📍 Location & Geography
Middlebury is a charming town located in Addison County, Vermont, United States. It is nestled in the Champlain Valley region, with the Green Mountains to the east and the Adirondacks to the west. The town is traversed by the Otter Creek, Vermont’s longest river, which has a series of waterfalls in the town center.
🌎 Coordinates
Middlebury is situated at coordinates 44°0′33″N 73°10′12″W.
🗺️ Region & Area
Middlebury is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. The town covers a total area of 39.6 square miles (102.6 km²), of which 39.0 square miles (101.1 km²) is land and 0.6 square miles (1.5 km²) is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, Middlebury had a population of 8,496. The racial makeup of the town was 94.2% White, 1.3% African American, 0.2% Native American, 2.2% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.6% of the population.
🏛️ History
Middlebury was chartered in 1761 and settled just after the end of the Revolutionary War. It was named for its location between Salisbury and New Haven. The town’s growth in the 19th century was largely due to its location on the water power provided by Otter Creek and the transportation opportunities afforded by the Champlain Canal and the railroad.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Middlebury is surrounded by a picturesque landscape of rolling hills, farmlands, and forests. The town is home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Means Woods and Battell Woods trails. The Otter Creek Gorge Preserve offers stunning views of the Otter Creek falls. Middlebury is also in close proximity to the Green Mountain National Forest, providing ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
🏫 Education
Middlebury is known for its educational institutions. It is home to Middlebury College, a private liberal arts college that was founded in 1800. The town also has a number of public schools, including Mary Hogan Elementary School, Middlebury Union Middle School, and Middlebury Union High School, which are part of the Addison Central School District.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in Middlebury is facilitated by several major routes, including U.S. Route 7, Vermont Route 30, and Vermont Route 125. The town is also served by the Addison County Transit Resources (ACTR), which provides local bus service. The nearest airport is Burlington International Airport, located about 35 miles to the north.
📜 Trivia & Events
Middlebury is home to the Vermont Folklife Center, which preserves and presents the cultural traditions of Vermont. The town also hosts several annual events, including the Festival on the Green, a week-long summer music festival, and the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival. The Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History, located in Middlebury, is the oldest community-based museum in the United States.