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History of Manchester, Vermont, USA
Journey back in time to Manchester, Vermont, USA
Also known as(Manchester Center)
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Manchester, Vermont, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Manchester
The town was one of several chartered in 1761 by Benning Wentworth, colonial governor of New Hampshire. It was his custom to name new towns after prominent English aristocrats of the day, hoping they might adopt a patronly interest in their namesakes. Wentworth named Manchester for Robert Montagu, 3rd Duke of Manchester. First settled in 1764, the town was laid out in 1784... wikipedia
Within the township of Manchester are three villages; Manchester, Manchester Center and Manchester Depot. familysearch.org
Many visitors use Manchester VT as a base for visiting Stratton Mountain Resort. newenglandwithlove.com
Within the township of Manchester are three villages; Manchester, Manchester Center and Manchester Depot. familysearch.org
Many visitors use Manchester VT as a base for visiting Stratton Mountain Resort. newenglandwithlove.com
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VINTAGE MANCHESTER
Manchester Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Manchester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 - Manchester Ctr., Vt.){kind=small}
Manchester Ctr., Vt.
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - Main Street, 1906){kind=small}
Main Street, 1906
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - "Point O'View", Summer HOme of Mr. Bartlett Arkell, Manchester, Vermont){kind=small}
"Point O'View", Summer HOme of Mr. Bartlett Arkell, Manchester, Vermont
Manchester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 - South Main Street){kind=small}
South Main Street
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - Main Street, South){kind=small}
Main Street, South
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - Gulf Bridge){kind=small}
Gulf Bridge
Show more vintage photos, ads & postcards
Manchester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 - Birdseye view of Manchester, Vt., 1910){kind=small}
Birdseye view of Manchester, Vt., 1910
Manchester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 - Barr and Burton Seminary, Gymnasium and Assembly Hall){kind=small}
Barr and Burton Seminary, Gymnasium and Assembly Hall
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - The Ekwanok Country Club, Manchester, Vermont){kind=small}
The Ekwanok Country Club, Manchester, Vermont
Manchester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 - Equinox Mountain Near Manchester, Vt. in the Southern Range of the Green Mountains){kind=small}
Equinox Mountain Near Manchester, Vt. in the Southern Range of the Green Mountains
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - Mt. Aeolus, Manchester, Vermont){kind=small}
Mt. Aeolus, Manchester, Vermont
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - Manchester, Vt., Rootville Notch){kind=small}
Manchester, Vt., Rootville Notch
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - Main Street){kind=small}
Main Street
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - The Village Green, Manchester, Vermont){kind=small}
The Village Green, Manchester, Vermont
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - The Eighth Green, Ekwanok Golf Course){kind=small}
The Eighth Green, Ekwanok Golf Course
Manchester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 - Cross Roads, Manchester, Vermont){kind=small}
Cross Roads, Manchester, Vermont
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - East Mt. Range){kind=small}
East Mt. Range
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - Equinox House){kind=small}
Equinox House
Manchester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 - Along the Ethan Allen Highway near Manchester, Vermont){kind=small}
Along the Ethan Allen Highway near Manchester, Vermont
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - State Road, near Manchester, Vermont){kind=small}
State Road, near Manchester, Vermont
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - Green Mountain Valley){kind=small}
Green Mountain Valley
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - Mount Equinox and Summer Home of Mr. Charles E. Chase){kind=small}
Mount Equinox and Summer Home of Mr. Charles E. Chase
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - Sugar Bush){kind=small}
Sugar Bush
Manchester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 - The Equinox, 1914){kind=small}
The Equinox, 1914
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - The Valley Road, Manchester, Vermont){kind=small}
The Valley Road, Manchester, Vermont
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - Manchester Depot){kind=small}
Manchester Depot
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - South Main St., Manchester Center, Vt.){kind=small}
South Main St., Manchester Center, Vt.
Manchester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 - "The Cascades", Residence of Mr. J. F. Montgomery
){kind=small}
"The Cascades", Residence of Mr. J. F. Montgomery
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - Equinox Spa){kind=small}
Equinox Spa
Manchester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 - View of Manchester){kind=small}
View of Manchester
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - The Out of Door School){kind=small}
The Out of Door School
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - The Willows){kind=small}
The Willows
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - Rear View of Seminary){kind=small}
Rear View of Seminary
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - Hildene, Home of Robert Todd Lincoln){kind=small}
Hildene, Home of Robert Todd Lincoln
Read more about Robert Todd LINCOLN
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - Munson's Falls){kind=small}
Munson's Falls
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - Worthy Inn, Manchester, Vermont){kind=small}
Worthy Inn, Manchester, Vermont
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - The Equinox House){kind=small}
The Equinox House
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - Dine & Dance, Traveler's Restaurant, Manchester Center, Vt.){kind=small}
Dine & Dance, Traveler's Restaurant, Manchester Center, Vt.
