Vergennes Historic Walking Tour 2024 - Manual / Resource - Page 4
HISTORY
Vergennes is located at the falls on Otter Creek, 7.7 miles upriver from Lake Champlain. A longestablished Native American trail running from Canada to the Long Island Sound passed through the
area. There is archeological evidence of indigenous people living around the falls and along the river.
The first colonial settlers arrived in the 1760s with Donald MacIntosh from Scotland building the first
homestead in 1766 on Comfort Hill. His grave and a sign marking the location of his home can be found
in what is now called MacIntosh Park.
Early on, Vergennes became a commercial hub thanks to the navigable river and the waterpower
potential of the 37-foot falls. In 1787, the residents of the three towns whose borders met at the falls —
New Haven, Panton and Ferrisburgh — agreed to give up portions of their land to establish a separate
village. Vergennes incorporated as a city on September 19, 1788 — the first city chartered in Vermont
and the third in the new United States after New Haven and Hartford, Connecticut.
The famed Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen is said to have suggested naming the new city after the
Comte de Vergennes (Charles Gravier), who had been the French minister of foreign affairs and a
supporter of the colonies’ fight for independence from England.
Vergennes, also known as the Little City, remains a small city in size and in population. It occupies just
under 2 square miles and has a population of approximately 2,600 citizens.
The city has a rich history, grand architecture and a modern vibrancy that visitors will see as they stroll
its streets.
This walking tour is essentially linear — running along Main Street/Route 22A — with a few exceptions
just off the main thoroughfare. The narrative following begins at the northeast end of the city, but
you can start anywhere as there is plenty to see! Refer to the centerfold map for further guidance.
