Bennington, Vermont History and Lore
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Geographically and historically, Bennington is truly a “special place where Vermont begins.” Bennington is surrounded by the lush forested beauty of the Green Mountain and Taconic Mountain ranges, and borders the 350,000-acre Green Mountain National Forest, yet is only a short drive from both New York’s Capital District and the cultural Berkshires of Massachusetts.
Bennington has a rich cultural heritage, beginning with the Native Americans drawn by an abundance of fish and game in and along the area’s numerous waterways. In 1749, New Hampshire Governor Benning Wentworth chartered the first town in the territory now known as Vermont, and named it Bennington, in honor of himself. The town’s original settlement was formed in the area known today as Old Bennington in 1761 by Congregational Separatists from Connecticut and Massachusetts.
The independent spirit of these early settlers was reflected in their overt resistance to land claims from New York colony and eventually led to the formation of a local citizen militia headed by Ethan Allen, which came to be known as the Green Mountain Boys. This militia later played a crucial role at the Battle of Bennington on August 16, 1777. That battle was a prelude to the surrender of British General John Burgoyne at Saratoga, which led directly to the success of the Revolution.
Visitors may gain a better appreciation of Bennington’s rich heritage by visiting a number of places within the town such as the Bennington Battle Monument, the Old First Church, the Bennington Museum, the Park-McCullough House, Bennington College, and three covered bridges.
Local Libraries:
- Bennington Free Library
Offers Vermont History Room, microfilm of the Banner going back to 1903. Fully qualified reference librarian to aid with any research that is desired, public computers, and free WIFI. Air conditioned and open to the public. An excellent educational resource located in downtown Bennington. - John G. McCullough Free Library
Local Educational Information:
Independent Sources:
Bennington College
1 College Drive
Bennington, VT 05201
Phone: 802-442-5401
www.Bennington.edu
Community College of Vermont –
Bennington Academic Center
324 Main Street
Bennington, VT 05201
Phone: 802-447-2361
www.CCV.edu
Local Education |
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| CDC – Southwest Vermont Career Development Center 321 Park Street Bennington, VT 05201 Phone: 802-447-0220 www.SVCDC.org |
Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union 246 South Stream Road Bennington, VT 05201 Phone: 802-447-7501 www.svsu.org |
Mount Anthony Union High School 301 Park Street Bennington, VT 05201 Phone: 802-447-7511 www.mauhighschool.com |
| Mount Anthony Union Middle School 747 East Road Bennington, VT 05201 Phone: 802-447-7541 www.maumiddleschool.com |
Bennington Elementary School 128 Park Street Bennington, VT 05201 Phone: 802-442-5256 www.benningtonelementary.com |
Molly Stark Elementary School 181 Orchard Road Bennington, VT 05201 Phone: 802-442-2692 www.mollystarkelementary.com |
| Monument Elementary School 66 Main Street Bennington, VT 05201 Phone: 802-447-7979 www.monumentelementary.com |
Village School of North Bennington 9 School Street North Bennington, VT 05257 Phone: 802-442-5955 www.vsnb.org |
Pownal Elementary School 94 School House Road Pownal, VT 05261 Phone: 802-823-7333 www.pownalelementary.com |
| Shaftsbury Elementary School 150 Buck Hill Road Shaftsbury, VT 05262 Phone: 802-442-4373 www.shaftsburyeagles.org |
Woodford Elementary School 955 Vermont Route 9 Woodford, VT 05201 Phone: 802-442-4071 www.woodfordelementary.com |
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