A Journey Through History and Culture
Bennington, Vermont, is a town rich in history and culture, celebrated for its vital role in the American Revolution and as the first town chartered in the New Hampshire Grants, as the future independent republic of Vermont was then called. The Bennington 250th Anniversary Committee has been planning and preparing for the anniversaries which are beginning now in 2025. This multi-year celebration honoring Vermont’s Green Mountain Boys, the Battle of Bennington, and the founding of the Vermont Republic will continue through 2027. A series of events will immerse visitors in the town’s past while highlighting its evolution over time.
Bennington boasts several significant historical sites and destinations
- Bennington Battle Monument: This 306-foot obelisk commemorates the Battle of Bennington in 1777, a pivotal event in the American Revolutionary War. Visitors can ascend the monument for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Old First Church: Established as a congregation in 1762, the current church was built to replace the original meetinghouse in 1805. The adjacent cemetery is the final resting place of Robert Frost, the renowned American poet who lived in nearby Shaftsbury.
- Bennington Museum: This museum houses a vast collection of art and artifacts from this region, including works by Grandma Moses, Bennington Pottery, and a Battle of Bennington gallery. For educational resources on the Battle of Bennington, including lesson plans and videos, visit the Museum’s Education page.
- Covered Bridges: Bennington is home to three historic covered bridges: the Silk Road Bridge, the Paper Mill Village Bridge, and the Henry Bridge, each with its own history and charm.
- Robert Frost Stone House Museum: Located in Shaftsbury, just north of Bennington, this museum preserves the home where Frost wrote some of his most famous poems.
- The Park-McCullough House: Located in North Bennington, it’s an elegant 19th-century mansion built in the Victorian Gothic style. Once the home of a prominent Vermont family, the mansion now serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the area’s history and culture. The surrounding park is ideal for walking and enjoying rural beauty.
Explore all of Bennington’s cultural attractions here.
Notable Figures Who Shaped Bennington’s Rich History
Bennington, Vermont, is home to numerous notable figures across various fields. Here are a few famous people associated with the town:
Ethan Allen – The original leader of the Green Mountain Boys who defended the rights of the settlers from the New Hampshire Grants against the New York officials who wanted to claim them. He was also in command at the capture of Fort Ticonderoga in 1775, which catapulted him and the Green Mountain Boys to fame at the outset of the American Revolution.
Robert Frost – The renowned poet came to Bennington County in 1919 and stayed for twenty years (his ashes are still here). Frost’s time in Vermont had a profound impact on his poetry.
Norman Rockwell – The beloved American illustrator, best known for his covers of The Saturday Evening Post, lived in nearby Arlington and used local residents as models.
Shirley Jackson – Did you know that the author of “The Lottery” and The Haunting of Hill House also wrote Raising Demons, a wickedly funny account of bringing up four children in North Bennington?
Jamaica Kincaid – You may run into the Antiguan-American author of Lucy in North Bennington, where she has had a summer home for many years, after first coming here in the 1980s to live.
Donna Tarrt – To her many fans, it’s no secret that the author of The Secret History attended Bennington College and used many elements of her time here in her novel. And yes, you really can get your car fixed at Redeemed Repair in North Bennington.
These individuals and their ties to the town make Bennington a place rich in historical and cultural significance.
Historical Societies and Events
The Bennington Historical Society plays a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the town’s history. They organize events, tours, and educational programs that delve into various aspects of Bennington’s past. Local historical societies, such as the Shaftsbury Historical Society, Manchester Historical Society, and Dorset Historical Society, also contribute valuable insights into the region’s heritage. The Bennington 250th Facebook Page offers a wealth of resources and updates on the ongoing anniversary celebrations.
Educational and Interactive Resources
For a deeper understanding of the town’s history, the Bennington 250th Coloring Book is a fun and informative way for children and adults alike to engage with the town’s story. History enthusiasts can explore a great reading list, including The Era of the American Revolution, with a particular focus on the Republic of Vermont.
Videos about the Battle of Bennington, such as those found on the Battle of Bennington YouTube channel and another video on the event, offer engaging visual insights into this crucial battle in American history.
Re-enactor groups, like the First New Hampshire Regiment and the Green Mountain Boys bring history to life and offer immersive learning experiences.
Bennington College
Established in 1932, Bennington College is a liberal arts institution known for its progressive curriculum and emphasis on interdisciplinary studies. The College’s commitment to the arts and humanities has fostered a vibrant community of artists, writers, and scholars, further enriching Bennington’s cultural landscape.
Historic Downtown Bennington
The heart of Bennington is its historic downtown district, where visitors can explore a variety of well-preserved buildings dating from the town’s era as a prosperous manufacturing town.
