Monkton, Vermont, USA (Monkton Boro)
1849 - Monkton

Addison Co. The western part of the town is watered by Little Otter Creek, and the eastern part by Pond Brook, which rises from a considerable pond nearly on the line between Monkton and Bristol, and runs north through the township into Lewis Creek in Hinesburgh. Lewis Creek also runs a short distance in the north-eastern part. These streams afford but few mill privileges. Monkton Pond lies in the north part of the town, and is about a mile in length and half a mile wide. A mountain called the Hogback, extends along the eastern boundary of Monkton, and there are several other considerable elevations. "Iron ore is found in the south part of this township in large quantities. The color of the surface of this ore is a velvet black, and that of the interior a brownish black. Its structure is fibrous and commonly radiated. This ore makes excellent iron, and is extensively manufactured at Bristol and other places. Connected with the iron ore, is found the black oxyde of manganese.

" About a mile north of the iron ore bed, on the east side of a ridge of land running north and south, is an extensive bed of kaolin, or porcelain earth. It is white, sometimes grayish white ; dry to the touch, and absorbs water with rapidity. It is evidently decomposed feldspar, or rather, graphic granite, as these substances are found in the bed, in all stages of decomposition, from the almost entire stone, down to the finest and purest porcelain earth. It might be manufactured into the best China ware. The quantity is immense, sufficient to supply the world with this ware for centuries. By mixing this earth with common clay in different proportions, various kinds of pottery are produced." " In the south part of this township is a pond, curiously located on the summit of a considerable hill. In the north-western part is a remarkable cavern. The orifice, by which it is entered, is at the bottom of a large chasm in the rocks on the side of a small hill. After descending about sixteen feet, you arrive at a room thirty feet long and sixteen wide. From this is a passage leading to a second apartment, which is not quite so large but more pleasant."

Boundaries, North by Hinesburgh and Charlotte, east by Starksborough, south by Bristol, and west by Fennsburgh.

First Settlers. Monkton was settled in 1774, by John and Ebenezer Stearns, Barnabas Burnham, and John Bishop. They left during the war, but returned in 1784.

Productions of the Soil. Wheat, 1,840 bushels ; Indian corn. 7,430 bushels ; potatoes, 39,340 bushels ; hay, 5,708 tons ; maple sugar, 9,340 pounds ; wool, 18,940 pounds.

Distances. Twenty-seven miles west from Montpelier, and sixteen north from Middlebury. The great Northern Railroad passes through the town,

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

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