The Big List

  • Wells, Vermont

    πŸ“ Location & Geography

    Wells is a picturesque town located in Rutland County, Vermont, United States. It is nestled in the southwestern part of the state, characterized by a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, lush greenery, and serene lakes. The town covers a total area of 23.1 square miles, of which 22.1 square miles is land and 1.0 square mile is water.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Wells, Vermont are approximately 43Β°25β€²N 73Β°12β€²W. The town is situated at an elevation of 620 feet above sea level.

    πŸ—ΊοΈ Region & Area

    Wells is part of the New England region, located in the southern part of Vermont. It is part of Rutland County, which is the second largest county in Vermont in terms of land area. Wells is surrounded by several other towns, including Poultney to the west, Middletown Springs to the north, and Tinmouth to the east.

    πŸ‘₯ Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, Wells had a population of 1,073 people. The town has a relatively even distribution of age groups, with a median age of 44.8 years. The population is predominantly White, making up over 97% of the total population. Other racial and ethnic groups include African Americans, Native Americans, Asians, and Hispanics.

    πŸ›οΈ History

    Wells was chartered in 1761 by Benning Wentworth, the colonial governor of New Hampshire. The town was named after Wells, England, as part of Wentworth’s practice of naming new settlements after places in his home country. Over the years, Wells has maintained its small-town charm and rural character, with a strong sense of community and a rich history that is evident in its well-preserved historical buildings.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Wells is known for its stunning natural beauty, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The town is home to Lake St. Catherine State Park, which offers activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. The park is centered around Lake St. Catherine, one of the town’s most prominent natural features. The town’s landscape is also dotted with several other smaller bodies of water, including Wells Lake and Little Lake.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Wells is managed by the Wells Village School, which serves students from kindergarten through sixth grade. For secondary education, students typically attend schools in neighboring towns. The community places a strong emphasis on education, with a high school graduation rate that exceeds the national average.

    🚧 Transportation

    Wells is accessible by road, with Vermont Route 30 and Vermont Route 133 passing through the town. The town is approximately 30 miles away from Rutland, the closest city with a commercial airport. Public transportation in Wells is limited, and most residents rely on private vehicles for commuting.

    πŸ“œ Trivia & Events

    Every year, Wells hosts a variety of community events that bring together residents and visitors alike. One of the most popular events is the Wells Village Fair, a traditional country fair featuring local crafts, food, and entertainment. The town is also known for its vibrant maple sugaring industry, with several local farms offering tours and tastings during the sugaring season.


  • Wallingford, Vermont

    πŸ“ Location & Geography

    Wallingford is a quaint town nestled in Rutland County, Vermont, United States. It is located in the south-central part of the state, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Green Mountains to the east and the Taconic Range to the west. The town is characterized by its rolling hills, lush forests, and serene water bodies, including the Otter Creek, which is the longest river in the state of Vermont.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Wallingford are approximately 43.47 degrees north latitude and 72.98 degrees west longitude.

    πŸ—ΊοΈ Region & Area

    Wallingford is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It occupies a total area of 43.6 square miles (113 kmΒ²), of which 43.4 square miles (112.4 kmΒ²) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.5 kmΒ²) is water, according to the United States Census Bureau.

    πŸ‘₯ Population & Demographics

    As of the 2010 census, Wallingford had a population of 2,079. The town’s population is predominantly Caucasian, with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in the town is around 44 years.

    πŸ›οΈ History

    Wallingford was chartered on November 27, 1761, by Benning Wentworth, the colonial governor of New Hampshire. The town was named after Wallingford, a town in England. Over the years, Wallingford has maintained its small-town charm while adapting to the changing times. It has a rich history, with several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Wallingford House and the Wallingford Historic District.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Wallingford is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Green Mountain National Forest to the east and the Taconic Range to the west. These areas offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and bird watching. The town is also home to several parks and green spaces, including Stone Meadow Park and the Wallingford Town Hall Park. The Otter Creek, the longest river in Vermont, flows through the town, adding to its scenic charm.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Wallingford is administered by the Mill River Unified Union School District. The town is home to Wallingford Elementary School, which serves students in pre-kindergarten through grade 6. For secondary education, students attend Mill River Union High School, located in the nearby town of Clarendon.

