The town of Westminster in Southern Vermont is not only the oldest town in Vermont, it is filled with history and breathtaking scenery. Whether you hop off the highway to explore or spend the day checking out all the area has to offer, this is a Vermont town that shouldn't be missed. Welcome to Westminster, Vermont!

Westminster is Vermont's oldest existing town and was chartered in 1735.

With the Wesminster, Vermont population at about 3,000, it isn't exactly considered a "small town."

However, scenes like this one on Patch Road taken in 2010 can be found, giving Westminster that charming feel.

Restaurants such as Cafe Loco dish up delicious and fresh meals. Great vegetarian choices, too!

You'll find lovely country roads such as South Valley Road.

As well as farms and other places that have that quintessential feel.

Westminster is also filled with history.

Along with being one of the oldest towns in Vermont, it is also the site of the Westminster Massacre.

Since many of the settlers did not have a lot of money, they were afraid that the New York courts would take their land away because of their debts.

In March 1775, a session of New York’s court was meeting in Westminster. The judge knew that some settlers were angry at the courts, but there was a murder trial, and the judge wanted to do his duty and keep the court as planned.

A mob of men took over the courthouse because they thought the judge could not foreclose on their land if he couldn't actually be in the courthouse. However, a sheriff and his crew wanted to chase them away.

No one is sure exactly what happened, but when the mob refused to leave the courthouse, a fight broke out between the two groups, and two of the protesters were killed while others were injured.

The next day, more protesters and the Green Mountain Boys took back the courthouse and put the sheriff in jail.

It's interesting that this is referred to as a "massacre" since massacres usually involve the brutal killing of many people.

The Westminster Massacre of March 13, 1775, is viewed by some as the first battle of the American Revolution.

Westminster, the oldest town in Vermont, is full of history and beauty.

If you haven't been to Westminster you should definitely make a trip!

Ready to visit Westminster, Vermont? If you need a place to spend the night in town, make a reservation at the Retreat in the Woods just 12 miles from town.

For more towns loaded with history and charm, put these 12 towns on your Vermont bucket list.