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History of Middlebury, Vermont, USA
Journey back in time to Middlebury, Vermont, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Middlebury, Vermont, USA.
About Middlebury
Middlebury is a charming town home to Middlebury College and known for its vibrant downtown area and scenic surroundings.
Middlebury, town (township), seat of Addison county, west-central Vermont, U.S. The area was chartered in 1761, along with Salisbury and New Haven, and named for its location midway between the other two. Settled in 1773 by Benjamin Smalley, it was temporarily abandoned (1778–83) because of Tory and Indian attacks. Middlebury College (noted for its summer Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference) was chartered in 1800, and the Congregational Church in the town was built in 1806–09. Vermont’s marble-quarrying industry began there in 1803, and light manufacturing (food processing, plastics, and clothing) has succeeded it. Skiing and summer tourism are economically important. The famous Morgan horses are bred at a nearby farm managed by the University of Vermont. Area 39 square miles (101 square km). Pop. (2000) 8,183; (2010) 6,588. britannica.com
Communities within Middlebury include:
Middlebury
East Middlebury
Farmingdale
Middlebury Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Since its opening on April 16, 1827, the inn has changed its name twice (Vermont House 1827 – 52; Addison House 1852 – 1927; Middlebury Inn 1927 – present), been Victorianized and un-Victorianized (1851, 1865, 1897, 1927), and grown considerably...
midddigital.middlebury.edu
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Genealogy gifts & optional resources
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to MIDDLEBURY

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!
Discover Middlebury: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Middlebury through the years.
It is a fact, disgraceful to our village, that after...
On Monday the 25th ult. about 2 o'clock, P. M. the house of Mr. John Hunt, in Shoreham, was struck by lightning, and the chimney and the upper part of the house considerably injured. The flash struck a young lady, who was in the upper part of the house, and ran down to her feet; and in its course, melted a string of gold beads which she had around her neck, burst her stockings and shoe, and set the lining of her shoe on fire. She was taken up perfectly senseless, in which situation she remained about ten hours, before she recovered. A Mrs. Cook, who was on a visit at the house, and who was standing near the door, with an infant in her arms, and another small child by her side, who was also knocked down, but was not materially injured - the children escaped unhurt.
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Addison county. Chief town. This is a large and flourishing town on both sides of Otter creek, 31 miles S.W. from Montpelier and 33 S.S.E. from Burlington. The fathers of this town were Col. John Chipman and the Hon. Gamaliel Painter, who came here and settled in 1773. The settlement advanced but slowly until after the revolutionary war; it then began to increase and is now one of the most important towns in the state. In 1791 it became the shire town of the county, and in 1800 Middlebury college was founded. The surface of the town is generally level. Chipman's hill, 439 feet above Otter creek, is the highest elevation. The soil is fertile and productive, and furnishes large quantities of wool, beef, pork, butter and cheese. The town is admirably watered by Otter creek and Middlebury river. At the falls on Otter creek, the site of a flourishing village, are extensive manufacturing establishments; and large quantities of white and variegated marble, with which the ...
The soil is fertile and productive, and furnishes large quantities of wool, beef, pork, butter, and cheese. The town is admirably watered by Otter Creek and Middlebury River At the falls on Otter Creek, the site of the flourishing village, are extensive manufacturing establishments; and large quantities of white and variegated marble, with which the town abounds, are sawed and polished for various uses and transported to market. Middlebury is a very beautiful town, and the mart of a large inland trade.
Nearly on the line between this township and Salisbury, is a bed of the sulphuret of iron, connected with the carbonate of lime. It is thought to exist in large quantities and has a powerful effect upon the magnetic needle.
Middlebury is a delightful place of residence, and...
Total loss estimated at $100,000, insurance $82,000.
Considerable Alarm Felt in Montreal, Particularly in the Narrow Streets - Buildings Tremble and the Inmates Flee in Fright - Residents of Malone Greatly Excited - Reached Over Into New-Hampshire and Massachusetts.
BURLINGTON, Vt., Nov. 27.- A severe earthquake shock shook the buildings throughout the city at 11:53 o'clock this forenoon. The duration of the shock was about fifteen seconds. It was accompanied by a low rumbling noise. Telegrams and telephone messages from surrounding towns report the shock as having occurred simultaneously throughout Western Vermont. Eastern New-York, and most of the Providence of Quebec and a part of Ontario...
MIDDLEBURY, Vt., Nov. 27. - Quite a strong earthquake shock was felt here at 11:50 o'clock this forenoon, making dishes rattle and throwing down stovepipes...
Shelburne Museum: Although not in Middlebury, the Shelburne Museum is just a short drive away and well worth the visit. This unique museum showcases American history through a collection of 39 historic buildings and a vast array of art and artifacts.
Vermont Folklife Center: Learn about the rich cultural heritage of Vermont at the Vermont Folklife Center. They have exhibitions, workshops, and events that celebrate the state's traditions and diverse communities.
Vermont Soap Factory: If you're interested in eco-friendly products, take a tour of the Vermont Soap Factory. They produce organic and natural soaps and cleaning products. You might even get to see the soap-making process in action.
Vermont Coffee Company:...
Discover YOUR Roots: Middlebury Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Middlebury through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Middlebury, Vermont, USA
We currently have information about 32 ancestors who were born or died in Middlebury.
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