    🚧 Transportation

    Transportation in Wallingford is primarily by road, with U.S. Route 7 being the main thoroughfare through the town. The town is approximately a 20-minute drive from Rutland, the county seat. The nearest airport is Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport, located about 15 miles south of Wallingford.

    πŸ“œ Trivia & Events

    Wallingford is known for its annual events, including the Wallingford Day celebration, which features a parade, live music, and various family-friendly activities. The town is also home to the Gilbert Hart Library, which is the oldest continuously operating library in Vermont. In addition, Wallingford was the birthplace of Paul P. Harris, the founder of Rotary International.


  • Stockbridge, Vermont

    πŸ“ Location & Geography

    Stockbridge is a charming town located in Windsor County, in the U.S. state of Vermont. It is nestled in the Green Mountains, a range that spans the length of the state of Vermont. The town is characterized by its picturesque landscapes, featuring rolling hills, lush forests, and the scenic White River flowing through it.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Stockbridge, Vermont are approximately 43.6954Β° N latitude and 72.7450Β° W longitude.

    πŸ—ΊοΈ Region & Area

    Stockbridge is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It covers a total area of approximately 46.9 square miles, according to the United States Census Bureau. The town is predominantly rural, with the vast majority of its area being made up of land and a small portion being water.

    πŸ‘₯ Population & Demographics

    As per the 2010 census, the population of Stockbridge was 736. The town has a diverse age range, with a mix of young families, working-age adults, and retirees. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of other races.

    πŸ›οΈ History

    Stockbridge was chartered on November 21, 1761, by Benning Wentworth, the colonial governor of New Hampshire. The town was named after Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Despite its early establishment, the town remained sparsely populated for many years due to its mountainous terrain. The town’s growth was largely influenced by the development of mills along the White River in the 19th century.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Stockbridge is known for its stunning natural beauty. The town is surrounded by the Green Mountains, providing a backdrop of breathtaking views. The White River, a popular spot for fishing and recreational activities, runs through the town. The town is also home to various species of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Stockbridge is managed by the Windsor Central Supervisory Union. The town has one elementary school, Stockbridge Central School, which serves students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. For secondary education, students typically attend schools in the neighboring towns, including Woodstock Union Middle School and Woodstock Union High School.

    🚧 Transportation

    Stockbridge is accessible by Vermont Route 100, a major north-south highway that runs through the town. The town is also served by the Stagecoach Transportation Services, which provides public bus services to surrounding towns and cities. The closest major airport is the Burlington International Airport, located about 90 miles northwest of Stockbridge.

    πŸ“œ Trivia & Events

    Every year, Stockbridge hosts several community events, including an annual town meeting, a Memorial Day parade, and a holiday tree lighting. The town is also known for the Gaysville Camp Meeting, a historic religious gathering that has been held annually since the 19th century. In terms of trivia, Stockbridge was one of the towns severely affected by Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, but it has since recovered and rebuilt.


  • Shoreham, Vermont

    πŸ“ Location & Geography

    Shoreham is a charming town located in Addison County, in the state of Vermont, United States. The town is nestled in a rural setting, surrounded by a picturesque landscape of rolling hills and fertile farmlands. It spans a total area of 48.6 square miles, of which 47.1 square miles is land and 1.5 square miles is water. Shoreham is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, the largest freshwater lake in the U.S. after the Great Lakes.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates of Shoreham, Vermont are approximately 43.88 degrees north latitude and 73.31 degrees west longitude.

    πŸ—ΊοΈ Region & Area

    Shoreham is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It is located in the western part of Addison County, bordering the state of New York to the west across Lake Champlain. The town is surrounded by the towns of Orwell to the south, Whiting and Cornwall to the east, and Bridport to the north.

    πŸ‘₯ Population & Demographics

    As of the 2020 census, Shoreham had a population of approximately 1,264 residents. The town has a predominantly white demographic, with a small percentage of other races. The median age in Shoreham is around 45 years, reflecting a balanced mix of young families, working adults, and retirees.

