Project: Vermont

Categories: Vermont | Vermont Project | Vermont Projects

This project is part of the United States Project.

Welcome to the Vermont Project!
State Seal of Vermont

The aim of this project is to centralize all Vermont-related initiatives and resources, creating a cohesive platform that streamlines access and enhances collaboration.

Flag of Vermont

Early home to Native Americans, English Settlers, and French Canadians. Later waves of immigrants came from Scotland, Ireland, and Germany, and more, some stopping in Canada first.

Vermont Counties
Addison Bennington Caledonia Chittenden Essex Franklin Grand Isle
Lamoille Orange Orleans Rutland Washington Windham Windsor

Contents

Attention New Members

The Vermont Project is currently undergoing revitalization. While other state projects, such as the Texas Project, are more advanced and feature well-designed, informative sites, we are eager to bring the Vermont Project up to a similar standard. Vermont boasts a rich and fascinating history, shaped by a diverse blend of individuals who have collectively formed what is uniquely recognized as “Vermonter” character. We eagerly invite your contributions to help research and illuminate the various aspects of Vermont’s intriguing history.

How to Join

To join the Vermont Project, you must have at least 200 WikiTree contributions and a minimum of 30 days of active membership, along with a basic understanding of WikiTree operations and Vermont history.

It's important to note that the project is not a substitute for personal research. If you're unsure how to begin your genealogical journey, please consult the guide: Help:How to Get Started with Genealogy

You need not be a Vermont resident or have family ties to the state to participate. We warmly invite anyone with a sincere interest in Vermont. To get involved, here are the steps you should follow:

Are you interested in the Vermont Project?united_states.gif


Vermonter Spotlight

We invite all members to participate in our "Vermonter Spotlight" series by showcasing a Vermonter from their own family history. Submissions must adhere to WikiTree's biography and sourcing standards, which can be found at the following links: WikiTree Biographies and WikiTree Sources. To nominate someone for this feature, please email your submission to wikitree.clyde.perkins@gmail.com. We're excited to launch this series and look forward to your contributions.

Members of the Vermont Project

See Members of the Vermont Project

Champy: The Serpent of Lake Champlain - Myth, Mystery, and Legacy

Champy (Lake Champlain Monster)

The Lake Champlain Monster, commonly known as Champ or Champy, is believed to inhabit Lake Champlain, bordering Vermont, New York, and Quebec. This mythical creature, reminiscent of Scotland's Loch Ness Monster, has been reported since Samuel de Champlain's 1609 account. Descriptions usually paint Champ as a 20 to 80-foot serpent with visible humps. The notable Mansi photograph from 1977 depicts a creature akin to a sea serpent. While deeply ingrained in local folklore, inspiring events, literature, and sports team names, there's no conclusive scientific evidence of Champ's existence. Sightings might be misidentifications of animals or natural phenomena. Nonetheless, Champ remains an iconic mystery of the region. [1]

Project Objectives for Vermont

Create and refine Vermont-related WikiTree profiles by checking for duplicates and initiating merges as needed. Ensure imported profiles (GEDCOM) meet WikiTree's Styles and Standards, prioritize original documentation for citations, and craft well-sourced biographies. Verify the accuracy of all related profiles and integrate them into the broader WikiTree network.

See List of Vermonters for Profile Development

Immediate Action Items

  1. Create and develop space pages for Vermont counties and towns, linking them to this project page. Volunteers to lead county projects are welcome.
  2. Contribute any Vermont-specific resources for lookups to the Vermont Resources Page.
  3. Vermont residents are encouraged to add Catalog: Vermont Research Assistance to their WikiTree profiles.

