Vergennes Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Vergennes Historic District
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Town hall
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 Location in Vermont
Location in the United States
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| Location | Vergennes, Vermont |
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| Area | 84 acres (34 ha) |
| Built | 1788 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000136 |
| Added to NRHP | September 3, 1976 |
The Vergennes Historic District is a special area in Vergennes, Vermont. It covers the old downtown and factory areas of the city. Vergennes became a city in 1788. It grew into an important place for making things. It was also a key military spot during the War of 1812. This district has many buildings from the 1800s and early 1900s. These include shops, homes, and government buildings. You can also find the old site of the Monkton Iron Works here. This was once one of the biggest iron factories in the country. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
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Discovering Vergennes' Past
Vergennes was first settled in the 1760s. But it really started to grow in the 1780s. This is when it became one of Vermont's first industrial towns. The city is located on a bend in Otter Creek. There's a 37-foot (11 m) waterfall there. This waterfall was perfect for powering factories. Vergennes was also a busy crossing point for two main stagecoach routes. It officially became a city in 1788.
How Water Power Shaped the City
The water from Otter Creek powered many businesses. Sawmills cut wood, and gristmills ground grain. Later, other types of factories also used the creek's power. The city continued to grow throughout the 1800s. One very important business was the Monkton Iron Works. It started in 1807. This factory became one of the largest iron foundries in the early 1800s.
Vergennes and the War of 1812
The Monkton Iron Works played a huge role in the War of 1812. Vergennes was a military base during the war. It had easy access to Lake Champlain through Otter Creek. The ironworks made important supplies for the war. The Macdonough Shipyard, also in Vergennes, built ships. Both the ironworks and the shipyard helped the United States win the 1814 Battle of Plattsburgh.
Exploring the Historic District Today
The Vergennes Historic District mainly runs along Main Street. This street is now called Vermont Route 22A. It stretches between Mechanic Street and Monkton Road. The district also goes north along both sides of Otter Creek. This includes the old sites of the iron works and shipyard. These are mostly archaeological remains now. The parts of Main Street just east of the creek have many shops and city buildings. These buildings are from the 1800s and early 1900s. Further east, you will find more homes. Important city buildings include Vergennes City Hall and the public library.
