History of Pawlet, Vermont, USA

Pawlet, Vermont
Rutland county. First settled, 1761. Population, 1830, 1,963. Pawlet lies 21 miles S.W. from Rutland and 27 S.E. from Whitehall, N.Y. The town is watered by Pawlet river, which falls into Champlain lake at Whitehall, and by Indian river, which rises from a spring sufficiently large to carry a mill.—The latter river was formerly a great resort of the natives, who frequented it for trout and other fish with which it abounds. The territory of Pawlet is nearly divided by a range of mountains, the highest summit of which is known by the name of "Haystack." This is a pleasant town, with some manufactures. The soil is dry and warm, and produces good crops of corn and hay. It feeds about 14,000 sheep.

Rutland Co. Pawlet River runs south-westerly nearly through the centre of the town, and Indian River, which runs the same course across the south-west corner. The latter rises from a spring of pure water, sufficiently large to carry a grist mill. It abounds in trout, and takes its name from the great number of Indians who formerly resorted here for the purpose of fishing. Pawlet is divided nearly in the centre by a range of mountains, extending through it from south to north. The most remarkable summit is a little north of the centre, and is called Haystack Mountain. The soil is dry and warm, easily cultivated, and produces good crops of grain and grass.

Boundaries. North by Wells, east by Danbj, south by Rupert, and west by Granville, N. Y.

First Settlers. The settlement of the tOAvn was commenced in 1761, by Simeon Barton and Win. Fairfield.

First Ministers. A Congregational Church was organized August 8, 1781. The Rev. Lewis Beebe, the first settled minister, was settled...