18 Historical Landmarks That Are Must-Visits In Vermont
Curious about famous landmarks in VT? According to Wikipedia, a National Historic Landmark is “a building, site, structure, or object that is officially recognized by the United States government for its outstanding historical significance.” While Vermont has its fair share of listings on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, there are only 18 places that are official National Historic Landmarks. Let’s take a closer look at all 18 of these famous landmarks in VT.
Brown Covered Bridge, 5290 Cold River Rd, Shrewsbury, VT 05738, USA
A bridgewright is a master craftsman who specializes in bridges. The Brown Bridge was built in 1880 by famous bridgewright Nichols M. Powers. Added to the National Historic Landmark register in 2014, this historical site in VT is one of the best and finest examples of a lattice truss covered bridge in the United States. Learn more about one of the most famous landmarks in VT and other covered bridges in Vermont.
Calvin Coolidge Historic Site, 3780 VT-100A, Plymouth, VT 05056, USA
Coolidge Homestead, the childhood home of the thirtieth president of the United States, is a well preserved VT historical site both inside and out. Coolidge was sworn into office at this home and is buried nearby, making this a fascinating and educational trip back in time! Read more about the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site.
Robert Frost Mountain, Ripton, VT 05753, USA
This 150-acre farm is where Robert Frost wrote some of his most magical works. Now owned by Middlebury college, the grounds of this VT state landmark are open to the public during daylight hours. Learn more about the Robert Frost Farm.
Old Labor Hall National Historic Landmark, 46 Granite St, Barre, VT 05641, USA
This famous landmark in VT hosted many debates among anarchists, socialists, and union leaders over the future direction of the US labor movement in the early 20th century. Located in the former Italian section of Barre, it is the only building known to have been built by volunteer members of the Socialist Labor Party. Visit the website for the Socialist Labor Party Hall to help plan your visit.
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Mailing Address Only:, 54 Elm St, Woodstock, VT 05091, USA
Another famous landmark in VT, this Queen Anne-style mansion is the former home of George Perkins Marsh, an early conservationist. It is also the later home of Frederick H. Billings, a businessman and philanthropist who was a cofounder of the Northern Pacific Railroad. This historical site in VT is located within the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Woodstock. Learn more about the George Perkins Marsh Boyhood Home.
Shelburne Farms, 1611 Harbor Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482, USA
Shelburne Farms is a well-preserved example of a Gilded Age "ornamental farm" developed in the late 19th century. This VT historical site and 1,400-acre farm is a nonprofit education center for sustainability, and one of the most stunning properties in the state of Vermont. Discover more about the beautiful Shelburne Farms.
Stellafane Clubhouse, Breezy Hill Rd, Springfield, VT 05156, USA
The Stellafane Clubhouse was built on a 30-acre property in 1924 by the Springfield Telescope Makers Club of Springfield. The club was founded in 1920 by Russell Porter, and the Stellafane Convention, a gathering of amateur telescope makers and amateur astronomers, is still held here every year. Head to the website for the Stellafane Observatory to learn more.
Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, VT 05482, USA
The Ticonderoga was built in 1906 at the Shelburne Shipyard. It is now one of the showpieces at the Shelburne Museum. The steamship is 220 feet long with a 59-foot beam and weighs 892 tons. Get more details on visiting the Shelburne Museum.
Justin Smith Morrill Homestead, Justin Morrill Memorial Hwy, Strafford, VT 05072, USA
The Justin Smith Morrill Homestead is the historic Gothic home of United States Senator Justin Smith Morrill. The VT state landmark includes the main house, several barns and sheds, and is set off from the road by a granite post fence. Find out just how much you can explore here at the Justin Smith Morrill Homestead.
St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 1171 Main St, St Johnsbury, VT 05819, USA
This National Landmark is known for its construction, American landscape paintings and books. It also originally served as a public library and free art gallery. From the natural lighting to the dark walnut used, this is a spectacular and wonderful famous landmark in VT to visit. Learn more about the remarkable St. Johnsbury Athenaeum.
Mount Independence, Mt Independence, Orwell, VT 05760, USA
Built opposite Fort Ticonderoga, this historical site in VT was the site of Fort Independence, an American Revolutionary War fortification. Check out some reasons why a visit to Mount Independence is necessary.
Emma Willard House, 131 S Main St, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
Built in 1809, this was the home of Emma Willard, a pioneer in the development of women's education in the United States. Willard established a school for girls at her home in 1814, known as the Middlebury Female Seminary. Read more about the Emma Willard House and other historic houses in Vermont.
Naulakha - The Landmark Trust USA, Naulakha, 481 Kipling Rd, Dummerston, VT 05301, USA
Built in 1893, author Rudyard Kipling lived and worked in this home which he christened Naulakha, meaning “jewel beyond price." Among the many works he penned here includes the Jungle Book. The most amazing part about Naulakha? This VT historical site is available for rent on a nightly basis! Learn more about Naulakha and Rudyard Kipling.
State House, Montpelier, VT 05602, USA
The Vermont State House is known for its distinctive gold leaf dome. This famous landmark in VT is easily visible while approaching the city. Montpelier is the smallest city to serve as capital of a U.S. state. Get more details on the Vermont State House and other unique architecture in Vermont.
