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Vernon, Vermont
Vernon, Vermont.jpg
Vernon, Vermont
Vernon, Vermont
Vernon, Vermont is located in the United States
Vernon, Vermont
Vernon, Vermont
Location in the United States
Country United States
State Vermont
County Windham
Communities
  • Vernon
  • North Vernon
Area
 • Total 20.0 sq mi (51.8 km2)
 • Land 19.4 sq mi (50.2 km2)
 • Water 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km2)
Elevation
325 ft (99 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 2,192
 • Density 113/sq mi (43.7/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
05354
Area code(s) 802
FIPS code 50-74800
GNIS feature ID 1462234
Website vernonvt.org

Vernon is a town in Windham County, Vermont, in the United States. In 2020, about 2,192 people lived there. Vernon was once home to the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. This was the only nuclear power plant in Vermont, and it closed in December 2014.

History of Vernon

The area that is now Vernon was first officially set up in 1672. This happened as part of a large land grant from Massachusetts. Later, in 1736, the land was given out again as part of a place called Fall Town. By 1753, it was known as Hinsdale.

When the Connecticut River became the official border between states, the original Hinsdale was split into two towns. One part became Hinsdale, New Hampshire, and the other part became Hinsdale, Vermont. The people living in Hinsdale, Vermont, wanted their own unique name. So, in 1802, the Vermont government changed the town's name to Vernon. It is believed the town was named after Mount Vernon, which was the home of President George Washington.

During the French and Indian War, a fort in Vernon called Fort Bridgman was attacked and burned down in 1755.

Geography of Vernon

Vernon covers an area of about 20 square miles (51.8 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water. The town is located on the southern and eastern borders of Vermont. It is north of Massachusetts and west of New Hampshire.

Vernon shares its borders with several other towns. To the north is Brattleboro, and to the west is Guilford. To the east, across the river, is Hinsdale, New Hampshire. To the south, Vernon borders the Massachusetts towns of Bernardston and Northfield. The town hall is about 4 miles (6.4 km) south of downtown Brattleboro.

Climate in Vernon

Vernon has a type of weather known as a humid continental climate. This means the town experiences big changes in temperature throughout the year. Summers are usually warm to hot, and they can often be humid. Winters are cold, and sometimes they can be very cold.

Population and People

Historical population
Census Pop.
1790 482
1800 480 −0.4%
1810 521 8.5%
1820 627 20.3%
1830 681 8.6%
1840 705 3.5%
1850 821 16.5%
1860 725 −11.7%
1870 764 5.4%
1880 652 −14.7%
1890 567 −13.0%
1900 578 1.9%
1910 606 4.8%
1920 556 −8.3%
1930 609 9.5%
1940 559 −8.2%
1950 712 27.4%
1960 865 21.5%
1970 1,024 18.4%
1980 1,175 14.7%
1990 1,850 57.4%
2000 2,141 15.7%
2010 2,206 3.0%
2020 2,192 −0.6%
U.S. Decennial Census

According to the census from 2000, there were 2,141 people living in Vernon. The population has grown over the years, reaching 2,192 people by 2020.

The people living in Vernon are spread out in terms of age. About 27.2% of the population was under 18 years old. About 13.5% of the people were 65 years old or older. The average age in Vernon was 39 years old.

Education in Vernon

Vernon is part of the Windham Southeast Supervisory Union. This group helps manage the schools in the area.

  • Vernon Elementary School is a public school in Vernon. It teaches students from kindergarten up to sixth grade.
  • For middle school, students go to Brattleboro Area Middle School (BAMS).
  • For high school, students attend Brattleboro Union High School (BUHS).
  • There is also the Windham Regional Career Center. This center helps students learn skills for different jobs and careers.

Notable People from Vernon

Many interesting people have come from Vernon, Vermont. Here are a few:

  • Karen Carroll: She is a Justice on the Vermont Supreme Court. This means she is one of the most important judges in the state.
  • George Howe: He was a lawyer who served as the State's Attorney for Windham County. He was also a United States Attorney for Vermont and a member of the Vermont Senate.
  • Jonathan Hunt: He was a US congressman, meaning he helped make laws for the country in Washington, D.C.

Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant

Vernon is known for being the location of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. This plant produced electricity using nuclear energy. It was the only nuclear power plant in the state of Vermont. The plant officially stopped working on December 29, 2014.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Vernon (Vermont) para niños

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