📍 Location & Geography
Killington is a town located in Rutland County, in the state of Vermont, United States. It’s nestled in the Green Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountain range. The town is primarily mountainous and heavily forested, with the Ottauquechee River flowing through the southern part of the town. Killington Peak, the second highest peak in Vermont, is located within the town’s limits.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates of Killington, Vermont, are approximately 43.6770° N latitude and 72.7795° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Killington is situated in the central part of Vermont, in the New England region of the northeastern United States. The town covers a total area of approximately 46.9 square miles, of which 46.4 square miles is land and 0.5 square miles is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 Census, the population of Killington was 811. The town has a predominantly white population, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Asian, African American, and other races. The median age in Killington is higher than the national average, reflecting a significant number of retirees living in the area.
🏛️ History
The town of Killington was chartered on July 7, 1761, by Benning Wentworth, the colonial governor of New Hampshire. The town was originally named Sherburne after the New Hampshire town Wentworth was born in, but it was renamed Killington in 1999. The town’s name is believed to have been derived from “killing town,” in reference to the harsh winters and difficult living conditions experienced by the early settlers.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Killington is renowned for its natural beauty, characterized by its lush forests, clear streams, and majestic mountains. The town is home to Killington Ski Resort, the largest ski area in the eastern United States. The resort, along with the surrounding natural environment, offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and golfing. The town is also part of the Green Mountain National Forest, which provides habitat for a diverse range of wildlife.
🏫 Education
Education in Killington is managed by the Windsor Central Supervisory Union. The town has one elementary school, Killington Elementary School, which serves students from pre-kindergarten through grade six. For secondary education, students attend Woodstock Union Middle School and Woodstock Union High School, located in the nearby town of Woodstock.
🚧 Transportation
Killington is served by U.S. Route 4, which provides east-west access to other parts of Vermont and neighboring states. The town is also accessible via Vermont Route 100, a scenic north-south highway. The closest major airport is Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport, located approximately 20 miles to the west of Killington.
📜 Trivia & Events
Killington is famous for hosting the Killington Stage Race, a three-day road cycling race held annually on Memorial Day weekend. The town is also home to the Killington Music Festival, a classical music concert series held every summer. In addition, Killington’s ski resort is often the venue for the Audi FIS Ski World Cup, attracting top ski racers from around the world.