Brandon, Vermont facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brandon, Vermont
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Downtown Brandon
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Brandon, Vermont
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 Brandon, Vermont
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Vermont |
| County | Rutland |
| Chartered | October 20, 1761 |
| Name changed from Neshobe | October 20, 1784 |
| Communities |
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| Government | |
| • Type | Selectboard - Town Manager government |
| Area | |
| • Total | 40.2 sq mi (104.0 km2) |
| • Land | 40.1 sq mi (103.9 km2) |
| • Water | 0.1 sq mi (0.1 km2) |
| Elevation | 470 ft (140 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 4,129 |
| • Density | 102.71/sq mi (39.702/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
05733 (Brandon)
05745 (Forest Dale) |
| Area code(s) | 802 |
Brandon is a town located in Rutland County, Vermont, in the United States. In 2020, about 4,129 people lived there.
Contents
History of Brandon
Brandon was first called Neshobe. It was officially created on October 20, 1761. Later, in October 1784, the name was changed to Brandon by the state government.
When the first settlers arrived in the 1770s, they found a place rich in natural resources. There was great farmland along the rivers. The area also had lots of timber (wood) and minerals. The town grew quickly in the 1800s. Many businesses used the power of water, iron ore, and marble.
The railroad arrived in 1849. This helped factories make and ship products. They made things like iron scales, Brandon paints, wood items, and marble.
Brandon Village developed a special town layout. The historic Crown Point Road passed through Brandon. This road connected Lake Champlain to the Atlantic coast. Over time, streets for businesses were built in the center. These streets spread out from green spaces. Homes lined these green spaces, leading to farms, mines, and quarries. Pearl and Park streets were made wide and shady. This was so they could be used for militia (local army) training.
Two famous inventors and politicians were born in Brandon. Stephen A. Douglas, a well-known statesman, was born here. His birthplace is now the Brandon Museum and Visitor Center. Thomas Davenport, who some say invented the electric motor, also lived in Brandon.
As old industries slowed down, new ones became important. These included dairy farming, raising animals, and tourism. These helped Brandon's economy stay strong in the 20th century. The Brandon Training School opened in 1915. It provided many jobs for people in the area. This school helped over 600 Vermont residents at its busiest time. It closed in 1993 due to changes in how social services were provided. The campus is now called Park Village. It is used for homes, businesses, and other organizations.
Brandon's historic downtown is very special. Its main area, with 243 buildings, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical area.
Famous People from Brandon
Many notable people have connections to Brandon, including:
- John S. Buttles, a judge on the Vermont Supreme Court
- Frank Morse Button, a landscape architect (someone who designs outdoor spaces)
- Paul Dame, who led the Vermont Republican party
- Charles A. Dana, a generous person who started the Dana Foundation
- Thomas Davenport, an inventor
- Stephen A. Douglas, a famous statesman and politician
- Fred A. Field, a US Marshal for Vermont
- Henry F. Field, a Vermont State Treasurer (managed the state's money)
- Jason Gibbs, a former Vermont Commissioner for forests and parks
- Robert Pratt, a former mayor of Minneapolis
- John G. Sawyer, a former US Congressman
- Walter F. Scott, a Vermont State Treasurer
- Loren B. Sessions, a former US Congressman
- Walter L. Sessions, a former US Congressman
- Moses N. Wisewell, an officer in the Union army
Geography of Brandon
The town of Brandon covers about 40.2 square miles (104.0 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 40.1 square miles (103.9 square kilometers), is land. Only a small part, about 0.1 square miles (0.1 square kilometers), is water.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1790 | 637 | — | |
| 1800 | 1,076 | 68.9% | |
| 1810 | 1,375 | 27.8% | |
| 1820 | 1,495 | 8.7% | |
| 1830 | 1,946 | 30.2% | |
| 1840 | 2,194 | 12.7% | |
| 1850 | 2,835 | 29.2% | |
| 1860 | 3,077 | 8.5% | |
| 1870 | 3,571 | 16.1% | |
| 1880 | 3,280 | −8.1% | |
| 1890 | 3,310 | 0.9% | |
| 1900 | 2,759 | −16.6% | |
| 1910 | 2,712 | −1.7% | |
| 1920 | 2,874 | 6.0% | |
| 1930 | 2,891 | 0.6% | |
| 1940 | 2,979 | 3.0% | |
| 1950 | 3,304 | 10.9% | |
| 1960 | 3,329 | 0.8% | |
| 1970 | 3,697 | 11.1% | |
| 1980 | 4,194 | 13.4% | |
| 1990 | 4,223 | 0.7% | |
| 2000 | 3,917 | −7.2% | |
| 2010 | 3,966 | 1.3% | |
| 2020 | 4,129 | 4.1% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 3,917 people living in Brandon. There were 1,572 households, which are groups of people living together. About 31.7% of these households had children under 18. Most people (98.85%) identified as White.
The average age of people in Brandon was 39 years old. About 24.7% of the population was under 18.
Economy of Brandon
Money and Jobs
In 2000, the average income for a household in Brandon was $35,810. For families, the average income was $42,455. The average income per person in the town was $20,516. About 11.2% of all people in Brandon lived below the poverty line. This means their income was below a certain level.
Culture and Arts
Artistic Community
Brandon is known as the "Art and Soul" of Vermont. It is home to famous folk artist Warren Kimble. More than 50 other local artists also live and work here. You can find local wineries, folk artists, and people who work with fabric. There are also computer artists, and those who create traditional decorative arts. Many artists work with watercolor, jewelry, pottery, glass, sculpture, and printmaking. There's even a historic barn that has been turned into an opera house.
Education in Brandon
Brandon has two main schools for students. Neshobe Elementary School teaches students from Pre-Kindergarten to 6th grade. Otter Valley Union High School serves students from 7th to 12th grade.
Before Otter Valley Union High School was built, local students went to Brandon High School. This school was built in 1916. However, it had been operating since the 1800s. Brandon High School closed in 1961. This happened during a time when many smaller schools in rural areas were combined into larger ones. There have been plans to turn the old school building into apartments or condominiums.
Town Improvements
In 2017, a big project called "Segment 6" started in Brandon. This project aimed to make the downtown area much better. It promised improved streets, new traffic patterns, and buried wires. It also included better parking, beautiful parks, and modern sidewalks. New benches and decorative streetlights were added. The project also updated the underground systems of the town.
See also
In Spanish: Brandon (Vermont) para niños
