What is The Oldest City in The State of Vermont?

Vergennes: Vermont's Smallest City, Largest Claim to History as the State's Oldest

This article explores the founding of Vergennes, its historical significance, and how its small size belies its rich past.

A City Born from Strategic Location: Vergennes' Founding

Vergennes' origins are tied to its strategic location in Addison County, Vermont. Situated on Otter Creek, a navigable waterway that flows into Lake Champlain, the site offered access to vital transportation routes and water power, making it an attractive location for settlement and industry, as documented by the Vergennes Partnership and historical records of Addison County. The city's incorporation in 1788, just a few years after Vermont's entry into the Union, solidifies its claim as the state's oldest city, a distinction based on its specific form of municipal government, as clarified by the Vermont Secretary of State's office. It is located 25 miles south of Burlington on Route 22A.

A Name with French Roots: Honoring a Revolutionary Ally

The name "Vergennes" itself carries historical weight. The city was named in honor of Charles Gravier, Comte de Vergennes, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs under King Louis XVI. Vergennes played a crucial role in securing French support for the American Revolution, a contribution that was recognized by the city's founders, as detailed in historical accounts of the city's naming.

A Vital Naval Center: The War of 1812 and Beyond

Vergennes' strategic location on Otter Creek played a pivotal role in American military history. During the War of 1812, the fleet that decisively defeated the British on Lake Champlain in the Battle of Plattsburgh was built and armed in Vergennes, a testament to the city's shipbuilding capabilities and its contribution to the American war effort, as documented by the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum and historical accounts of the War of 1812. A historic marker on the east side of Otter Creek commemorates the site of this crucial shipyard.

Basin Harbor: A Legacy of Lakeside Recreation

Vergennes is also home to Basin Harbor, a renowned summer resort on the shores of Lake Champlain. Established in the late 19th century, Basin Harbor has become a beloved destination for generations of families, offering a classic Vermont lakeside experience with boating, swimming, and other recreational activities, as described on the resort's website and in travel guides to the region.

Distinguishing "City" from "Town": The Case of Bennington

It's important to note the distinction between "city" and "town" in Vermont's municipal structure. While Bennington was chartered as Vermont's first town in 1749 by New Hampshire Governor Benning Wentworth, making it older than Vergennes in terms of initial settlement, it was not incorporated as a city until much later. This distinction in municipal governance is key to understanding Vergennes' claim as the oldest city. Bennington is also home to many attractions and points of interests.

Vergennes, Vermont's oldest and smallest city, is a place where history and charm intersect. Its strategic location, its role in the War of 1812, its connection to the American Revolution through its namesake, and its enduring lakeside appeal make it a unique and significant part of Vermont's heritage. While its population may be small, Vergennes' historical contributions are anything but, offering a fascinating glimpse into the early days of Vermont and the nation. Its distinction as the state's oldest city highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of municipal governance in defining historical "firsts."

Sources:

• Vergennes Partnership
• Vermont Secretary of State's Office
• Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
• Basin Harbor Resort Website
• Bennington Website
• Historical records of Addison County