📍 Location & Geography
Shelburne is a charming town located in Chittenden County, Vermont, United States. It is situated on the western side of the state, along the eastern shores of Lake Champlain, the largest freshwater lake in the U.S. after the Great Lakes. The town’s geographical area is characterized by a mix of flat, fertile farmland and rolling hills, with a total area of 43.5 square miles, of which 2.8 square miles is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Shelburne are approximately 44.38 degrees north latitude and 73.23 degrees west longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Shelburne is part of the Burlington metropolitan area, the most populous metropolitan area in the state of Vermont. It is located in the northwestern part of the state, in the New England region of the United States. The town covers a total area of 43.5 square miles.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, the population of Shelburne was approximately 7,775. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of around 46 years. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races.
🏛️ History
Shelburne was chartered by New Hampshire, August 18, 1763, to Jesse Hallock and 64 associates. The town was named for William Petty, 2nd Earl of Shelburne, a British prime minister. Shelburne’s town center is a Historic District, featuring several buildings of historical significance, including the Shelburne Farms, a National Historic Landmark.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Shelburne is home to a wide variety of natural attractions. The town is bordered by Lake Champlain, offering a range of water-based recreational activities. Shelburne Bay Park is a popular spot for hiking, bird watching, and fishing. The town is also home to the Shelburne Farms, a 1,400-acre working farm, forest, and National Historic Landmark.
🏫 Education
The town of Shelburne is served by the Champlain Valley School District. Educational institutions in the town include Shelburne Community School, which provides education for children from kindergarten through 8th grade, and Champlain Valley Union High School, which serves high school students from Shelburne and several neighboring towns.
🚧 Transportation
Shelburne is well connected by road, with U.S. Route 7 running through the town, providing easy access to Burlington and other parts of the state. The town is also served by the Green Mountain Transit bus service, which provides public transportation to Burlington and other local communities. The nearest airport is Burlington International Airport, located about 10 miles north of Shelburne.
📜 Trivia & Events
Shelburne is known for the Shelburne Museum, an open-air museum consisting of over 45 acres and 39 buildings, exhibiting a broad range of American art, design, and architecture. The town also hosts the annual Vermont Mozart Festival, a popular summer event featuring performances of Mozart’s music in various venues, including the Shelburne Farms.