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - Home of W. H. Roberts){kind=small}
Home of W. H. Roberts
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - Taconic Avenue){kind=small}
Taconic Avenue
Manchester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 - Looking from Steeple Chase Slope to Expert's Slope, Snow Man's Rest, Manchester, Vt.){kind=small}
Looking from Steeple Chase Slope to Expert's Slope, Snow Man's Rest, Manchester, Vt.
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - Snow Valley){kind=small}
Snow Valley
Manchester, Vermont, USA
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 - Wilburton Inn){kind=small}
Wilburton Inn
Manchester, Vermont, USA
Postcard
 - Bromley Mountain ski area){kind=small}
Bromley Mountain ski area
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to MANCHESTER
I Love VERMONT Mug – Maple Syrup, Sugar on Snow & Creemee Coffee Cup
Celebrate the flavors and charm of the Green Mountain State with this Vermont-inspired ceramic mug. Featuring a beautiful design highlighting maple syrup, sugar on snow, and iconic creemees, it’s perfect for locals, visitors, and anyone who loves Vermont.
VERMONT Roots Mug: Skiing, Syrup and Suds - Vermont Genealogy
Celebrate your Vermont heritage with our whimsical ceramic mug! Featuring the caption, "My Ancestors Came From Vermont! That explains a lot about my love for skiing, maple syrup and finding the best craft breweries," this mug is perfect for those who proudly embrace their Green Mountain State roots.
VERMONT Roots - Genealogy-Themed Ceramic Coffee Mug Gift Idea
Celebrate your family heritage with our "Vermont Roots" Genealogy Coffee Mug! Whether you’re sipping your morning brew or relaxing with an evening tea, this sturdy ceramic mug is the perfect companion for anyone who proudly traces their lineage back to the Green Mountain State.
VERMONT Long Trail Mug – Vintage Postcard - Hiking & Adventure Coffee Cup
Carry a piece of Vermont with every sip! The Long Trail Vermont Mug features vintage postcard art and the charming slogan “Following Footprints of the Past on the Long Trail!” Perfect for hikers, history buffs, and coffee lovers alike, this high-quality ceramic mug is dishwasher & microwave safe. Ideal for sipping coffee while planning your next trek, reminiscing about past hikes, or cozy mornings with maps spread out, it’s a heartfelt nod to adventure, nature, and the trails that connect us. Bring warmth, story, and a touch of Vermont to your kitchen or campsite!
VERMONT Long Trail Aluminum Bookmark - Following in the Footsteps of Hikers Before Me
Mark your place in style with this durable aluminum bookmark featuring a vintage postcard image of Vermont’s legendary Long Trail. Adorned with the inspiring slogan "Following in the Footsteps of Those Who Hiked Before Me!", it’s the perfect keepsake for outdoor enthusiasts, history lovers, and Long Trail hikers. Lightweight yet sturdy, this bookmark makes a great gift for bookworms and adventurers alike. Whether you're reading trail guides or your favorite novel, let this bookmark keep the spirit of the Long Trail alive!
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Manchester: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Manchester through the years.
Manchester Village was first settled in 1761. From 1761 to 1850, the Village was primarily a crossroads featuring numerous taverns and inns.
Between 1812 and 1819, Manchester was made famous by the Boorn–Colvin case, called "America's first wrongful conviction murder case"
1839 - Manchester
Manchester, Vermont
Bennington county. One of the county towns. Situated between the Green mountains on the E., and Equinox mountain on the W. The latter is 3,706 feet above the sea. There are two neat villages in this valley; the county buildings are in the south village. The scenery here is very beautiful. The town is watered by the Battenkill and its branches, and affords good mill sites. The soil along the water courses is good, but the principal part of the town is better for grazing than tillage. Here are large quarries of beautiful marble, some manufactures, a curious cavern, and about 6,000 sheep. Manchester lies 22 miles N. by E. from Bennington, and about 40 W. from Bellows Falls, across the mountains. First settled 1764. Population, 1830, 1,525.
Bennington county. One of the county towns. Situated between the Green mountains on the E., and Equinox mountain on the W. The latter is 3,706 feet above the sea. There are two neat villages in this valley; the county buildings are in the south village. The scenery here is very beautiful. The town is watered by the Battenkill and its branches, and affords good mill sites. The soil along the water courses is good, but the principal part of the town is better for grazing than tillage. Here are large quarries of beautiful marble, some manufactures, a curious cavern, and about 6,000 sheep. Manchester lies 22 miles N. by E. from Bennington, and about 40 W. from Bellows Falls, across the mountains. First settled 1764. Population, 1830, 1,525.
