Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB
[blocks in formation]

Indians were on their way to make an attack on Newbury and capture Lieut. Whitcomb, who had wantonly shot Gen. Gordon, a British officer, between Chambly and St. Johns, and robbed him of his watch and sword. Meeting some whites in the woods, they misled the Indians by stating that there was a large force at Newbury, which had the effect to turn their attention to Royalton.

BETHEL.

North of the village, and directly in rear of it, the hills rise · abruptly to the hight of nearly 500 feet. There is a bank and several stores in the town. This township was the first one in the State, granted by the government of Vermont. All express trains stop at this station.

WEST RANDOLPH.

This is one of the largest and most thriving places on the route east of the summit. The buildings, many of which have recently been erected, are tastefully built, and the whole place has the appearance of prosperity. Passengers for Chelsea, the shire town of Orange County, leave the railroad at this station. The old village of Randolph is three miles north of here, where is located the Randolph Grammar School.

BRAINTREE.

Upon reaching Braintree, the general aspect of the country is changed from beautifully rounded hills and luxuriant vegetation to a rocky and mountainous region. The narrow valley and general wildness of the view give beauty and grandeur to the scene.

ROXBURY-THE SUMMIT OF THE GREEN MOUNTAINS.

Passing on through the deep, narrow gorge, you at last come to Roxbury station, at the summit of the Green Mountains. Here in the same swamp, and only a few feet apart, are the

head waters of White and Dog Rivers-the former flowing east into the Connecticut, and the latter west into Lake Champlain. Near the summit is a quarry of American verd antique marble. West of the station a bridge 400 feet long is crossed.

NORTHFIELD.

Sixty-four miles from White River Junction, and ten miles from Montpelier is Northfield. Here were located the shops of the Vermont Central Railroad, which are seen south of the depot. They are quite extensive, but since the removal of the principal business formerly done in them, to St. Albans, they are occupied only for making repairs. Gov. Charles Paine, who was the projector of this railroad, and whose father made the first clearing in the town, is buried in the cemetery at this place. There are some eight or ten slate quarries in this town, some of which will be noticed upon the hillside north of the railroad.

MONTPELIER JUNCTION.

From this place a branch railroad extends easterly a mile and a half to the village of Montpelier, the capital of the State.

MONTPELIER.

Distance from New York, 324 miles; Montreal, 122; Quebec, 302; White Mountains, 125; Lake Memphremagog, 169.

Leaving the Junction by the train on the branch road, in a few minutes you are landed at Montpelier, the capital of Vermont. The village, which contains some three or four thousand inhabitants, is situated in the valley of the Winooski, on the north bank of the river. Fine views a Fine views are had of the village

from the hills which overlook it.

The capitol, which is the pride of the town, stands in rear of the square, at the west end of the village, fronting on State Street. The building is of granite, of the Grecian Doric order, and in point of beauty has no superior in the New Eng

[blocks in formation]

land States. In the portico stands a life size statue of Vermont's greatest hero, Ethan Allen, carved in Vermont marble by å Vermont Sculptor, Larkin G. Mead, Jr., of Brattleboro. The old hero stands with uplifted hand, and as you look upon his massive brow and stern features, fancy runs back to the command of surrender in the name of the Great Jehovah and Continental Congress. In the State House can be seen the regimental flags, which were triumphantly borne over the battlefields of the Rebellion by stalwart hands, fresh from their Green Mountain homes. The visitor after looking upon these sacred relics should not fail of visiting the geological and historical rooms, where are deposited many rare and curious specimens.

There are two banks of issue, two fire and one life insurance company in the town. Of manufacturing establishments there are several doing an extensive business. James R. Langdon, the wealthiest man in the place is largely engaged in manufacturing flour. He is said to be worth three quarters of a million dollars.

There are six churches, Congregational, Baptist, Independent, Episcopal and Catholic. Within a few years several new edifices have been erected, and no town in the State has more neat and commodious places of worship.

MIDDLESEX.

Leaving Montpelier Junction, the tourist enters the valley of the Winooski, and the views along the banks of the river are grand and beautiful. Before the train reaches the station, the rapids, over which the water flows with great rapidity, will attract attention. Middlesex Narrows, a channel through the solid rock, made by the Winooski river, is an object of interest. For about 80 rods the river has worn a channel in the rock 60 feet wide and 30 feet deep. Passing westerly, Camel's Hump, the second highest peak in the State, is seen towering far above the neighboring summits.

WATERBURY.

At this station, 73 miles from White River Junction and 31 miles from Burlington, the tourist leaves the railroad to visit Mount Mansfield, going ten miles north by stage to Stowe, where there is the largest and most complete summer hotel in the State. This village is situated in quite an extensive valley, surrounded by beautiful hills and lofty mountain peaks, and for la quiet summer resort it has few equals. The Waterbury Hotel, kept by Mr. N. P. Keeler, capable of accommodating 100 guests, was recently built, and has no superior for the accommodation of tourists. It is situated in a pleasant locality, a short distance from the railroad, and the rooms are large and airy. The drives to Bolton Falls, three miles west, where there is a natural bridge over the river, and eight miles to Camel's Hump, as well as the many others, are pleasant and charming. Gov. Paul Dillingham is a resident of this town.

THE ROUTE TO STOWE AND MOUNT MANSFIELD.

The tourist should not fail to visit Mount Mansfield, from which is had the most extensive view in New England, except from the White Mountains. To do so you will leave the railroad at Waterbury and take the stage to Stowe, ten miles northward. The ride is charming indeed, with Mr. Durkee on the box. Take a seat with him, and he will point out to you the many places of interest along the route. Before reaching Stowe, Old Mansfield looms up in the distance, the Nose and Chin rising above the neighboring peaks.

[ocr errors]

Stowe is a quiet, pretty country village, lying in the valley between Mansfield and Worcester mountains, and no lovelier spot can be found for a summer residence, if one wishes to be in close proximity to extensive mountain scenery. The summit of Mansfield is eight miles from Stowe, but this is the headquarters of mountain visitors, as here is the spacious Mansfield House, and here horses and carriages are provided for those going to the mountain.

THE MANSFIELD HOUSE.

THE MANSFIELD HOUSE-THE WALKS. AND DRIVES.

This spacious and elegant hotel, in the village of Stowe, was built by a stock company, and opened to visitors in 1865. It is 200 feet long, three stories high, and has a wing in rear 45 by 90 feet. It will accommodate 300 guests. In the rear wing, on the first floor, is the dining room, and on the second there is a dancing hall, each 45 by 60 feet. Mr. W. H. H. Bingham is President of the Hotel Company, and Mr. Leonard Love is principal manager. There are billiard tables and a bowling alley connected with the house. A livery stable, with nearly a hundred horses, is also owned by the company.

The walks and drives in the vicinity are unsurpassed by those of any other summer resort in New England. Sunset Hill, east of the hotel, is a favorite with all. From here is seen the village at your feet, and the valley for many miles. north and south. East is the Worcester mountain range. South, Camel's Hump, and West Old Mansfield in all its grandeur.

« ZurückWeiter »