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History of Fairlee, Vermont, USA
Journey back in time to Fairlee, Vermont, USA
(Ely) (South Fairlee)
Explore Fairlee, 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 Fairlee Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

One of the New Hampshire grants, Fairlee was chartered by Governor Benning Wentworth on September 9, 1761 and awarded to Josiah Channey, Joseph Hubbard and 62 others. It was first settled in 1766. On February 25, 1797, the western half of the grant was set off as West Fairlee. The population was 575 by 1859, when it had several sawmills, a gristmill, and an establishment for lead pipe and pumps. The Fairlee Railroad Depot was built in 1848 by the Connecticut & Passumpsic Rivers Railroad. wikipedia
Fairlee is a town on the eastern shore of Lake Morey, offering a tranquil setting for boating and relaxation.
Explore even more about Fairlee, Vermont, USA. Keep reading!
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Discover Fairlee: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1839 - Fairlee
Fairlee, Vermont
Orange county. A rough and mountainous township, with very little productive land, on the west side of Connecticut river, and connected with Orford, N.H., by a bridge across that river. First settled, 1768. Population, 1830, 656. This town lies about 17 miles E.S.E. from Chelsea, and 31 S.E. from Montpelier.
Fairlee pond is two miles in length and about three fourths of a mile wide. It formerly had no fish. Some years ago a gentleman placed some pickerel in it, and the legislature passed a law protecting the fish from molestation for two years. Since that time the pond has had an abundance of pickerel of good size and quality.
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
Fairlee, Vermont
Orange county. A rough and mountainous township, with very little productive land, on the west side of Connecticut river, and connected with Orford, N.H., by a bridge across that river. First settled, 1768. Population, 1830, 656. This town lies about 17 miles E.S.E. from Chelsea, and 31 S.E. from Montpelier.
Fairlee pond is two miles in length and about three fourths of a mile wide. It formerly had no fish. Some years ago a gentleman placed some pickerel in it, and the legislature passed a law protecting the fish from molestation for two years. Since that time the pond has had an abundance of pickerel of good size and quality.
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 - Fairlee
Orange Co. This is a rough and mountainous township, with very little productive land, on the west side of Connecticut River, and connected with Orford, N. H., by a bridge across that river.
Fairlee pond is two miles in length and about three fourths of a mile wide. It formerly had no fish. Some years ago a gentleman placed some pickerel in it, and the legislature passed a law protecting the fish from molestation for two years. Since that time the pond has had an abundance of pickerel, of good size and quality.
Boundaries. North by Bradford, east by Connecticut River, which separates it from Orford, N. H., south by Thetford, and west by West Fairlee.
First Settlers. The settlement was commenced in 1766, by a Mr. Baldwin, who had settled the year before in Thetford. In 1768, Mr. Samuel Miller, Samuel Bentley, and William and David Thompson, Noah Dewey, and Joel White, settled here.
First Minister. A Congregational meeting-house was erected here, in 1806.
Productions of... Read MORE...
Orange Co. This is a rough and mountainous township, with very little productive land, on the west side of Connecticut River, and connected with Orford, N. H., by a bridge across that river.
Fairlee pond is two miles in length and about three fourths of a mile wide. It formerly had no fish. Some years ago a gentleman placed some pickerel in it, and the legislature passed a law protecting the fish from molestation for two years. Since that time the pond has had an abundance of pickerel, of good size and quality.
Boundaries. North by Bradford, east by Connecticut River, which separates it from Orford, N. H., south by Thetford, and west by West Fairlee.
First Settlers. The settlement was commenced in 1766, by a Mr. Baldwin, who had settled the year before in Thetford. In 1768, Mr. Samuel Miller, Samuel Bentley, and William and David Thompson, Noah Dewey, and Joel White, settled here.
First Minister. A Congregational meeting-house was erected here, in 1806.
Productions of... Read MORE...
1912 - FOUR KILLED IN HOTEL FIRE. C. E. PERKINS, WIFE, AND DAUGHTER OF FLUSHING DIE OF BURNS AT FAIRLEE, VT.
