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flag  History of Townshend, Vermont, USA

Journey back in time to Townshend, Vermont, USA

(Harmonyville) (Simpsonville) (West Townshend)

Explore Townshend, Vermont, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.

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Townshend, Vermont, USA - Townshend, Vermont, USA - Congregational Church, W. Townshend, Vt.  The Family Church of President Tafts Ancestors. Built in 1817. Remodeled 1846.

Townshend is located in Windham County, Vermont. It's known for its classic New England village feel and beautiful countryside.


The town was named for the Townshend family, powerful figures in British politics.


Communities within Townshend:
Townshend
Harmonyville
Simpsonville
West Townshend



Explore even more about Townshend, Vermont, USA. Keep reading!



Townshend Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Townshend, Vermont, USA - Congregational Church, W. Townshend, Vt.

The Family Church of President Taft's Ancestors.
Built
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Congregational Church, W. Townshend, Vt.

The Family Church of President Taft's Ancestors.
Built in 1817. Remodeled 1846.
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Main Street
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Main Street
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Street view in West Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Street view in West Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Townshend, Vt., from Taft Hill, 1906
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Townshend, Vt., from Taft Hill, 1906
Townshend, Vermont, USA - West Townshend Country Store, West Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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West Townshend Country Store, West Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Town Square, 1907
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Town Square, 1907
Townshend, Vermont, USA - View of Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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View of Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA - North St., 1910
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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North St., 1910
Townshend, Vermont, USA - View of Townshend, Vt., 1910
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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View of Townshend, Vt., 1910
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Main St., West Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Main St., West Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Street Leading to R.R. Sta., Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Street Leading to R.R. Sta., Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Townshend Inn, Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Townshend Inn, Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Town Hall & Opera House, 1920
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Town Hall & Opera House, 1920
Townshend, Vermont, USA - I.G.A. Stores
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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I.G.A. Stores
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Town Hall
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Town Hall
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Leland & Gray Seminary
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Leland & Gray Seminary
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Congregational Church
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Congregational Church
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Cross Roads, Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Cross Roads, Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Holland Bridge
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Holland Bridge
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Maple Hill Farm, W. Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Maple Hill Farm, W. Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA - From
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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From "Ober Hill"
Townshend, Vermont, USA - The Grist Mill
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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The Grist Mill
Townshend, Vermont, USA - North St.
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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North St.
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Viewing from Peaked Mt., Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Viewing from Peaked Mt., Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Scott Bridge
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Scott Bridge
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Blood's General Store and Post Office, West Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Blood's General Store and Post Office, West Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA - View of Deerbrook Camp
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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View of Deerbrook Camp
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Looking North from Alumi Mount., Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Looking North from Alumi Mount., Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Dutton Gymnasium & Town Hall
Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Dutton Gymnasium & Town Hall
Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Townshend furniture factory
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Townshend furniture factory
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Rattlesnake Mt.
Witcher Mt.
Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Rattlesnake Mt.
Witcher Mt.
Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA - View from Willard's Mill
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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View from Willard's Mill
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Road to the Depot. W. Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Road to the Depot. W. Townshend, Vt.
Townshend, Vermont, USA - Views of Townshend, Vt., Chartered June 20, 1753
Townshend, Vermont, USA

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Views of Townshend, Vt., Chartered June 20, 1753

Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to TOWNSHEND

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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 Townshend: History, News, Travel, and Stories

Add History/News/Story
1839 - Townshend
Townshend, Vermont
Windham county. This town was first settled in 1761. Among the first settlers, was Gen. Samuel Fletcher, who was a sergeant at the battle of Bunker Hill, in 1775, and a captain at Ticonderoga, in 1777. He afterwards rose to the rank of major general of the militia, was high sheriff of the county 18 years, and finally became a judge of the court. He was formerly a blacksmith; but having welded himself to a buxom lass, he came to this, then wilderness spot, and, with his axe cut his way to fortune, usefulness and renown.

West river passes through the town, with considerable rapidity: along its banks are some tracts of good intervale; but the surface of the town is generally hilly, and the soil more calculated for grazing than tillage. There are some manufactures in the town, a high school of good reputation, and two pleasant villages. Townshend lies 12 miles N.N.W. from Brattleborough, 28 N.E. from Bennington, 95 S. from Montpelier, and is bounded S. by Newfane.... Read MORE...

1849 Townshend
Windham Co. West River passes through this town, with considerable rapidity. Along its banks are some tracts of good intervale ; but the surface of the town is generally hilly, and the soil more calculated for grazing than tillage. There are some manufactures in the town, a high school of good reputation, and two pleasant villages.

The West Townshend Manufacturing Co. was incorporated in 1848.

Boundaries. North by Grafton and Athens, east by Athens and Brookline, south by Newfane, and west by Windham, Jamaica, and Wardsborough.

First Settlers. The first settlement was commenced here in 1761, by Joseph Tyler, who was soon joined by John Hazleton, whose mother lived to the age of one hundred and four years.

A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849
1870 - Mrs. George Smith, of Townsend, Vt., has braided and sold the past year 1,000 straw hats.


St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 5, 1870
1906
Townshend, a post-village in Townsbend township (town), Windham co., Vt., on the West River, about 16 miles WSW. of Bellows Falls, and on the Central Vermont R. Pop. of the town in 1900, 833.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
Here's a list of the best places to go and things to do in Townshend:
Townshend State Park:

Kick off your visit with some outdoor fun at Townshend State Park. With hiking trails, picnicking areas, and a beautiful pond, it's a great place for a leisurely day surrounded by nature.

Vermont Museum of Mining and Minerals:

Explore the geology and mining history of the region at the Vermont Museum of Mining and Minerals. The exhibits showcase the state's rich geological heritage and the stories of the people who worked in the mines.

Scott Covered Bridge:

Don't miss the Scott Covered Bridge, a historic wooden bridge that spans the West River. It's a great spot for photos and a peaceful stroll, offering a glimpse into Vermont's covered bridge tradition.

Farmers' Markets:

Check out local farmers' markets for a taste of Vermont's fresh produce, artisanal products, and crafts. It's an excellent opportunity to connect with the community and sample some delicious treats.

West River Trail:

If you're a fan of hiking or biking, the West River... Read MORE...

Discover YOUR Roots: Townshend Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Townshend, Vermont, USA

We currently have information about 40 ancestors who were born or died in Townshend.

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Updated: 1/10/2025 3:13:29 PM