Lewiston, Vermont facts for kids
Lewiston was once a small village in Norwich, Vermont. It was named after Dr. Joseph Lewis, who arrived there in 1767. For many years, Lewiston was important because it had a train station. This station helped both Norwich and Hanover, a town across the Connecticut River.
What Was Lewiston?
Lewiston was a small community located in Windsor County, Vermont. It was known as a "former village" because it no longer exists as a distinct village today. The first settlers came to this area in 1765.
A Busy Train Hub
The train station in Lewiston was built in 1884. This station made Lewiston a very important place for the towns nearby. It helped towns on both sides of the Connecticut River. Even Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, relied on it. The college used the station to receive coal. This coal was used to heat its many buildings.
Changes Over Time
By the 1920s, Lewiston's importance began to fade. Dartmouth College started using oil instead of coal for heating. Also, all the mills in Lewiston closed down by 1930. The train tracks are still there today. However, the old station is no longer used for trains.
Lewiston Today
In 1950, a new dam called the Wilder Dam was built. This caused the lower farm areas of Lewiston to flood. Then, in 1967, most of Lewiston was removed. This was done to build Interstate 91 and its access road.
Today, only a few things remain where Lewiston once stood. These include the railroad tracks and a pottery studio. This studio is in the house that once belonged to Dr. Joseph Lewis. A small road called Lewiston Hill Road also marks the area. Many buildings there are now owned by Dartmouth College.
Lewiston is located at 43°42′14″N 72°18′2″W / 43.70389°N 72.30056°W. Its elevation is about 387 feet above sea level.