    πŸ›οΈ History

    Shoreham was chartered on August 8, 1761, by New Hampshire Governor Benning Wentworth. The town was primarily an agricultural community, with apple orchards and dairy farming being the mainstay of the local economy. The town’s rich history is evident in its well-preserved 19th-century homes and buildings.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Shoreham is known for its natural beauty, including its lush green landscapes, scenic farmlands, and the stunning Lake Champlain. The town is home to several species of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers. The Lake Champlain shoreline offers opportunities for various recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and bird watching.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Shoreham is managed by the Addison Central School District. The town has one elementary school, Shoreham Elementary School, which serves students from pre-kindergarten through grade six. For secondary education, students typically attend Middlebury Union High School located in the nearby town of Middlebury.

    🚧 Transportation

    Shoreham is served by Vermont Route 22A, a major north-south highway in western Vermont that connects the town to other parts of the state. The town is also accessible by ferry from Ticonderoga, New York, across Lake Champlain. The closest major airport is Burlington International Airport, located about 60 miles north of Shoreham.

    πŸ“œ Trivia & Events

    Shoreham is known for its Apple Fest, an annual event that celebrates the town’s rich apple farming heritage. The festival features apple picking, cider pressing, and other apple-themed activities. The town is also home to the Shoreham Inn, a historic bed and breakfast that dates back to the early 19th century.


  • Salisbury, Vermont

    πŸ“ Location & Geography

    Salisbury is a charming town located in Addison County, Vermont, United States. It is nestled in the western part of the state, surrounded by scenic landscapes. The town covers a total area of 29.6 square miles, of which 28.9 square miles is land and 0.7 square miles is water. The Otter Creek, one of Vermont’s longest rivers, flows through Salisbury, providing a rich aquatic environment.

    🌎 Coordinates

    The geographical coordinates for Salisbury, Vermont are approximately 43Β° 50β€² 10β€³ N latitude and 73Β° 4β€² 24β€³ W longitude.

    πŸ—ΊοΈ Region & Area

    Salisbury is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It is situated in the Champlain Valley, an area known for its fertile farmland and beautiful vistas. The town is part of Addison County, which is bordered by Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains.

    πŸ‘₯ Population & Demographics

    As per the 2010 census, Salisbury had a population of 1,136. The demographics of the town are predominantly white, accounting for 97.5% of the population. The remaining population is made up of a mix of African American, Native American, Asian, and other races. The median age in Salisbury is around 45 years.

    πŸ›οΈ History

    Salisbury was chartered on November 3, 1761, by Benning Wentworth, the colonial governor of New Hampshire. The town was named after Salisbury, Connecticut, the hometown of some of its earliest settlers. The town has a rich history of agriculture, with dairy farming being a significant part of its economy for many years.

    🏞️ Nature & Environment

    Salisbury is blessed with a beautiful natural environment. The town is home to several parks and natural attractions, including the Salisbury Wildlife Management Area, a popular spot for bird watching and wildlife observation. The Lake Dunmore and Branbury State Park are also located in Salisbury, offering opportunities for swimming, camping, and hiking. The town’s rich biodiversity and scenic beauty make it a haven for nature lovers.

    🏫 Education

    Education in Salisbury is managed by the Addison Central School District. The Salisbury Community School serves students from pre-kindergarten through 6th grade. For secondary education, students typically attend the Middlebury Union High School located in the nearby town of Middlebury.

    🚧 Transportation

    Salisbury is served by several major roads, including U.S. Route 7 and Vermont Route 53, providing easy access to neighboring towns and cities. The closest major airport is Burlington International Airport, located approximately 60 miles north of Salisbury.

    πŸ“œ Trivia & Events

    Salisbury is known for its annual town fair, which is a popular event attracting visitors from around the region. The fair features a variety of activities, including a parade, games, food stalls, and live entertainment. Another interesting fact about Salisbury is that it is home to the Salisbury Fish Hatchery, one of the largest state-run fish hatcheries in Vermont.