Then And Now Photos In Vermont That Show Just How Much It Has Changed

If you could transport yourself back in time—to the early to mid-19th century—and you walked around Burlington, Montpellier, or Rutland, you might not even realize which city you were in due to the immense change that has occurred over time in these cities. The progress of time moves and shapes our landscapes and cities, often not leaving many traces in its wake. To see the changes that have taken place in Vermont cities over the decades, these then and now photos provide such an opportunity, a view into the past, to reminisce, and to observe a time that has longed passed us by.

Church Street, Burlington, circa 1870

This then and now snapshot of the Leunig's building on Church Street, Burlington, Vermont, was taken circa 1870. Chruch Street has seen much change in the past century, making it almost unrecognizable from what we see today.

Downtown Rutland, circa 1907

The view of Merchants' Row in downtown Rutland (1907) compared with Rutland's downtown of today hasn't changed as much perhaps as some would think. Over a hundred years have elapsed between these two photos, but there are several identifiable structures still standing today.

Church Street, Burlington, circa 1865

These two photos depict the same view looking down Church Street in Burlington, Vermont, from the Unitarian Universalist Church, circa 1865. You have to look twice to discern that these photos are actually taken in the same place.

The French Block, Montpellier, circa 1930

Constructed after the fires of 1875, The French Block, the longest in Montpellier, is pictured here circa 1930, without a whole lot of change taking place in these two distant photographs.

College Street, Burlington, circa 1866

A vastly different view looking up College Street in Burlington, Vermont, circa 1866 can be seen in these then and now photographs.

Montpellier railway, circa 1890

Then and now photographs of Montpellier railroads. There were two railroads in Montpellier back in the late 19th century. One was the Central Vermont, coming from the west, and the other was the Montpelier and Wells River (MWRR), coming from the east.

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Burlington, circa 1870

The Cathedral commenced work in 1862 and was completed in 1867—except for the tower, which would have to wait till 1904. Sadly, in 1972 the Cathedral of 1867 was destroyed by arson.

Did any of these then and now photographs surprise you? Let us know which ones by leaving a comment.