City of Vergennes
The city of Vergennes, the only city in Addison County VT, was incorporated on September 19th, 1788. Settlers had been living and working in the area (specifically near the falls) as early as 1766, though indigenous peoples had utilized the area for generations before that. After the Revolution War the area around the falls flourished with industrial pursuits. The falls themselves powered mills, the Otter Creek provided a direct route out to Lake Champlain and quickly the surrounding land became a
Town of Addison
The history of Addison Vermont parallels historical recounts of America itself. Originally frequented by Huron and Iroquois hunting parties, then by French exploration parties headed by Samuel D. Champlain (Vermont’s great lake namesake), it quickly became noteworthy for its agricultural potential. The town was founded in 1761, formally being settled in the 1780’s. The clay soil is well suited for hay, corn and other crops, especially those needed to sustain the thriving dairy industry found there
