Bennington

Bennington is one of Vermont's oldest and most historic towns. It was chartered in 1749, the first town in the territory now known as Vermont, by Benning Wentworth, governor of New Hampshire, who characteristically named it for himself. Ethan Allen arrived in Bennington about 1769 and took leadership of a group of new settlers to defend the lands against officials of New York, which claimed the same territory. These young settlers became the Green Mountain Boys, a citizen militia, that later played an important role in the American Revolution. Their victory at the Battle of Bennington on Aug. 16, 1777, was a prelude to the surrender of British General John Burgoyne at Saratoga, which led directly to the Revolution's success.

Overlooking the town rises the 304-foot monument (built in 1891) commemorating the Battle of Bennington. Bennington boasts three distinct areas of historic significance. There is the "old" town of colonial era buildings, church and commons on the heights above the town proper; a Victorian section in the thriving downtown area; and the three covered bridges in North Bennington.

Famous 20th-century personages who have lived in or near Bennington include the primitive painter Grandma Moses, artist-illustrator Norman Rockwell, and poet Robert Frost.

A primary gateway to Vermont, Bennington is the third largest community in the State. Nestled between two mountain ranges, the Taconics on the west and the Green Mountains on the east, the Walloomsac River flows through the community. Mount Anthony (2,300 ft.) overlooks the town. These mountains and several state parks offer swimming, fishing, boating, nature, and hiking trails.

The town is located adjacent to New York State and Massachusetts, and approximately two and a half-hours south of Burlington. Population of the town is roughly 14,500, while the surrounding area encompasses nearly 35,000 residents.