History of Bridgewater, Vermont, USA

Bridgewater, Vermont
Windsor county. This town is bounded E. by Woodstock, and lies 45 miles S. from Montpelier, 17 N.W. from Windsor, and 60 N.E. from Bennington. Population, 1820, 1,125; 1830, 2,320. The settlement of the town commenced in 1780. In 1785 the town was organized. There are many good mill seats in this town on Waterqueechy river, and considerable fine intervale lies on the borders of that stream. The high lands are good, and produce valuable crops. It feeds about 6,000 sheep. Here are found iron ore, garnets, rock crystal, mica slate, gneiss, limestone, quartz, and excellent soapstone. In 1822, a living frog was taken from 26 feet below the surface of the ground, about 30 rods from the river.

Windsor Co. The surface of this town is uneven and some parts rough and stony. Along the river, are tracts of valuable intervale, and there are many good farms in other parts. The summits of the hills are, in general, covered with spruce and hemlock ; the timber, on other parts, is mostly maple, beech, and birch. The rocks are mica, and talco-argillaceous slate, gneiss, limestone, quartz, &c. There is an inexhaustible quarry of steatite, situated nearly in the centre of the town. It has been manufactured to some extent, and makes excellent jambs, hearths, &c. In the vicinity of the steatite, are large quantities of beautiful green talc. Iron ore is found in several places. Garnets in perfect dodechedral crystals are common, and several handsome specimens of rock crystal, crystals of hornblend and schorl, have been found.

There is a small village, on the river, near the south-east corner of the town, in which are a meeting-house, several mills, factories, stores, and mechanic's...

WINDSOR COUNTY - On the night of Thursday, the 19th inst., the woollen factory in Bridgewater village, belonging to William Lemmex, Esq., and Ammi Willard, Esq., took fire about 11 o’clock, and was entirely consumed, together with the machinery and considerable stock. Loss estimated at $8,000, on which there was an insurance of $6,000 - $3,000 on the building and $3,000 on the machinery and stock in process of being manufactured. The fire took in the upper story or garret, from what cause is not known. The building was old, but the machinery, &c., were put in through repair last season. The dye house, a large building adjacent, was not burnt. The site and water privilege are valuable, and it is probable the factory will be re-built.

Long Trail Brewing Company: Start your visit with a tour of Long Trail Brewing Company, one of Vermont's renowned craft breweries. Enjoy a tasting session and learn about the beer-making process while savoring some of their finest brews.

Bridgewater Mill Mall: Shop for locally made crafts, antiques, and unique souvenirs at the Bridgewater Mill Mall. It's a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts and support local artisans.

Plymouth State Park: Just a short drive from Bridgewater, Plymouth State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. You can go swimming, picnicking, or fishing in the park's beautiful surroundings. There are also hiking trails that offer stunning views of Echo Lake.

Coolidge State Park: Located in nearby Plymouth, Coolidge State Park offers fantastic hiking trails, including the popular Coolidge Connector Trail. Take a scenic hike to the summit of Mount Tom for breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains.

Billings Farm & Museum: Explore Vermont's...