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| Welcome To Brandon, Vermont
Unhurried, Unspoiled, Unforgettable |
The
Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce is your one-stop source |
BRANDON'S HISTORY |
Chartered in 1761, Brandon offers
relaxing vacations with many things for you and your family to explore and do.
Browse the antique shops, historic buildings, museums, and the many art
galleries. Brandon Vermont is an inspiring backdrop for both a relaxing and
memorable Vermont vacation. Brandon is a study in early American architecture
and Vermont history. Brandon: A Bustling Town By Any Other Name, by Don Wickman, published in the Rutland Herald, 2/23/06 |
 The house where Stephen A. Douglas was born in 1813 |
| Chartered in 1761, Brandon quickly became an important mill town with
both saw and grist mills operating on over 20 sites. Abundant local iron ore led to the production of stoves and other iron products. With the
coming of the Burlington-Rutland Railroad in 1849, Brandon became a
center for the manufacture of railroad cars. Formerly a major area for
marble quarrying, only one site remains active today. Brandon's layout is unique -- it has two village greens, with the Neshobe River flowing between them. During the boom years of the 1800s, many fine homes were built, and most of them are still in use today. In particular, Park Street, a broad, straight avenue with beautiful homes set back from the road, is a study in early American architecture. Famed 19th century statesman Stephen A. Douglas was born in Brandon and his childhood home is open on a limited basis for touring; Thomas Davenport, who is said to have invented the electric motor although he never achieved fame for his invention and died penniless, also was born and lived in Brandon; Fort Ticonderoga is a short ferry ride to the other side of Lake Champlain; Visit Mount Independence in nearby Orwell, the site of the only American Revolution battle to be fought on Vermont soil, or the Hubbardton Battlefield. Library--visit the Brandon Free Public Library, a beautiful building filled with lots of local history! |
 "Luther Conant Born June 27 1782 Died Suddenly in Brandon After Completing a Day's Work August 18 1835" |
Today you may walk Brandon's historic downtown with its entire core of 243 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. There is a self-guided Walking Tour available that highlights the architecture of this entire district in detailed description. Pick up a copy of The Brandon Historical Village Walking Tour at the Brandon Information Center (junction Routes 7 and 73E) which is open daily. You may also read the text of the Walking Tour on-line. |
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