The town of Chester, Vermont may be centrally located, but as you wander around this town of just 3,100 residents you'll definitely feel like you stepped off the beaten path. Perhaps the most intriguing part of the town is the amazing Chester Stone Village Historic District. This unique Vermont town is truly one of a kind and there are loads of other things to see and do while you visit the beautiful town of Chester. Let's take a look!
In the 1830s, skilled masons from Scotland arrived in the town of Chester. They came to work on a large factory building which is no longer standing.
They were particularly skilled in the distinctive "snecked ashlar" style, and you'll still find some of these beautifully maintained buildings still standing today.
The stone village in Chester is one of the most unique places in Vermont, and you've got to experience it for yourself to truly see the architecture here.
The technique uses stones from 4 x 6 inches to 3 x 4 feet and could be up to 24 inches thick. They were then reinforced with moss and horsehair.
This type of construction is generally rare in the United States, and is only found on about 50 surviving buildings in Vermont.
What makes this village so unique are the 10 buildings in the Stone Village. This is the highest concentration of this type of structure you'll find anywhere else.
Spend a day exploring this charming small town in Vermont and see which one is your favorite!
The builders used locally quarried slabs of granite, gneiss, and schist.
Schist is loaded with sparkly mica and easily split, which explains its use on the outside surface of the buildings to build the stone houses.
Although the homes were built in the same manner, you'll notice a variety of styles.
Some of the stone houses include secret rooms that were once a stop on the Underground Railroad.
A unique piece of Vermont's history, for sure.
Several of the homes have extensions on the back which gives more room in the home, but it also allowed the residents to have more room to do chores in the warmth of the home.
One of these stone homes was where Olivia Goldsmith wrote First Wives Club in 2001.
Among the stone buildings you'll see the one room schoolhouse...
And the First Universalist Parish of Chester circa 1845.
Of course, there's plenty of other activities in Chester, including antique shops, artisan galleries as well as dining and lodging.
Plan a trip to this unique town in Vermont soon. You'll absolutely love it!
Chester, Vermont's Stone Village is clearly one of the best sites in Vermont.
If you think this tiny village in VT is special, you'll love this small town in Vermont that is one of the coolest in the U.S.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!