Addison County Overview
Addison County is located in the western part of Vermont, bordered by the Green Mountains to the east and Lake Champlain to the west. Established in 1785, it was named after Joseph Addison, an English writer and politician. The county is primarily agricultural, with dairy farming playing a significant role in the local economy. It is known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, and vibrant small towns. Addison County is bordered by Chittenden County to the north, Rutland County to the south, and New York’s Essex County across Lake Champlain to the west.
The county has a population of about 37,000 people, with the county seat located in Middlebury. The area’s rich history, outdoor recreational opportunities, and cultural events draw visitors year-round. Addison County is home to several educational institutions, including Middlebury College, which is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in the United States.
- County Seat: Middlebury
- Number of Cities and Towns: 23
- Major School Districts: Addison Central School District, Addison Northwest School District
Middlebury
Middlebury Overview
Middlebury, the county seat of Addison County, is situated in the central part of the county along the banks of Otter Creek. Established in 1761, the town quickly became a hub of commerce and education, largely due to the founding of Middlebury College in 1800. The town is bordered by the towns of Cornwall to the south and New Haven to the north. Middlebury is known for its historic downtown, featuring buildings from the 19th century, and the picturesque Middlebury Falls on Otter Creek.
The climate in Middlebury is typical of Vermont, with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. The town’s major landmarks include the Henry Sheldon Museum, one of the oldest community history museums in the United States, and the Middlebury College campus, which is renowned for its classic New England architecture.
- Population: 8,601
- Population Density: 165 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 05753
- Road Network: U.S. Route 7, Vermont Route 125
- Nearest Airports: Burlington International Airport (35 miles)
- Libraries: Ilsley Public Library
- Hospitals: Porter Medical Center
Schools in Middlebury
Middlebury is part of the Addison Central School District. Mary Hogan Elementary School (PreK-6) enrolls about 450 students and focuses on providing a strong foundation in literacy, math, and social studies. Middlebury Union Middle School (grades 7-8) serves around 300 students, offering a curriculum designed to prepare students for high school. Middlebury Union High School (grades 9-12) has approximately 550 students and offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including advanced placement courses, athletics, and arts. Middlebury College also adds to the town’s educational atmosphere, with nearly 2,500 undergraduate students attending this prestigious institution.
Vergennes
Vergennes Overview
Vergennes is located in the northwestern part of Addison County, along Otter Creek, and is Vermont’s smallest and oldest city, founded in 1788. It is bordered by Ferrisburgh to the north and Panton to the west. Known for its rich industrial history, Vergennes was once a booming mill town and shipbuilding center during the War of 1812. Today, the city retains much of its historic charm, with well-preserved 19th-century architecture in its downtown area.
Vergennes experiences a humid continental climate, with cold winters and mild summers. Major landmarks include the Vergennes Opera House, a restored historic theater that serves as a cultural center, and Falls Park, which offers views of the Vergennes Falls, a 37-foot waterfall on Otter Creek.
- Population: 2,588
- Population Density: 1,194 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 05491
- Road Network: Vermont Route 22A, U.S. Route 7 (nearby)
- Nearest Airports: Burlington International Airport (30 miles)
- Libraries: Bixby Memorial Free Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Middlebury (Porter Medical Center)
Schools in Vergennes
Vergennes is part of the Addison Northwest School District. Vergennes Union Elementary School (PreK-6) serves around 300 students, providing a nurturing environment focused on early education. Vergennes Union High School (grades 7-12) enrolls about 500 students, offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced placement courses, career and technical education, and a wide range of extracurricular activities like sports and theater. The high school is known for its strong community involvement and emphasis on preparing students for both college and vocational careers.
Bristol
Bristol Overview
Bristol is a charming town located in the northeastern part of Addison County, nestled against the foothills of the Green Mountains. Established in 1762, the town developed as a center for logging and manufacturing, with many historic buildings still standing in its vibrant downtown area. Bristol is bordered by Lincoln to the east and New Haven to the west, and it offers easy access to outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, and skiing in the nearby Green Mountains.
Bristol experiences the typical Vermont climate, with cold winters and warm summers. The town’s landmarks include the Bristol Falls, a popular local swimming hole, and the downtown historic district, which features several preserved 19th-century buildings.
- Population: 3,894
- Population Density: 134 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 05443
- Road Network: Vermont Route 116, Vermont Route 17
- Nearest Airports: Burlington International Airport (28 miles)
- Libraries: Lawrence Memorial Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Middlebury (Porter Medical Center)
Schools in Bristol
Bristol is part of the Addison Northeast Supervisory Union. Bristol Elementary School (PreK-6) enrolls around 350 students and provides a solid foundation in core academic subjects as well as arts and physical education. For middle and high school, students attend Mount Abraham Union High School (grades 7-12), which serves approximately 700 students from Bristol and surrounding towns. The high school offers a diverse curriculum that includes advanced placement courses, arts, and athletics, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and environmental education, reflecting Bristol’s connection to the natural surroundings.
Middlebury
Middlebury Overview
Middlebury, the county seat of Addison County, is situated in the central part of the county along the banks of Otter Creek. Established in 1761, the town quickly became a hub of commerce and education, largely due to the founding of Middlebury College in 1800. The town is bordered by the towns of Cornwall to the south and New Haven to the north. Middlebury is known for its historic downtown, featuring buildings from the 19th century, and the picturesque Middlebury Falls on Otter Creek.
The climate in Middlebury is typical of Vermont, with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. The town’s major landmarks include the Henry Sheldon Museum, one of the oldest community history museums in the United States, and the Middlebury College campus, which is renowned for its classic New England architecture.
- Population: 8,601
- Population Density: 165 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 05753
- Road Network: U.S. Route 7, Vermont Route 125
- Nearest Airports: Burlington International Airport (35 miles)
- Libraries: Ilsley Public Library
- Hospitals: Porter Medical Center
Schools in Middlebury
Middlebury is part of the Addison Central School District. Mary Hogan Elementary School (PreK-6) enrolls about 450 students and focuses on providing a strong foundation in literacy, math, and social studies. Middlebury Union Middle School (grades 7-8) serves around 300 students, offering a curriculum designed to prepare students for high school. Middlebury Union High School (grades 9-12) has approximately 550 students and offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including advanced placement courses, athletics, and arts. Middlebury College also adds to the town’s educational atmosphere, with nearly 2,500 undergraduate students attending this prestigious institution.