1849 - Manchester
Bennington Co. One of the county towns. Situated between the Green Mountains on the east, and Equinox Mountain on the west. The latter is 3.706 feet above the sea. There are two neat villages in this valley ; the county buildings are in the south village. The scenery here is very beautiful. The town is watered by the Battenkill and its branches, and affords good mill sites.
The soil along the water (bourses is good, but the principal part of the town is better for grazing than tillage. Here are large quarries of beautiful marble, some manufactures, and a curious cavern.
There are a variety of minerals in Manchester.
Boundaries. North by Dorset, east by Winhall, south by Sunderland, and west by Sandgate.
First Settlers. The settlement of Manchester was commenced in 1764, by Samuel Rose and others, from Dutchess County, N. Y.
Productions of the Soil. Wheat, 1,481 bushels; Indian corn, 5,764 bushels; potatoes, 30,576 bushels ; hay, 3,553 tons ; maple sugar, 34,950 pounds ; ...
Read more
The soil along the water (bourses is good, but the principal part of the town is better for grazing than tillage. Here are large quarries of beautiful marble, some manufactures, and a curious cavern.
There are a variety of minerals in Manchester.
Boundaries. North by Dorset, east by Winhall, south by Sunderland, and west by Sandgate.
First Settlers. The settlement of Manchester was commenced in 1764, by Samuel Rose and others, from Dutchess County, N. Y.
Productions of the Soil. Wheat, 1,481 bushels; Indian corn, 5,764 bushels; potatoes, 30,576 bushels ; hay, 3,553 tons ; maple sugar, 34,950 pounds ; ...
From 1850 to about 1900 the Village entered its resort phase with the most notable contributor being the Equinox Hotel.
Franklin Orvis opened Manchester’s most famous hotel, the Equinox, in 1853, which became the centerpiece of Manchester's tourist industry.
1856 - Orvis is founded in Manchester
Orvis is a family-owned retail and mail-order business specializing in high-end fly fishing, hunting and sporting goods. Founded in Manchester in 1856 by Charles F. Orvis to sell fishing tackle, it is the oldest mail-order retailer in the United States.
The first marble sidewalk, a still treasured historic feature, was laid in 1850 and by 1890, four miles of marble sidewalks adorned the Village.
Show more local history, news & stories
1918 - Big Fire in Manchester
Fire which probably originated from a hot box in the machinery caused damage of about $20,000 in the by-products department of the Rich Lumber company plant at Manchester Depot. The loss falls chiefly on the firm of Ryan Schlieder, who state that they have about $6,000 insurance on the property destroyed. The fire was breaking through the floor from the basement when discovered and it spread so rapidly that the men working nearby did not have tome to save their dinner pails. Seven streams of water from the company’s private plant, the village system and a hand engine were employed for about two hours before control of the situation was gained and had it not been for a favorable wind the larger part of the plant housing the main saw mills and much lumber in the yard would had burned.
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Manchester:
Hike Equinox Mountain: Start your visit with a hike up Equinox Mountain. It's the highest peak in the Taconic Range and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. There's also an auto road if you prefer a scenic drive to the summit.
Explore Hildene - The Lincoln Family Home: Visit the former estate of Robert Todd Lincoln, the son of Abraham Lincoln. The mansion, gardens, and walking trails make for an educational and scenic experience.
Shop in Manchester Designer Outlets: Manchester is known for its designer outlets, and the Manchester Designer Outlets is the place to find high-end brands at discounted prices. It's a shopper's paradise.
Visit the Southern Vermont Arts Center: This center hosts rotating art exhibitions and offers art classes and workshops. It's a great place to appreciate local and regional art.
Manchester Music Festival: If you're a music enthusiast, check out the Manchester Music Festival. They host classical music concerts and...
Read more
Explore Hildene - The Lincoln Family Home: Visit the former estate of Robert Todd Lincoln, the son of Abraham Lincoln. The mansion, gardens, and walking trails make for an educational and scenic experience.
Shop in Manchester Designer Outlets: Manchester is known for its designer outlets, and the Manchester Designer Outlets is the place to find high-end brands at discounted prices. It's a shopper's paradise.
Visit the Southern Vermont Arts Center: This center hosts rotating art exhibitions and offers art classes and workshops. It's a great place to appreciate local and regional art.
Manchester Music Festival: If you're a music enthusiast, check out the Manchester Music Festival. They host classical music concerts and...
GENEALOGY IN MANCHESTER
Discover YOUR Roots: Manchester Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Manchester through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Manchester, Vermont, USA
We currently have information about 17 ancestors who were born or died in Manchester.
View ancestors by year of birthMARRIAGES
Ancestors Who Were Married in Manchester, Vermont, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Manchester.
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Updated: 1/9/2025 1:42:06 PM
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