Island Pond, Vermont facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Island Pond, Vermont
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The former Grand Trunk Railroad station is now a bank branch and offices.
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Location in Essex County and the state of Vermont.
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Location of Vermont in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Vermont |
| County | Essex |
| Town | Brighton |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.6 sq mi (11.8 km2) |
| • Land | 4.2 sq mi (10.8 km2) |
| • Water | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,198 ft (365 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 750 |
| • Density | 164.6/sq mi (63.6/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
05846
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| Area code(s) | 802 |
| FIPS code | 50-35725 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1457977 |
Island Pond is a small community in Brighton, Vermont, in the United States. It is located in Essex County. In 2020, about 750 people lived there.
Geography and Nature
Island Pond is located in the middle of Brighton. It sits at the northern end of a lake also called Island Pond. Two main roads, Vermont Routes 114 and 105, go through the community.
The total area of Island Pond is about 11.8 square kilometers (4.5 square miles). Most of this is land, with about 1.0 square kilometer (0.4 square miles) being water.
Bluff Mountain stands tall to the north, overlooking the lake and the island within it.
The Clyde River flows west out of Island Pond. The community gets its name from this river and the lake. The Abenaki people, who lived here long ago, called this water Menanbawk, which means "island pond." Later, it was named "Knowlton Pond" after Luke Knowlton, a surveyor who helped map the town in the 1780s. The Clyde River eventually flows into Lake Memphremagog, which is part of the larger St. Lawrence River system.
In 2010, a bird count in the area found 28 different kinds of birds.
History of Island Pond
The Railroad's Role
Island Pond became very important in 1853 because of the Grand Trunk Railway. This railway connected Montreal, Quebec, in Canada, to Portland, Maine, in the United States. Island Pond was right in the middle of this long railway line.
Because of the railway, Island Pond grew into a busy railroad hub. It had a roundhouse (where trains were stored and repaired), shops, and many other facilities needed for train operations.
However, the railway's importance to Island Pond began to fade. By the late 1950s, steam locomotives were no longer used. This meant less work for the town's railroad facilities. Passenger train service to Portland stopped by 1960. The diesel locomotive repair shop closed three years later. By 1966, the roundhouse also closed.
Today, only the old passenger station remains. It is now used by a bank, and a historical society has offices on its upper floors. The railway line is still used for freight by the St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad.
Traffic Rules
In 2007, the local police (called the Brighton Constable) became known for strictly enforcing traffic laws. In 2006, they issued many tickets and warnings to drivers.
Transportation
Island Pond is served by Vermont Routes 105 and 114, which are important roads for getting around. The St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad also runs through the village, carrying goods. For air travel, the John H. Boylan State Airport is located just east of the village.
Media and Books
WVTI 106.9 broadcasts from Island Pond, providing local radio services.
Island Pond has also been featured in books:
- The memoir A Dresser of Sycamore Trees by Garret Keizer is set in the town.
- Sharon Biron wrote two history books about the town: "Island Pond Reflections" and "Island Pond Insights."
Notable People
Many interesting people have connections to Island Pond, including:
- Harry B. Amey, who was a United States Attorney for Vermont.
- John H. Boylan, a former President pro tempore of the Vermont State Senate.
- George N. Dale, who served as Lieutenant Governor of Vermont.
- Porter H. Dale, a U.S. congressman and senator.
- Zophar M. Mansur, another Lieutenant Governor of Vermont.
- Rudy Vallée, a famous singer, actor, and bandleader.
Images for kids
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(The) Island (in the) Pond from which the village takes its name
See also
In Spanish: Island Pond (Vermont) para niños