Longer-Term Initiatives

  1. Improve Unconnected and Unsourced Profiles: Focus on Vermont profiles that are currently unconnected and unsourced Accuracy and connectivity are fundamental.
  2. Expand Family Connections: Create new WikiTree profiles for Vermonters who are mentioned in existing family profiles but do not have their own pages. See Needs Profiles Created for more details. This will add context and depth to existing information.
  3. Address Data Doctors Suggestions: Work on Suggestions for profiles from Vermont, as reported by the Data Doctors Project. This ensures profiles meet quality standards.
  4. Document Cemeteries in Vermont: Photograph cemeteries across Vermont and categorize them in WikiTree profiles.. See the Vermont Cemeteries Project for guidance. This adds valuable sources and context to profiles.
  5. Enhance Town Categories: Enrich the category pages for Vermont towns by expanding descriptions and adding links to additional resources. Locate these under the county categories in in Category: Vermont. This improves the user experience and adds depth.
  6. Honor WWI Veterans: Add profiles for Vermont men who lost their lives in World War I, serving from Vermont in the Great War project and for the Roll of Honor project. This pays homage and adds historical context.
  7. Refine Profile Categorization: Attach the appropriate town or county categories to individual profiles currently listed under Category:Vermont. This improves organization and searchability.

Using Vermont Profile Stickers

NOTE: All stickers must be placed UNDER the Biography heading and will right justify. Your text will wrap around it.
Vermont Project Members:
For example: {{Vermont Sticker|living=y|is a member of the Vermont Project.}}
... ... ... is is a member of the Vermont Project.
Deceased Vermonters:
For example: {{Vermont Sticker}}
... ... ... was a Vermonter.
Living Persons:
For example: {{Vermont Sticker|living=y}}
... ... ... is a Vermonter.
Custom Stickers:
For example: {{Vermont Sticker|living=y|a native of the Green Mountain State.}}
... ... ... is a native of the Green Mountain State..

Managed Profile Criteria

This Project Box:
flag
... ... ... is a part of Vermont history.
Join: Vermont Project
Discuss: Vermont
  • is added to Project Managed. Profiles that are managed by the Vermont Project
  • is used on highly controversial profiles of historically-significant people and widely-shared ancestors that are managed by the Vermont Project.
  • is used on profiles that require Project Protection (PPP) that are managed by the Vermont Project.
  • is added by the leaders of the Vermont Project and must be accompanied by the Project Account as one of the managers.
  • is used only on Profiles and Project Space pages that are managed by the project
  • is not used for every person from Vermont.

See Vermont Project Managed Profiles.

Localized Vermont Sub-Projects

Vermont Research Resources

Vermont Natural Resources and Products

Quarrying and Mining

Vermont's Granite History

Vermont’s rich geological history, dating back to the early 1800s, has given rise to significant industries in quarrying and mining, which remain integral to the state’s economy due to the unparalleled quality of their products. Renowned for its high-quality marble, granite, and slate, Vermont also boasts an abundant mineral wealth, including copper, talc, soapstone, limestone, lead, iron, and garnet. Presently, the state is home to over 20 active quarries that churn out a myriad of stone products, fueling hundreds of jobs and contributing millions to the annual revenue. While many of its historical mines are now closed, a handful still operates, extracting select minerals. Noteworthy companies that have marked their presence in this sector include Danby Marble Company, known for its exquisite white marble; Rock of Ages Corporation, which specializes in diverse granite products; and Poultney Slate Corporation, the U.S.’s premier producer of slate. Historically, Vermont stone has adorned iconic American structures, including the United States Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Despite being a past leader in copper and talc production, the state witnessed the decline of these industries, with the last of such mines shuttering by the late 20th century. For visitors, some of the existing mines present a unique attraction, offering gem mining opportunities, particularly for garnets, drawing rockhounds and tourists to the Green Mountain State.

Vermont Maple Syrup

Maple Sap Collection

The Vermont maple syrup industry is a key part of the state's culture and economy, tracing its roots back to Native American traditions. Operating mainly from late February to early April, known as the "sugaring season," producers tap sugar maples to collect sap, which is boiled down to make syrup. The state enforces strict grading standards to ensure high quality. Contributing millions to Vermont's economy and supporting thousands of jobs, the industry remains vibrant despite challenges like climate change. Technological advances have boosted efficiency, although many producers still use traditional methods. The annual Vermont Maple Festival celebrates this iconic industry. [3]