Historic Businesses
Bennington’s historic businesses contribute to its unique character:
- Blue Benn Diner: Established in 1948, this classic Silk City diner offers a retro dining experience with its a small-town ambiance, juke box stations, and well-prepared American fare. Plus, Gywneth Paltrow likes to come here.
- Powers Market: Built by Edward Miller Welling as a company store for his paper mills, Powers Market is one of North Bennington’s oldest establishments. You’ll know it by the pillars, worthy of a temple.
- The Bennington Bookshop: Vermont’s oldest continuously operating bookstore, right in the heart of downtown.
- Katie Cleaver, Metalsmith: a tiny shop on Main Street, an endlessly creative jeweler with a huge following, now in her 50th year downtown!
- Antiques – Bennington boasts several well-established dealers (and their dealers): Monument Vintage and Main Street Antiques downtown and Covered Bridge Antiques on 7A heading north out of town.
- Shaffe’s Men’s Shop, established in 1962 at 475 Main Street, held the distinction of being Bennington’s oldest family-run business. After nearly a century of outfitting the community, the shop closed its doors in 2022. In 2024, the historic location was revitalized as Haberdasher Wine & Provisions, a specialty store that pays homage to the building’s rich history. The term “haberdasher” traditionally refers to a retailer of men’s clothing, reflecting the site’s past. Today, Haberdasher offers a curated selection of local wines and provisions, continuing the legacy of community-focused retail in downtown Bennington.
Revitalizing Bennington’s Industrial Past: From Water Mills to Modern Innovations
Bennington has a rich industrial history, thanks first of all to the energy the Walloomsac River provided to dozens of mills. The Holden–Leonard Mill Complex, constructed between 1865 and 1925, stands as one of the largest and most architecturally distinctive 19th-century mill complexes in the state. Originally producing paisley women’s shawls, the mill later shifted to manufacturing overcoat materials and, during World War I, contributed significantly to the war effort. After closing due to the Great Depression, it operated briefly for knit goods manufacturing before being repurposed for various uses, including retail spaces. Wikipedia
Another significant site is the H.C. White Company Mill Complex in North Bennington. Established in 1879, the company initially produced stereographic viewers and cards, later expanding into children’s furniture and the popular Kiddie-Kar scooter. The complex, with buildings dating from 1887 to 1919, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017. Wikipedia
The Mace Building, part of the Vermont Mill Properties, is another example of adaptive reuse. Originally a textile mill, it now houses various businesses, including a health club, law offices, and a social services office, reflecting Bennington’s transition from industrial manufacturing to a diverse economy. EPA Response
The Putnam Block Redevelopment – Industrialist Henry Putnam built a fine hotel in the center of downtown Bennington. The recently renovated building, which preserves many features of the old hotel, is now leased out to commercial and residential tenants.
These transformations highlight Bennington’s ability to preserve its industrial heritage while adapting to contemporary needs, ensuring that its historic structures continue to contribute to the community’s vitality.
250th Anniversary Events
The Bennington 250th Anniversary begins in 2025 with a wide range of events, including:
- May 2-4, 2025: Expedition to Fort Ticonderoga
This event commemorates Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys’ expedition to capture Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. The weekend features reenactments, historical tours, and family activities across Bennington County and nearby New York. Notable highlights include the re-enactment of the meeting between Edward Mott and Ethan Allen to gather the Green Mountain Boys for their expedition. - August 16-17, 2025: Bennington Battle Day Weekend
A two-day event marking the pivotal Battle of Bennington. Visitors can enjoy reenactments at the Bennington Battlefield, with militia and British regulars in historically accurate clothing. The weekend also features a ceremony at the Bennington Battle Monument, a parade, and various community celebrations. Learn more about Battle Day events in Bennington.
Disclaimers
A Spotlight on Under-Represented Stories
An anniversary is not always a cause for celebration. For Native Americans and peoples of color, the story is much more complex. As we celebrate the Bennington 250th, we aim to highlight under-represented stories, acknowledging the painful aspects of history while continuing to work toward realizing the ideals of freedom and justice envisioned 250 years ago.
A “Brave Little State”
Our goal is to commemorate Vermont’s story from the Hampshire Grants, to the first democratic constitution on the continent, and our extraordinary role in the Revolutionary War. This includes honoring key moments such as the Battles of Hubbardton and Bennington—events that shaped the future of Vermont and the United States.
Bennington, today
For the most up-to-date information on travel, tourism, town news, and ongoing developments in Bennington, Vermont, visit VermontBeginsHere.com. Stay informed about how Bennington is balancing its historic roots with modern development. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on everything new and happening in Bennington, Vermont.