History of Monkton, Vermont, USA

Monkton, Vermont
Addison county. This town lies 27 miles W. from Montpelier, 16 N. from Middlebury, and 18 S. by E. from Burlington. This is a good farming town and the products of wool, cattle, and of the dairy are considerable. Iron ore is found in abundance, and a bed of porcelain earth. By mixing this earth with common clay, in different proportions, various kinds of pottery are produced. This earth is very pure, and it is said might be manufactured into the best china ware. The bed is inexhaustible. The black oxide of manganese is also found here. There is also a curious cavern in the town: after descending about 16 feet, you arrive at a room 30 feet long, and 16 wide. From this is a passage leading to a second apartment, which is not quite so large, but more pleasant. Monkton is a pleasant town, 3 miles E. from Ferrisburgh, and is frequently visited by the curious. Population, 1830, 1,384.

Addison Co. The western part of the town is watered by Little Otter Creek, and the eastern part by Pond Brook, which rises from a considerable pond nearly on the line between Monkton and Bristol, and runs north through the township into Lewis Creek in Hinesburgh. Lewis Creek also runs a short distance in the north-eastern part. These streams afford but few mill privileges. Monkton Pond lies in the north part of the town, and is about a mile in length and half a mile wide. A mountain called the Hogback, extends along the eastern boundary of Monkton, and there are several other considerable elevations. "Iron ore is found in the south part of this township in large quantities. The color of the surface of this ore is a velvet black, and that of the interior a brownish black. Its structure is fibrous and commonly radiated. This ore makes excellent iron, and is extensively manufactured at Bristol and other places. Connected with the iron ore, is found the black oxyde of manganese.

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