History of Athens, Vermont, USA

1824 - Athens
ATHENS, a small township in the north eastern part of Windham county, is in latitude 43° 7′, and is bounded north by Grafton, east by Westminster and Rockingham, south by Brookline and Townshend, and west by Townshend and Acton. It is ten miles from Bellows-Falls, and 25 miles northerly from Brattleborough. It was granted March 11, and chartered May 3, 1780, to Solomon Harvey, John Moore, Jonathan Perham and their associates, and contains about 7628 acres. The first beginnings towards a settlement in this town were made in the fall of 1779, by Jonathan Perham, Seth Oaks, Roseph Rasier, James Shafter and Jonathan Foster. They chopped a few acres, erected a log-hut, and then all left the town. Feb. 25, 1780, Jonathan Perham and Ephraim Holden removed their families into the town from Rindge, N.H., and were soon followed by Seth Oaks and family, from Winchendon. The first settlers had may privations and hardships to encounter. The snow was four feet deep when they came into town, and... Read MORE...

1839 - Athens
Athens, Vermont
Windham county. This town lies 14 miles N. from Newfane, 98 S. from Montpelier, 10 W. from Bellows Falls, and about 40 N.E. from Bennington. Population, 1830, 415. This town was first settled in 1780 by people from Rindge, N.H., and Winchendon, Mass. They encountered great hardships. "The snow was four feet deep when they came into town, and they had to beat their own path for 8 miles through the woods. A small yoke of oxen were the only domestic animals that they took with them." This is a good township of land, particularly for grazing. It has 2000 sheep. Here are productive orchards, pine timber, and a small mill stream.
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 - Athens
Windham Co. This town was first settled in 1780. by people from Rindge, N. H., and Winchendon, Mass. They encountered great hardships. 'The snow was four feet deep when they came into town ; and they had to beat their own path for eight miles through the woods. A small yoke of oxen were the only domestic animals that they took with them.'

This is a good township of land, particularly for grazing. Here are productive orchards, pine timber, and a small mill stream.

Boundaries. North by Grafton, east by Westminster and Rockingham, south by Brookline and Townshend, and west by Townshend.

First Settlers. The first beginnings i towards a settlement in this town were made in the foil of 1779, by Jonathan Perham, Seth Oakes, Joseph Easier, James Shafter, and Jonathan Foster.

Productions of the Soil. wheat. 501 bushels; Indian corn, 1,885 bushels; potatoes, 10,035 bushels ; hay, 966 tons ; maple sugar, 6,470 pounds ; wool, 5,387 pounds.

Distances. Forty miles north-east from... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Athens, Vermont:
Athens Dome: Start your exploration with a visit to Athens Dome, a prominent natural feature in the area. This dome-shaped hill offers fantastic hiking opportunities, especially during the fall when the foliage is at its peak. The views from the top are breathtaking.

Grafton Village Cheese Company: Just a short drive from Athens, you can visit the Grafton Village Cheese Company. It's a cheese lover's paradise. Take a tour to see how cheese is made, sample some delicious varieties, and don't forget to pick up some cheese to take home.

Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center: Located in nearby Grafton, this outdoor center offers year-round recreational activities. Depending on the season, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, and hiking on their well-maintained trails. In winter, they even have sledding and ice skating.

Phelps Barn Pub: After a day of outdoor activities, head to the Phelps Barn Pub, part of the Grafton Inn. It's a cozy and rustic spot where... Read MORE...