Rutland, Vermont, USA
1849 Rutland

Rutland Co. This is a shire town. The principal stream in Rutland is Otter Creek, which enters the town about the middle of the south line, and leaves it about the middle of the north line, cutting it into two nearly equal parallelograms. Tributary to this are West River, rising in Tinmouth, and East Creek, one of whose branches rises in Chittenden, and the other in Mendon, the latter entering Otter Creek one mile above Gookin's Tails, and the former about forty rods below. In addition to these, there are two other streams of less magnitude, flowing in above East Creek, on the right bank ; the first of which, near the south line, is Cold River, the other, one mile and a half below, is the confluent stream formed by the union of the Moon and Mussey Brooks, so called. Near the north-west corner of the town, on the north line, another stream, called Castleton River, enters ; and, after pursuing a southerly course about three miles, turns to the right, and passes off into Ira. On all of these streams are convenient sites for mills, and other machinery, most of which are already occupied.

The soil of Rutland presents all the varieties from heavy loam to a light sand ; the eastern half appearing to be chiefly of primitive formation while that of the western is transitory. Among the useful minerals are found considerable quantities of iron, superior clay for bricks, and an abundance of lime in almost all its various forms. In the west part, several quarries of very beautiful white and clouded marble have been opened, and from which fire places, monuments, and other useful and ornamental articles, are manufactured, both for domestic use and for the New York and other markets. The quarry opened within a few years, near Sutherland's Falls, is exceedingly fine and beautiful, and is wrought to great extent.

Rutland is divided into two parishes, denominated East and West parish. Rutland Village, situated in the East Parish, is the most important place. It is handsomely situated, principally on a street running north and south, and contains many beautiful buildings. In the West Parish are two small villages, called West Rutland and Gookkin's Falls.

This town has hitherto possessed all the advantages of soil, climate, and water power, to render it as prosperous as any part of our country ; but now, when this site of industry and wealth is brought within a few hours ride of the Atlantic coast, by that magnificent power which sets at defiance all horse teams, stage coaches, baggage wagons, and carryalls, and unites the town and country almost by magic, no one can doubt the fortunate destiny which awaits Rutland and its neighboring towns.

The village of Rutland was incorporated in 1847.

Boundaries. North by Pittsford, east by Mendon, south by Clarendon, and west by Ira.

First Settlers. This town was chartered in 1761. During the war of the revolution, it was, for some time, a frontier town, and was subject to all the commotions and inconveniences incident to its situation. Through it lay the only military road from Charlestown, N. H., to Ticonderoga and Crown Point, on Lake Champlain. During the war, the Vermont troops, or Green Mountain Boys, erected here two small picket forts, sufficient to contain about 100 men each. One of them was situated on the ground occupied by the present village, in the East Parish, about twelve rods from the spot where the court house now stands. The other fort was situated at the head of the falls in Otter Creek, then called Mead's Falls. As a means of checking the incursions of the enemy, and of facilitating the communications between the eastern part of the State and Lake Champlain, these forts were found to be very useful.

First Ministers. The first Congregational Church was organized in the West Parish, in 1773, and has had the folloAving settled ministers. Rev. Benajah Root, from 1774 to 1787 ; Rev. Lemuel Haynes, from March, 1788, to 1818.

Productions of the Soil. Wheat, 3, 708 bushels; Indian corn, 19,347 bushels; potatoes, 48,193 bushels; hay, 10,025 tons : maple sugar, 51,833 pounds ; wool, 69,902 pounds.

Distances. Fifty miles south-west from Montpelier.

The great Southern Railroad between Boston and Burlington passes through this town.



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

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