Vermont Cheese

Cheddar Cheese

The Vermont cheese industry is a pivotal part of the state's economy and culture, known for its high-quality, award-winning cheeses like cheddar and Camembert. Benefiting from Vermont's ideal dairy farming conditions, both family-run and larger operations contribute to a diverse market. Strict quality standards and a focus on traditional methods, balanced with innovation, set Vermont cheeses apart. The industry boosts tourism through events and cheese trails, and its products are distributed nationally and internationally. Challenges like climate change and competition exist, but the focus remains on quality and sustainability, making it a cherished part of Vermont's identity. [4][5]

Vermont Historical Events

Native American Period

• 7000 -1000 BCE: Paleo-Indians move seasonally for hunting, gathering, and fishing. • 1000 -1600 CE (Woodland Period): Native tribes establish villages, trade networks, and technological advancements. • 1100 CE: Abenaki people establish a notable agricultural site in Springfield. • 1300 CE: Evidence of large-scale fishing in the Lake Champlain region by Native Americans. • 1450 CE: Algonquian tribes begin cultivating maize, squash, and beans, contributing to a more settled lifestyle.

European Exploration and Settlement

• 1535: Jacques Cartier is the first European to explore the region. • 1609: Samuel de Champlain discovers Lake Champlain and encounters Native tribes, affecting their lives through trade and alliances.

French and Indian War

• 1724: British construct Fort Dummer in Dummerston. • 1759: The French abandon their settlement at Chimney Point after losing Quebec.

Revolutionary Era

• 1761: Governor Wentworth resumes New Hampshire Grants. • 1776: Construction of American fort, Mount Independence, in Orwell. • 1777: ◦ January 15: Vermont declares independence, creating the Vermont Republic in Windsor. ◦ March: Vermont adopts its first constitution, abolishing slavery and enfranchising all adult males. ◦ July: Battles of Hubbardton and Bennington occur. • 1791: Vermont becomes the 14th state; the Vermont Republic is dissolved, and the University of Vermont is chartered.

1760s Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys

Vermont Republic

Ethan Allen (1738–1789), a charismatic leader and Revolutionary War hero, spearheaded the Green Mountain Boys, a militia formed in the 1760s in the territory known initially as the New Hampshire Grants and later as the Vermont Republic. The group was originally established to resist New York's attempts to assert control over this disputed land, which both New York and New Hampshire claimed. Their resistance was not just limited to local conflicts; they gained national fame with the capture of Fort Ticonderoga in May 1775. Teaming up with Benedict Arnold, they seized the British fort and its significant cache of artillery, which was later crucial in ending the Siege of Boston by forcing the British to evacuate. This feat elevated Allen and his militia to American hero status, providing a morale boost at a crucial time for the budding American Revolutionary forces. Allen himself was captured in a later attack on Montreal in 1775 and held by the British until 1778. Beyond these military accomplishments, the Green Mountain Boys also played a vital role in shaping Vermont's identity and its eventual statehood in 1791. Their legacy endures as a symbol of Vermont's independent spirit and as early American patriots who stood against tyranny from both colonial administrators and the British Crown. [6][7]

1780 Royalton Raid

On October 16, 1780, Lieutenant Richard Houghton, with a Grenadier and 300 Mohawk warriors, attacked the Vermont towns of Royalton, Sharon, and Tunbridge. This was part of a coordinated effort that also involved raids led by Major Christopher Carleton and Sir John Johnson. The attack resulted in four deaths and the capture of twenty-six Vermont residents. When the local militia confronted the raiders near Randolph, Houghton warned of potential harm to the captives, causing the militia to hold back. A notable incident during this raid was Hannah Handy's pursuit of Houghton's group to successfully plead for the release of several abducted children, an act memorialized by a granite arch in South Royalton. [8]

!9th Century

• 1855: Vermont elects its first Republican governor.

