History of Dorset, Vermont, USA

Dorset, Vermont
Bennington county. This town was first settled in 1768, and organized the following year. Paulet and Battenkill rivers rise in this town, and, with the waters of Otter creek, which passes the northern part, afford some mill privileges, which are used for manufacturing purposes. There are two mountains partly in this town, the Dorset and Equinox. There is a cavern in the south part of the town of some note. [The Mount Aeolus Cave.] It is entered by an aperture nearly 10 feet square, "which opens into a spacious room nine rods in length and four wide. At the further end of this apartment are two openings which are about 30 feet apart. The one on the right is three feet from the floor and is about 20 inches by six feet in length. It leads to an apartment 20 feet long, 12 wide and 12 high. From this room there is an opening sufficient to admit a man to pass through sideways about 20 feet, when it opens into a large hall 80 feet long and 30 wide. The other aperture from...

Bennington Co. There are no considerable streams in this township. Otter Creek heads in Mount Tabor, runs south-westerly two or three miles, into Peru, then west three-fourths of a mile into this township, when it takes a northerly direction through a considerable natural pond, and leaves the township near the north-east corner. The Battenkill heads in this township, on the flat about twenty-five rods south of the bend in Otter Creek, and runs off to the south. Another branch of this stream rises in the south-western part, and unites with it in Manchester. Pawlet River, rises in the north-western part, and passes off into Rupert. These streams afford a number of mill privileges.

This township is considerably mountainous. Dorset Mountain lies in the north part, and extends into Danby, where it is called South Mountain. Equinox Mountain lies partly in the south-west comer. In this township are several remarkable caverns.

One in the south part, is entered by an aperture nearly ten...

Old Congregational Edifice at Dorset, Vt., Destroyed by Fire.

Manchester, Vt., Nov. 24---The Congregational Church in Dorset was burned early today, causing a loss of $10,000, upon which there is an insurance of $6000. When worshippers arrived from a distance this morning they found the structure in ruins.

A coal fire was started in the furnace, last night to heat the church for the Sunday services and it is supposed that a defective flue or chimney permitted the fire to spread to the building. When discovered the flames had gained such headway that the bell could not be rung and consequently assistance could not be quickly summoned and the structure could not be saved.

The church was built in 1833 and was one of the oldest in the State.

Dorset Village: Start your visit by exploring the heart of Dorset, the village itself. Stroll along the tree-lined streets and admire the historic buildings, including the Dorset Inn, which dates back to 1796. Don't miss the Dorset Union Store, a classic country store where you can pick up Vermont-made goods.

Dorset Playhouse: If you're a fan of the arts, check out a performance at the Dorset Playhouse. This community theater hosts a variety of productions throughout the year, including plays, musicals, and concerts.

Dorset Historical Society: Dive into Dorset's history at the Dorset Historical Society. You can learn about the town's rich heritage through exhibits and artifacts. It's a great place to gain insights into the area's past.

The Marble House Project: Art lovers should visit The Marble House Project, an artist residency program that hosts exhibitions and events. You might have the chance to engage with resident artists and view their work.

Hildene, The Lincoln...