History of Fayston, Vermont, USA

1827 - Landslide
MONTPELIER, VT. JULY 10.

Avalanche--A gentleman at Fayston, in whose veracity the most implicit reliance may be placed, has obligingly furnished us with the following account of an avalanche of earth, or slide of the mountain, in Lincoln, Addison County, the twenty-seventh ult. occasioned by the late abundant and almost incessant rains.

On the 30th of June, I went, in company with 16 of my neighbors, to visit the spot so singularly marked by Providence, which I am not about to describe. I found the slide to commence near the top of the mountain, between two large rocks, which were stripped of earth, opening a passage of four rods wide, from which it proceeded in a southwesterly direction, gradually widening for the distance of 200 rods, to the south branch of mill brook in Fayston. In its course, it swept every thing in tis way--overturning trees by their roots; divesting them of roots, branches and bark, often breaking them in short pieces. A number of rocks were moved some... Read MORE...

1839 - Fayston
Fayston, Vermont
Washington county. Fayston is generally too mountainous to be much cultivated. Along the borders of some of the branches of Mad river, which rise here, is some arable land. It lies 16 miles W.S.W. from Montpelier and 25 S.E. from Burlington. First settled, 1798. Population, 1830, 458.
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 - Fayston
Washington Co. Fayston is generally too mountainous to be much cultivated. Along the borders of some of the branches of Mad River, which rises here, is some arable land. The town was settled in 1798, by Lynde Wait, Esq.

Boundaries. North by Duxbury, east by Waitsfield, south by a part of Warren and Lincoln, and west by Huntington.

Productions of the Soil. Wheat, 1,651 bushels; Indian corn, 1,189 bushels: potatoes, 22,593 bushels; hay, 1,905 tons; maple sugar, 24,134 pounds; wool, 3.833 pounds.

Distances. Sixteen miles west south-west from Montpelier, and twenty-five south-east from Burlington.
A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849

1854 - Fayston
FAYSTON, a township of Washington county , Vermont, 15 miles W. by S. from Montpelier. Population, 684.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1895 - Fayston
Fays'ton , a township of Washington co., Vt., 10 miles W.S.W. of Montpelier. P. 694. It contains North Fayston.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1897 - GREAT VERMONT LANDSLIDE One Hundred and Twenty Acres of Land Swept from Mountain Top to Valley Below. THE NOISE WAS DEAFENING
Fortunately No Person Was Injured Though Several Families Were in Imminent Peril - Crops Badly Injured - Mr. Mehuron's Experience.

RUTLAND, Vt., July 31. - The tremendous force of the avalanche, or landslide, Wednesday hurled 120 acres of land into a valley below, and the people living at the base of the mountain narrowly escaped destruction. The avalanche ran over a three-mile course. The devastation wrought in Mad River Valley by the recent floods and the havoc and ruin left in the track of the landslide of Lincoln Mountain, in Fayston, Washington County, near the centre of the State, and some thirty-six miles from this city, are almost beyond description.

Bad as was the flood of last week in the Mad RiverValley, this was no the firs time that section had been visited by high water. The worst flood in the history of the valley was in July, 1830, when it carried off the dam at Wartsfield, a near-by village, and a large portion of the land lying in the valley between Wartsfield... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Fayston and its surroundings:
Mad River Glen: This iconic ski area is a must-visit for winter sports enthusiasts. Known for its challenging terrain and old-school vibe, Mad River Glen offers excellent skiing and snowboarding.

Sugarbush Resort: Another top-notch ski resort, Sugarbush, is nearby and offers a range of winter activities. In the summer, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides.

Mad River Valley Farmers' Market: If you're in Fayston during the warmer months, don't miss the farmers' market in Waitsfield. It's a great place to pick up fresh local produce, artisanal products, and crafts.

Hiking: Fayston is surrounded by stunning hiking trails. One of the most popular hikes is to Mount Ellen, which offers panoramic views of the Mad River Valley.

Swimming Holes: In the summer, cool off in the area's natural swimming holes. Warren Falls and Lareau Swim Hole are two favorites among locals.

Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour: Take a short drive to Waterbury and tour the Ben &... Read MORE...