1864 St. Albans Raid

On October 19, 1864, the northernmost land action of the Civil War, known as the St. Albans Raid, took place in St. Albans, Vermont. Orchestrated by Confederate soldiers, including Lieutenant Bennett H. Young, who had been residing in Canada—a British territory and neutral during the Civil War—they infiltrated the town under the pretense of a vacation. After blending in for several days, the raiders unexpectedly robbed three banks, amassing over $200,000, and attempted to ignite the town using "Greek Fire" incendiary devices. A brief clash resulted in one local's death and another's injury. Escaping to Canada with their loot, the raiders were soon arrested by British officials. However, a contentious legal battle ensued in Canada, with U.S. officials demanding extradition while the defense portrayed the raiders as military operatives engaged in a legitimate act of war. Ultimately, Canadian courts released the raiders, although the stolen funds were returned, causing tension between the U.S. and Britain. The audacious raid highlighted the unexpected reaches of the war, even into areas believed to be safe from Confederate influence.[9]

20th Century

• 1918: Women gain the right to vote in town elections. • 1921: Women’s suffrage is adopted statewide.

1925 Vermont Eugenics Movement

Marry Wisely

• Vermont Eugenics: A Documentary History

The eugenics movement in Vermont is a particularly dark chapter in the state's history, mirroring broader trends in American eugenics during the early 20th century. The Vermont Eugenics Survey was established in 1925 under the guidance of University of Vermont zoology professor Henry F. Perkins. [10] The program aimed to study Vermont families deemed "degenerate" in order to develop policies to improve the "Vermont stock."

The movement led to a variety of discriminatory actions, including forced sterilizations and institutionalizations, which disproportionately affected marginalized communities, including Native Americans (particularly the Abenaki people), French-Canadians, and other so-called "undesirable" groups. The Survey also had an impact on public policy, influencing the state's sterilization laws.

Today, the Vermont eugenics movement is widely criticized for its ethical abuses, racism, and violations of human rights. Efforts have been made to recognize and apologize for this grim period, although it remains a painful part of Vermont's social and cultural history.

1984 Polio Epidemic in Vermont

Polio Vaccine

In June 1894, Rutland County in Vermont became the epicenter of the first well-documented polio epidemic in the United States. Charles Caverly, a 37-year-old country doctor, was the first to diagnose the mysterious ailment that started as a summer cold and led to paralysis and death among its victims. Caverly meticulously documented 132 cases and 18 deaths, noting that most patients were male and 68% were under the age of 6. The disease struck seemingly at random, affecting rich and poor, healthy and sickly alike. Caverly's observations were crucial in establishing a foundational understanding of polio and signaled the urgency of the disease, which would affect tens of thousands of U.S. children in subsequent decades.

Caverly's detailed records and observations provided early and invaluable data on the epidemiology of polio. His work served as a cornerstone for future research and led to a broader understanding of the disease, which was not yet fully understood at the time. As summer rolled in each year, polio returned in waves, initially striking the Northeast and gradually moving westward. The disease created a pervasive sense of dread and unease among Vermont residents, mirroring the psychological impact it would have on a national scale in the coming years.

This initial outbreak in Vermont was a precursor to larger epidemics that swept through the U.S. and other parts of the world in the first half of the 20th century. Much like AIDS in the latter half of the century, polio was lethal, incurable, and seemed to target a specific demographic—children. It wasn't until six decades later that Jonas Salk would develop the first safe vaccine against polio. However, the journey to understanding and eventually eradicating the disease began with Charles Caverly and the invaluable data he collected in Vermont.

Today, thanks in part to the vaccines developed by Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin in the 1950s, there have been no recent poliovirus infections among Vermont residents, according to the Vermont Department of Health. The 1894 epidemic serves as an important chapter in both the history of Vermont and the larger story of polio, contributing to our collective understanding of the disease and shaping public health policy for years to come. [11][12][13][14]

Lake Champlain: Waters of War, Trade, and Tradition

Lake Champlaine

Lake Champlain, spanning the U.S. states of Vermont and New York and extending into Quebec, Canada, has been a vital hub of activity for thousands of years. Its history can be viewed through multiple periods, each contributing layers to its rich tapestry.

