Ferrisburgh, Vermont facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ferrisburgh, Vermont
Ferrisburg
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Town
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The Ferrisburgh Town Grange
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Location in Addison County and the state of Vermont.
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Location of Vermont within the U.S.A.
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 Ferrisburgh, Vermont
Location in Vermont
Ferrisburgh, Vermont
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Vermont |
| County | Addison |
| Chartered | 1762 (Vermont) |
| Communities | Ferrisburg Coleman Corner North Ferrisburgh |
| Government | |
| • Type | Selectboard |
| Area | |
| • Total | 61.2 sq mi (158.4 km2) |
| • Land | 47.4 sq mi (122.8 km2) |
| • Water | 13.7 sq mi (35.6 km2) 22.46% |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,646 |
| • Density | 56/sq mi (21.5/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Codes | |
| Area code | 802 |
| FIPS code | 50-26300 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1462098 |
Ferrisburgh is a town in Addison County, Vermont, United States. It was founded on June 24, 1762. In 2020, about 2,646 people lived there. You might also see the town's name spelled as Ferrisburg.
Contents
History of Ferrisburgh
Early Days and Dutch Explorers
Long ago, the area that is now Ferrisburgh was called Varenbrug by Dutch explorers. This name means 'Fern Bridge'. The Dutch set up a trading post here. They traded with French travelers and Native American merchants. This trading post was left behind in 1673 during a war.
The English later burned the old Dutch trading post. They did not settle the area right away. Instead, it became a meeting place for different groups. The Abenaki and Iroquois nations had friendly relations there. The area remained peaceful until the American Revolution. During this war, there were some small battles leading up to the Battle of Hubbardton.
How Ferrisburgh Got Its Name
The town of Ferrisburgh was named after Benjamin Ferris. He asked for a special document to start the town in 1762. This document is called a charter.
Ferrisburgh During the Civil War
The Rokeby Museum in Ferrisburgh shares stories about the town's past. It tells how Ferrisburgh was part of the abolitionist movement. This movement worked to end slavery. The museum also highlights the Underground Railroad, a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom.
Even with its history of fighting against slavery, many men from Ferrisburgh joined the army during the American Civil War. They were part of a group called the "Old Brigade." About 10% of this brigade came from Ferrisburgh. Many women from Ferrisburgh also joined their husbands and brothers near the battlefields. They helped in the rear during the Battle of Gettysburg. One Irish immigrant, Laura Fitzgerald, even fired a musket at enemy soldiers, making them scatter.
The Ferrisburgh Art Colony
From 1917 to 1924, a group of artists formed an art colony in Ferrisburgh. These artists came from Middlebury College and the University of Vermont. They felt their schools did not support certain types of art enough. They were interested in new art styles like dadaism. This included photography of sculptures and portraits of still life photos. The art colony had many long and unusual names. Today, it is simply known as the Ferrisburgh Art Colony. Artists from all over New England came to share their love for unique art. They also held meetings to support new political ideas.
Geography and Location
Ferrisburgh is in the northwest part of Addison County. Its western edge is the border between Vermont and New York. This border runs through the middle of Lake Champlain. Otter Creek, one of Vermont's longest rivers, flows into Lake Champlain in Ferrisburgh.
Neighboring Towns and Communities
Ferrisburgh shares borders with several towns:
- To the north is Charlotte in Chittenden County.
- To the east are Monkton and New Haven.
- To the southeast is New Haven.
- To the south are Waltham and Panton.
- The city of Vergennes is also on the southern border.
- Across Lake Champlain to the west is Westport, New York.
- Essex, New York touches the northernmost part of Ferrisburgh's border in Lake Champlain.
Inside Ferrisburgh, you'll find the main town center, also called Ferrisburgh. There's also North Ferrisburgh (or North Ferrisburg) near the northern border. Basin Harbor is a small community right on Lake Champlain.
Land and Water Areas
Ferrisburgh covers a total area of about 158.4 square kilometers (61.2 square miles). Of this, 122.8 square kilometers (47.4 square miles) is land. The remaining 35.6 square kilometers (13.7 square miles) is water, which is about 22.46% of the total area.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1790 | 481 | — | |
| 1800 | 956 | 98.8% | |
| 1810 | 1,647 | 72.3% | |
| 1820 | 1,581 | −4.0% | |
| 1830 | 1,822 | 15.2% | |
| 1840 | 1,755 | −3.7% | |
| 1850 | 2,075 | 18.2% | |
| 1860 | 1,738 | −16.2% | |
| 1870 | 1,768 | 1.7% | |
| 1880 | 1,684 | −4.8% | |
| 1890 | 1,501 | −10.9% | |
| 1900 | 1,619 | 7.9% | |
| 1910 | 1,433 | −11.5% | |
| 1920 | 1,338 | −6.6% | |
| 1930 | 1,285 | −4.0% | |
| 1940 | 1,347 | 4.8% | |
| 1950 | 1,387 | 3.0% | |
| 1960 | 1,426 | 2.8% | |
| 1970 | 1,875 | 31.5% | |
| 1980 | 2,117 | 12.9% | |
| 1990 | 2,317 | 9.4% | |
| 2000 | 2,657 | 14.7% | |
| 2010 | 2,775 | 4.4% | |
| 2020 | 2,646 | −4.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 2,657 people living in Ferrisburgh. These people made up 1,014 households and 751 families. The town had about 55.6 people per square mile. Most of the people living in Ferrisburgh were White (97.67%).
About 33.5% of households had children under 18. Most households (63.5%) were married couples. The average household had 2.62 people. The average family had 2.99 people.
The median age in Ferrisburgh was 39 years old. About 24.9% of the population was under 18. About 11.3% were 65 or older. The median income for a household was $53,672. For families, it was $61,111.
Getting Around Ferrisburgh
Main Roads
U.S. Route 7 is the main highway that goes through Ferrisburgh.
Train and Bus Station
The Ferrisburgh–Vergennes station is an important transportation hub. It is located where Route 7 and Vermont Route 22A meet, near Vergennes. This station was first a place where people could park their cars and then ride a bus. Now, it has grown into a place for both buses and trains.
Amtrak's Ethan Allen Express train stops here every day. This train offers direct service to cities like Burlington, Middlebury, Rutland, Albany, and New York City.
Famous People from Ferrisburgh
Some notable people who have connections to Ferrisburgh include:
- Rachael Robinson Elmer, an artist
- Rowland Robinson, an author
- Stewart Van Vliet, a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War
Schools in Ferrisburgh
Ferrisburgh has one school called Ferrisburgh Central School. Students attend this school from kindergarten through 6th grade. After 6th grade, students go to Vergennes Union High School.
Places to Visit in Ferrisburgh
Ferrisburgh has many interesting places to visit:
- The Rokeby Museum is a historic site. It was part of the Underground Railroad. In 2012, it was named Vermont's 'Most Compelling Historical Site' by a local newspaper.
- The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is located in the Basin Harbor village of Ferrisburgh.
- The Union Meetinghouse is another historic building in the town.
- You can also enjoy nature at Button Bay State Park and Kingsland Bay State Park. Both are located in Ferrisburgh along Lake Champlain.
In 2010, Vermont's first 1-megawatt solar farm was built in Ferrisburgh. This farm helps create clean energy from the sun.
See also
In Spanish: Ferrisburgh para niños