Fairlee, Vt., July 30. - Fire that destroyed the Danforth House here today caused the death of four persons and the injury of two others, one probably fatally.
MISS EFFIE PERKINS of Flushing, L. I., and MISS FLORENCE ALBEE of Springfield, Mass, were burned to death.
MISS PERKIN'S parents, MR. and MRS. C. E. PERKINS, were so badly injured that they died within a short time.
MISS BERNICE BEAN of Springfield, Mass., who jumped from a third-story window, is believed to have been fatally hurt.
MISS ALICE PERKINS was seriously burned.
Trapped by the flames in their apartments on the lake side of the hotel, MR. PERKINS, his wife, and daughter, ALICE, jumped from a second-story window into the water. With difficulty they were rescued from drowning. Suffering from burns and the shock of their experience, they were taken to the Mary Hitchcock Hospital, at Hanover, N. H., where MR. and MRS. PERKINS died a few hours later.
The fire was discovered at 6:30 A.M. There were about thirty guests... Read MORE...
Fairlee, Vt., July 30. - Fire that destroyed the Danforth House here today caused the death of four persons and the injury of two others, one probably fatally.
MISS EFFIE PERKINS of Flushing, L. I., and MISS FLORENCE ALBEE of Springfield, Mass, were burned to death.
MISS PERKIN'S parents, MR. and MRS. C. E. PERKINS, were so badly injured that they died within a short time.
MISS BERNICE BEAN of Springfield, Mass., who jumped from a third-story window, is believed to have been fatally hurt.
MISS ALICE PERKINS was seriously burned.
Trapped by the flames in their apartments on the lake side of the hotel, MR. PERKINS, his wife, and daughter, ALICE, jumped from a second-story window into the water. With difficulty they were rescued from drowning. Suffering from burns and the shock of their experience, they were taken to the Mary Hitchcock Hospital, at Hanover, N. H., where MR. and MRS. PERKINS died a few hours later.
The fire was discovered at 6:30 A.M. There were about thirty guests... Read MORE...
Fairlee has something to offer everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Fairlee, Vermont:
1. Lake Morey Resort: Start your visit with a relaxing stay at Lake Morey Resort. This beautiful lakeside resort offers comfortable accommodations, a golf course, and a variety of water activities on Lake Morey. You can rent paddleboards, kayaks, or even take a cruise on the lake. In the winter, the lake freezes over, making it a prime spot for ice skating and ice fishing.
2. Fairlee Drive-In Theater: Experience a bit of nostalgia by catching a movie at the Fairlee Drive-In Theater. It's one of the few remaining drive-in theaters in Vermont and provides a unique cinematic experience under the stars. Don't forget to grab some popcorn and snacks from the concession stand.
3. Fairlee Town Common: Stroll through the picturesque Fairlee Town Common, a lovely green space in the center of town. It's a great spot for a picnic or to simply enjoy the fresh Vermont air. The common also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, so be sure to check the local calendar.
4.... Read MORE...
1. Lake Morey Resort: Start your visit with a relaxing stay at Lake Morey Resort. This beautiful lakeside resort offers comfortable accommodations, a golf course, and a variety of water activities on Lake Morey. You can rent paddleboards, kayaks, or even take a cruise on the lake. In the winter, the lake freezes over, making it a prime spot for ice skating and ice fishing.
2. Fairlee Drive-In Theater: Experience a bit of nostalgia by catching a movie at the Fairlee Drive-In Theater. It's one of the few remaining drive-in theaters in Vermont and provides a unique cinematic experience under the stars. Don't forget to grab some popcorn and snacks from the concession stand.
3. Fairlee Town Common: Stroll through the picturesque Fairlee Town Common, a lovely green space in the center of town. It's a great spot for a picnic or to simply enjoy the fresh Vermont air. The common also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, so be sure to check the local calendar.
4.... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Fairlee Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Fairlee, Vermont, USA
We currently have information about 4 ancestors who were born or died in Fairlee.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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