Native American Periods For over 10,000 years, Lake Champlain served as a home to indigenous tribes, primarily the Algonquian-speaking Abenaki and the Iroquoian-speaking tribes of the Iroquois Confederacy, like the Mohawks. Beyond being a rich source of fish, game, and fertile land, the lake held spiritual and cultural significance. Known as "Petoubouque" in the Abenaki language, it also became a critical trade route and a battleground for tribal warfare. With European contact, notably by the French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1609, the dynamics shifted. Alliances between tribes and Europeans intensified conflicts, with the Iroquois frequently at the center. European-introduced diseases, like smallpox, decimated indigenous populations, and as European colonies expanded, native tribes faced increased displacement.

Revolutionary War Lake Champlain gained strategic importance during the American Revolutionary War. As a key waterway between British-controlled Canada and the rebelling American colonies, it saw numerous naval engagements. The most significant was the Battle of Valcour Island in 1776, where the American naval force, under Benedict Arnold, delayed the British advance, buying the rebels crucial time to prepare for future confrontations.

War of 1812 The lake's strategic importance persisted into the War of 1812. The naval arms race saw shipbuilding efforts increase on both sides. The Battle of Plattsburgh in 1814 marked a decisive American victory, thwarting a British southern invasion via Lake Champlain. This victory played a role in the Treaty of Ghent negotiations, which concluded the war.

Modern Era Today, Lake Champlain stands not only as a testament to these historical periods but also as an environmental treasure and recreational asset. Efforts to preserve its rich indigenous heritage, colonial history, and natural beauty continue, making it a focal point for both residents and visitors. [15]

Indigenous Tribes in Vermont

Abnaki Tribes

The Abenakis, the English Settlers, and the French Canadians were at war for nearly 100 years. All sides spilled blood, and the wounds were deep. All remember sad and terrible tales. But the wars have ended, and all have lived in Vermont.

Currently Recognized by the State of Vermont:
Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs
17th Century:
  • Abenaki, Indigenous peoples from the Northeastern Woodlands of Canada and the U.S., they were Algonquian-speaking and part of the Wabanaki Confederacy. Eastern Abenaki was predominantly spoken in Maine, while Western Abenaki was common in Quebec, Vermont, and New Hampshire. They lacked a centralized government and united after contact with Europeans due to colonization and disease.
Cowasuck, Also known as Cowass, an Algonquian-speaking Native American tribe in northeastern North America. They linguistically and culturally belonged to the Western Abenaki and were members of the Wabanaki Confederacy.
Missiquoi, An Algonquian-speaking band of Abenaki from southern Quebec and formerly northern Vermont. They lived along Lake Champlain’s eastern shore during European contact and are now part of Quebec’s Conseil des Abénakis d'Odanak. Missiquoi was also a 17th-century Abenaki village in northern Vermont.
Notables:
  • Chief Greylock, La Tête Blanche (abt. 1670 - aft. 1727) - Westfield River region of Massachusetts - “a war chief of the Abenaki people who is known for leading a daring campaign against white settlers in Massachusetts between the years 1722 and 1727, an episode known as Grey Lock's War (for the Abenaki leader) or Dummer's War (for the Governor of Massachusetts).”

Vermont’s Animal Kingdom

From the earliest days, Vermonters ate some, and feared others. This dynamic balance between utility, respect, and caution continues to shape how Vermonters interact with their natural surroundings today.

North American Moose (Alces alces)

• Size: Adult moose stand around 5 to 6.5 feet tall at the shoulder. • Weight: Adult male moose, known as bulls, typically weigh between 800 to 1,300 lbs, while females, called cows, weigh between 500 to 800 lbs. • Status: The moose population in Vermont has declined in recent years, largely due to health challenges like tick infestations and habitat changes. However, they are not currently listed as threatened or endangered. The state has adjusted hunting permits and seasons to manage the population sustainably.

Black Bear (Ursus americanus)

• Size: Adult black bears have a body length ranging from 5 to 6 feet. • Weight: Adult male black bears generally weigh between 150 to 450 lbs, with some large males exceeding this range. Females are generally smaller, weighing between 100 to 250 lbs. • Status: The black bear population in Vermont is considered stable and healthy. The state has implemented management strategies to ensure the sustainable coexistence of bears and people, especially as human-bear conflicts can arise in areas where they overlap.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

• Size: Adult White-tailed Deer stand about 3 to 3.5 feet tall at the shoulder. • Weight: Adult males, known as bucks, generally weigh between 150 to 300 lbs. Adult females, called does, usually weigh between 90 to 200 lbs. • Status: The White-tailed Deer population in Vermont is considered to be healthy and stable. They are not listed as endangered or threatened. Vermont has hunting seasons to manage the deer population sustainably.

