Vergennes, Vermont, USA
1849 Vergennes

This city is beautifully located on Otter Creek, at the falls on that stream, and is seven miles from Lake Champlain. Otter Creek, at this place, is about 500 feet wide, and, at the falls, is separated by two islands, which form three distinct falls of thirty-seven feet. These falls produce a great hydraulic power, rendered more valuable by being situated in the heart of a fertile country, and on the navigable waters of the lake.

The creek, or river, between the city and the lake, is crooked, but navigable for the largest lake vessels. During the late war, this was an important depot on the lake. Here was fitted out the squadron commanded by the gallant McDonough, who met the British fleet off Plattsburgh, N.Y. on the 11th of September 1814, and made it his.

The first settlement within the present limits of Vergennes was made in 1766 by Donald M'Intosh, a native of Scotland who was in the battle of Culloden. He came to this country with Gen. Wolfe's army, during the French war, and died July 14, 1803, aged eighty-four years. The emigrants who subsequently located themselves here, were principally from Massachusetts, Connecticut and the south parts of the State.

A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849

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