Highgate, Vermont, USA (Highgate Center) (Highgate Springs) (East Highgate)
1849 - Highgate

Franklin Co. The Missisco River enters this township from Sheldon, and after running some distance in the south part of it, passes into S wanton, and then taking a circuitous course of several miles, returns into Highgate. and pursuing a north-westerly course falls into Missisco Bay. About six miles above Swanton Falls is a fall in the river of about forty feet, affording some excellent mill privileges. Rock River is in the north part of the township, and has on it one saw mill. The soil is mostly sandy, and covered with pine, except along the course of the Missisco River, where the timber is hemlock, ash, &c., and in the southeast corner, which constitutes a part of what is called Hog Island, and is marshy. Bog iron ore is found in this town in great abundance, and has been worked to some extent.

Boundaries. North by Dun's Patent, in Canada, east by Franklin, south by Swanton and Sheldon, and west by Missisco Bay, which separates it from the township of Alburgh.

First Settlers. The first settlers in this town were Germans, mostly soldiers who had served in the British army during the revolution, but the time of their settlement is not known. The town was chartered in 1763.

First Minister. A Congregational Church was erected in 1812. and the Rev. Phinehas Kingsley settled over it in 1819 ; dismissed in 1829.

Productions of the Soil. Wheat. 5,032 bushels ; Indian corn. 6,762 bushels ; potatoes, 39,845 bushels ; hay, 4,347 tons: maple sugar, 12,108 pounds; wool. 18,874 pounds.

Distances. Seventy miles north-west from Montpelier, and twelve north from St. Albans.

Although the "Iron Horse" is very fantastic in his course, he understands his business too well not to pay proper respect to his worthy neighbors. He is about passing through this town, on a visit to the Canadians, and in the most respectful manner to solicit of them a portion of the carrying trade of their great and increasing commerce, between Montreal and the Atlantic shores of New England. We feel assured that Johnny Bull and Brother Jonathan are too fond of a good bargain, not to put their horses together to effect a union of interest so desirable.

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

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