Catamount (Puma concolor)

• Size: Adult catamounts have a body length ranging from 41 to 91 inches. • Weight: Adult male catamounts generally weigh between 117 to 220 lbs, while females weigh between 64 to 141 lbs. • Status: Extinct in Vermont. Historically present, the catamount, also known as the eastern cougar or mountain lion, was declared extinct in the eastern U.S. by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2018.

Lynx (Lynx canadensis)

• Size: Lynxes have a body length of 31 to 42 inches. • Weight: Adult male lynxes typically weigh between 18 to 40 lbs, while females range from 11 to 22 lbs. • Status: Threatened. The Canada lynx is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. While they have been spotted occasionally in Vermont, they are not considered to have a stable population in the state.

Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

• Size: Bobcats have a body length of 25 to 41 inches. • Weight: Adult male bobcats typically weigh between 15 to 31 lbs, while females weigh between 8.8 to 22 lbs. • Status: Stable in Vermont. Bobcats are not currently threatened or endangered in Vermont and are considered to have a stable population

Smaller animals

Red Fox, Eastern Gray Squirrel, Raccoon, Chipmunk, American Mink, River Otter, Coyote, Skunk, Eastern Cottontail Rabbit, Woodchuck (Groundhog), Snowshoe Hare, Muskrat, Porcupine, Opossum, Red Squirrel, Beaver, Fisher

Vermont-Specific WikiTree Categories

WikiTree Projects and Pages of Interest

Sources

  1. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, Champ (folklore), Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, (2023), Champ (folklore).
  2. ↑ Aldrich, Lewis Cass; Holmes, Frank R. (eds.) History of Windsor County, Vermont, Syracuse, NY: D. Mason (1891)
  3. ↑ Alexander, William, By, and William Alexander. “Vermont’s World Famous Maple Syrup and Sugar Houses to Visit.” Vermonters.com. (2023), Vermint Maple Syrup.
  4. ↑ Dedicated to the Production and Advancement of Vermont Cheese. Vermont Cheese Council, August 8, 2023. https://vtcheese.com/.
  5. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, Vermont dairy industry, The Free Encyclopedia (2023) Vermont dairy industry
  6. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, Ethan Allen, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia (2023), Ethan Allen
  7. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, Green Mountain Boys, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia (2023), Green Mountain Boys
  8. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Royalton raid," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia (2023) Royalton raid.
  9. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "St. Albans Raid," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia (2023), St. Albans Raid
  10. ↑ Kaelber, Lutz. “Vermont Eugenics Survey.” Vermont Eugenics. Accessed September 13, 2023. https://www.uvm.edu/~lkaelber/eugenics/VT/VT.html.
  11. ↑ Landrigan, Leslie. Polio Makes Its U.S. Debut in Vermont’s Otter Creek Valley in 1894. New England Historical Society, May 1, 2023. https://newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/polio-makes-its-u-s-debut-in-vermonts-otter-creek-valley-in-1894/.
  12. ↑ Emrich, John S.; Richter, Charles, Polio: Part I-understanding and treating a perplexing disease. The American Association of Immunologistf, Inc., Accessed September 14, 2023. https://www.aai.org/About/History/History-Articles-Keep-for-Hierarchy/Polio-Part-I—Understanding-and-Treating-a-Perplex.
  13. ↑ Manoukian, Marina. The Messed up History of Polio. Grunge, February 3, 2023. https://www.grunge.com/259929/the-messed-up-history-of-polio/.
  14. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, History of polio, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia (2023), History of polio.
  15. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, Lake Champlain, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia (2023)[https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lake_Champlain&oldid=1175804422 Lake Champlain

See also:



This page was last modified 19:47, 10 December 2023. This page has been accessed 2,044 times.