the year 1796, by Jonathan Allyne, Asa Kimball, James May and John Kimball. The first settlers were from Rhode Island and New-Hampshire. The town was organized March 20, 1798, and Abner Allyne was first town clerk. At the time of its organization there were 19 legal voters in town. Willoughby's river runs a short distance in this town, and falls into Barton river. Barton river runs through the town from south to north. The pond in Glover, which broke its northern bound and ran entirely... Read MORE...

1839 - Barton
Barton, Vermont
Orleans county. This town derived its name from Gen. William Barton of R.I., and was first settled in 1796. The town is well watered by Barton river, which rises in Glover, and empties into Memphremagog lake. Here are several ponds containing good fish. Barton is a thriving town, with a good hydraulic power, and about 3,000 sheep. It lies 9 miles S.E. from Irasburgh, and 40 N.E. from Montpelier. Population, 1830, 729.
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 - Barton
Oeleaxs Co. This town is well watered by Barton River, which rises in Glover, and empties into Memphremagog Lake. Here are several ponds containing good fish. Barton is a thriving town, with a good hydraulic power.

The pond in Glover which broke its northern bound and run entirely out on the 6th of June, 1810. passed down Barton River, making very destructive ravages ; the traces of which are still to be seen.

At the outlet of Belle Pond is a flourishing village, containing a number of handsome buildings. This place will doubtless become an important site for manufactures ; and should the Monarch Carrier come this way, no one need marvel.

Boundaries. North by Barrington, cast by Westmore and Sheffield, south by Glover, and west by Irasburgh and Albany.

First Settlers. The town was chartered October 20, 1789, and then took the name of Barton, in honor of the principal proprietor. The settlement of this town was commenced about the year 1796, by Jonathan Allyne, Asa Kimball, ... Read MORE...

1876 - The Fire at Barton
We give some further particulars of the recent fire at Barton Landing, noticed in last week's STAR. The fire broke out in Flint Brothers' store, and before it was stopped it consumed that store, also the stores of Austin, Joslyn & Co., and C. H. Green, and the dwellings of A. D. Bigelow and Dennison Stafford, together with three barns an outbuildings. It is a mystery how the fire took. When discovered it was breaking out of the roof, and spread with great rapidity.

The Barton Monitor says: The losses, though severe, are pretty well covered by insurance. Flint Bros. & Co. were insured for $14,000, which will probably cover their losses.

E G Stevens lost $325; no insurance.
C J Rowell, no loss.
O H Austin, estimated loss, $5000; insurance, $3000.
Austin, Joslyn & Co. were insured for $4,500, which will nearly cover their loss.
Mrs S G Sartle, loss $600; no insurance.
L D Wilson, loss covered by insurance.
C H Green, loss $2500; insurance $2000.
D S Stafford, loss $2000;... Read MORE...

1908 - Vermont Baseball Championship
Barton claims to have won the baseball championship of Vermont by defeating Woodstock in a game at Woodstock by a score of 6 to 4. The umpire's decision brought out strong protests from Woodstock.
St Albans Daily Messenger
St Albans, Vermont
August 29, 1908

1914 - BARTON FAIR SUCCESS. Displays of Vegetables Good - Races Prove Interesting.
Barton, Aug. 21. - The annual Barton fair which closes to-morrow evening and which opened Tuesday morning, has been favored with a fair-sized attendance.

The display of vegetables, fruits, grains, etc., is representative and theconsidering this early date and the late spring, is very good. The livestock and other departments are well led. The Barton fair is one of the earliest in the state.

The races were well entered and proved interesting. The Barton band furnished music.

The next fair in northeastern Vermont will be held at St. Johnsbury. The management of this fair intend to make it the best in its history with special attractions in addition to the usual exhibits.
St Albans Messenger
St Albans, Vermont
August 21, 1914

1915 - BARTON MAN IN SYRACUSE JAIL. Zura Hanson Arrested with "Friend of Wife" Under White Slave Act.
Syracuse, N. Y., May 15. - Zura Hanson, well known horseman of Barton, Vt., is being held by the polce here charged with violating the Mann white slave act. He was arrested in company with 19-year-old Lillian Woodbury as they were leaving a train at the Central station.

The police received a telegram signed "R. H. Johnson," telling them that they would find a white slave case on a certain train. The arrest followed.

At the police station the girl broke down and confessed, according to the police. She said that Hanson was married ant that she was a personal friend of his wife.

Hanson had $486 when arrested. The couple fled from Barton Monday, it is said, Hanson waiting outside the village in his auto for the girl. They drove to Newport, Vt., where they took the train. They had tickets for Buffalo.

Barton, May 15. - Relatives of Zura Hanson, arrested at Syracuse, N. Y., on a charge of violating the Mann white slave act, expressed surprise when informed of the arrest. Mr.... Read MORE...

1930 - TRUCK-SLEIGH CRASH FATAL
Barton, Vt., Feb. 11. - One man is dead and his brother seriously injured as he result of an accident near here in which a sleigh was struck by a truck. Joseph Faust of Indian Orchard, Mass., was fatally injured in the crash and died in a hospital in Orleans. His brother, Romeo, was badly cut and bruised but was reported today as recovering.
Portsmouth Herald
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
February 11, 1930

1938 - DISASTROUS FIRE AT BARTON, VT.
Barton, Vt., Aug. 12 (AP) - Inspectors of the Vermont fire marshal's office poked through ruins of three business blocks and two houses today in an effort to determine what exploded an empty 1,000-Gallon gasoline tank in a garage here and started a $200,000 fire.

Officials said the loss was the largest ever recorded in this town, 20 miles from the Canadian border, with a population of 3,500.
After a preliminary investigation fire officials suggested a discarded cigarette apparently exploded fumes within the tank. The drum, mounted on a truck, had been brought to the garage for repair.

The blast blew the head of the tank 75 feet, shattered scores of windows, blew GEORGE KINNEY into the street and burned his hands, and started flames racing through the garage.

The fire destroyed 45 automobiles and trucks in the three-story Webster motor sales garage and storage room, jumped across the street to the Webster feed store, then to the three-story Chutter block, where two floors and ... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Barton, Vermont:
Crystal Lake State Park: Crystal Lake is a stunning, clear-water lake nestled in the heart of Barton. You can spend your day swimming, sunbathing on the sandy beach, or enjoying a picnic by the water. The lake also offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

Hiking and Outdoor Activities: The surrounding area of Barton is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. There are numerous hiking trails nearby, including the Barton Town Forest and Willoughby State Forest. You can also explore the area by mountain biking or ATV riding.

Willoughby Lake: Just a short drive from Barton, Lake Willoughby is often referred to as the "Lucerne of America" due to its stunning beauty. It's known for its crystal-clear waters, and you can swim, paddle, or even try your hand at rock climbing on the cliffs surrounding the lake.

Barton Fair: If you happen to visit Barton in August, don't miss the Barton Fair. It's a classic Vermont agricultural fair with carnival rides, live music, agricultural ... Read MORE...