Vergennes

Vergennes, Vermont, holds the unique distinction of being both the state's first and smallest city, incorporated in 1788. With a population of around 2,500 people and covering just two square miles, it's affectionately known as "the little city with the big heart." Situated along Otter Creek, between Middlebury and Lake Champlain, Vergennes offers a lively downtown characterized by historic brick buildings, local shops, and restaurants.

The city's identity is deeply tied to the Otter Creek Falls, which provided the power for its early industrial boom. This natural resource, combined with its strategic location near Lake Champlain, played a crucial role in its development as a manufacturing and trading hub, and even as a significant military site during the War of 1812. Today, Vergennes blends its enduring historical character with a lively community spirit, offering a distinctive Vermont experience.

From Wilderness to "Little City"

Vergennes was first settled in 1766 by Donald McIntosh, who built a homestead on Comfort Hill overlooking the Otter Creek Falls. However, significant settlement was interrupted by boundary disputes with New York and the Revolutionary War, with most inhabitants leaving the area between 1766 and 1783. After 1783, the population grew rapidly, and by 1787, the industrial potential of the falls became clear. In 1788, residents from the three bordering towns of New Haven, Panton, and Ferrisburgh agreed to cede portions of their land to establish a separate village at the Otter Creek Falls. On September 19, 1788, Vergennes was incorporated as a city, making it the first in Vermont and the third in the new nation. Ethan Allen himself suggested the name, honoring the Comte de Vergennes, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs and negotiator of the Treaty of Paris, who provided crucial aid during the American Revolutionary War.

Industrial Powerhouse and Wartime Hub

The city quickly diversified its manufacturing and trading activities, with lumber and potash production being early drivers. The Monkton Ironworks Company, established at the falls, became one of the nation's largest iron foundries by 1812, producing nine forges, blast and air furnaces, a rolling mill, and a wire factory. Vergennes' strategic location on Otter Creek, providing access to Lake Champlain, proved critical during the War of 1812. Commodore Thomas Macdonough chose Vergennes as the site to construct his fleet, which would ultimately defeat the British on Lake Champlain. The Monkton Iron Company supplied the fleet's fittings and most of the cannon shot for the U.S. Army in the north.

Growth, Decline, and Revitalization

The 19th century saw continued growth, with a bridge built across the falls by 1789 and the construction of numerous commercial buildings in the Italianate style along Main Street. Industries flourished, including carriage, sash and door, hub and spoke, and furniture factories. The opening of the Champlain Canal around 1824 reinvigorated lake trade, connecting Lake Champlain with the Hudson River and bringing new prosperity. By the late 1880s and 1890s, however, lake trade declined as railways supplanted the canal system. Despite this, Vergennes continued as a commercial center for its agricultural region. The Vergennes Electric Company began power generation at the falls in 1893, lighting the city streets, and in 1897, the grand City Hall and Opera House was built. The early 20th century saw the construction of the Bixby Memorial Free Library in 1912, a significant architectural landmark. While the Great Depression brought closures to many industries, some, like the L.F. Benton Company (now UTC Aerospace), survived and evolved. Today, Vergennes retains much of its historical character and has experienced a revitalization, attracting new businesses and a diverse community.

Begin your exploration at the Vergennes Falls Park and MacDonough Park, offering scenic views of the Otter Creek Falls, a powerful natural feature that shaped the city's history. From here, you can envision the bustling industrial activity and the shipbuilding efforts of the War of 1812. Stroll along Main Street to admire the 150-year-old commercial blocks, many showcasing Italianate architecture and housing a mix of traditional and eclectic local shops and restaurants. Do not miss the impressive Bixby Memorial Free Library, a Neo-Classical Revival structure with a striking stained-glass dome and marble pillars. Just up Main Street, the Vergennes Opera House, located within City Hall, is a beautifully restored 1897 venue that continues to host performances and community events.

For a deeper dive into local history, consider a visit to the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, a short drive from downtown, which features exhibits on shipwrecks, smuggling, and the region's nautical past. Nearby, Button Bay State Park on Lake Champlain offers hiking, swimming, and nature programs. While not always open to the public, the Strong House Inn on West Main Street is a historic Federal-style home that offers a glimpse into 19th-century prosperity. For outdoor enthusiasts, Otter Creek is ideal for kayaking and fishing, and the surrounding area offers scenic country roads for biking.

The best time to visit Vergennes for warm-weather activities and to experience its charm is from mid-June to early September, when temperatures are pleasant. Summers are warm, with July being the hottest month, averaging an 80°F high. For those drawn to the deep hues of autumn, the fall foliage typically peaks from mid-September to late October, with early to mid-October generally being the most spectacular across Vermont. Winters are freezing and snowy, making January the coldest month with an average low of 14°F, ideal for snow sports in the wider region.

Vergennes is located in Addison County, approximately 25 miles south of Burlington and 12 miles north of Middlebury, accessible via Route 22A. While downtown Vergennes is walkable, a car is recommended for exploring nearby attractions like the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum or Button Bay State Park. Accommodations range from historic inns like the Strong House Inn to lakeside resorts such as Basin Harbor. For dining, you'll find a variety of locally owned restaurants and cafes, including French-influenced bites at Vergennes Laundry and distinctive ice cream flavors at lu•lu. The city offers various parks and recreation opportunities, including trails, waterfalls, and sports facilities at Memorial Park. Public trash and recyclables can be dropped off at the Recycling Center on West Street on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Dog licenses are due by April 1st each year.