Williamstown, Vermont, USA
1849 - Williamstown

Orange Co. Williamstown lies on the height of land between Winooski and White Rivers, and contains no large streams. A brook, which here runs down a steep hill towards the west, divides naturally, and while one part runs to the north, forming Steven's Branch of Winooski River, the other runs to the south, forming the second branch of White River.

The turnpike from Royalton to Montpelier passes along these streams, and is known by the name of the Gulf Road, on account of the deep ravine through which it passes in this town, near the head of the second branch. The hills here, upon each side of the branch, are very high and abrupt, and approach so near each other, as hardly to leave space for a road between them. In this ravine a medicinal spring has recently been discovered, which is thought to be equal to that at Clarendon.

Williamstown is timbered principally with hard wood, and the soil is well adapted to the production of grass. There is a small but pleasant village near the centre of the town.

Boundaries. North by Barre, east by Washington, south by Brookfield, and west by Northfield.

First Settlers. The settlement of this town was commenced in June, 1784, by Hon. Elijah Paine, John Paine, John Smith, Joseph Crane, and Josiah Lyman. Penuel Deming moved his family here in February, 1785, and this was the first family in town. Hon. Cornelius Lynde moved here in 1786.

First Ministers. A Congregational Church was organized here in 1795, and its first minister was the Rev. Jesse Olds. He was succeeded by the Rev. Nathan Waldo, Benton Perley, Joel Davis, Andrew Royce, &c.

Productions of the Soil. Wheat, 3,712 bushels ; Indian corn, 4,528 bushels ; potatoes, 85,066 bushels ; hay, 5,459 tons ; maple sugar, 33,451 pounds ; wool, 20,555 pounds.

Distances. Ten miles south-east from Montpelier, and about the same distance north-west from Chelsea. The Northern Railroad passes through the neighboring town of Northfield.

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

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