American Precision Museum, 196 Main St, Windsor, VT 05089, USA
The American Precision Museum in Windsor displays some of the tools that allowed for precision manufacturing in the early days of the US Industrial Revolution. This VT state landmark is thought to be the first U.S. factory at which precision interchangeable parts were made, giving birth to the precision machine tool industry. Discover more about this museum and other weird museums in Vermont.
The Rockingham Meeting House, also known as the Old North Meeting House, was built between 1787 and 1801. This famous landmark in VT was originally used for church meetings as well as civic and governmental meetings. This beautifully preserved "second period" Colonial-style meeting house is available to rent for weddings and other events. Learn more about the Rockingham Meeting House.
Rokeby Museum, 4334 US-7, Ferrisburgh, VT 05456, USA
This historic 90-acre farm property and museum includes a 1780s farmstead and eight agricultural outbuildings with permanent exhibits. This historical site in VT was the home of Rowland T. Robinson, a Quaker and ardent abolitionist who openly sheltered escaped slaves here as part of the Underground Railroad. Robinson's correspondence gives us great historical insight into the practices of abolitionists and the operations of the railroad. Find out what else the Rokeby Museum has to offer visitors.
The Old Round Church, 29 Round Church Rd, Richmond, VT 05477, USA
This beautifully preserved 16-sided church was built in 1812 and served as the meeting place for the town as well as five Protestant congregations. Maintained by the Richmond Historical Society, this VT historical site is available for weddings and other special occasions. Learn more about the Old Round Church.
How many of these famous landmarks in VT have you visited? Tell us in the comments!
Now that you’ve got a good grasp on famous landmarks in VT, how about getting a taste of the state? Check out some of the best restaurants in Vermont.
Address: Brown Covered Bridge, 5290 Cold River Rd, Shrewsbury, VT 05738, USA
Address: Calvin Coolidge Historic Site, 3780 VT-100A, Plymouth, VT 05056, USA
Address: Robert Frost Mountain, Ripton, VT 05753, USA
Address: Justin Smith Morrill Homestead, Justin Morrill Memorial Hwy, Strafford, VT 05072, USA
Address: Mount Independence, Mt Independence, Orwell, VT 05760, USA
Address: Naulakha - The Landmark Trust USA, Naulakha, 481 Kipling Rd, Dummerston, VT 05301, USA
Address: American Precision Museum, 196 Main St, Windsor, VT 05089, USA
Address: Rokeby Museum, 4334 US-7, Ferrisburgh, VT 05456, USA
Address: The Old Round Church, 29 Round Church Rd, Richmond, VT 05477, USA
Address: Shelburne Farms, 1611 Harbor Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482, USA
Address: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 1171 Main St, St Johnsbury, VT 05819, USA
Address: Old Labor Hall National Historic Landmark, 46 Granite St, Barre, VT 05641, USA
Address: Stellafane Clubhouse, Breezy Hill Rd, Springfield, VT 05156, USA
Address: Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, VT 05482, USA
Address: State House, Montpelier, VT 05602, USA
Address: Emma Willard House, 131 S Main St, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
Address: Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Mailing Address Only:, 54 Elm St, Woodstock, VT 05091, USA
famous landmarks in VT
July 11, 2022
What is the oldest town in Vermont?
Chartered in 1735, Westminster is the oldest town in Vermont. Back then, it was the first capital of the Republic of Vermont and the 1775 site of the Westminster Massacre, in which two men were killed. Today, you’ll find that this VT state landmark has continued to stay mostly rural, although the population is over 3,000.
Which state parks should I visit in Vermont?
There are 55 state parks in Vermont. In Charlotte, there’s the 237-acre Mount Philo State Park, which boasts views of not only Lake Champlain, but also New York State’s Adirondack Mountains. Other highlights of the state’s oldest park include summiting Mount Philo as well as other trails and camping opportunities. Emerald Lake State Park is in East Dorset. This 430-acre park boasts a 28-acre lake where you can canoe, kayak, and swim as well as a nature center, campsites, and picnic pavilion. There are also a variety of park interpreter-led events and activities available.
What is Vermont known for?
There are multiples answers when it comes to what Vermont is known for. It could be its 250-mile-long Green Mountains range. Or its 26 ski resorts scattered the state’s 9,616 square miles. There’s also maple syrup, which the state produces about 2.5 million gallons per year. And of course, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream originated in Burlington. But the most famous thing about the state? That would have to be Vermont’s covered bridges. There are over 100 of these famous landmarks in VT.
Address: Brown Covered Bridge, 5290 Cold River Rd, Shrewsbury, VT 05738, USA
Address: Calvin Coolidge Historic Site, 3780 VT-100A, Plymouth, VT 05056, USA
Address: Robert Frost Mountain, Ripton, VT 05753, USA
Address: Justin Smith Morrill Homestead, Justin Morrill Memorial Hwy, Strafford, VT 05072, USA
Address: Mount Independence, Mt Independence, Orwell, VT 05760, USA
Address: Naulakha - The Landmark Trust USA, Naulakha, 481 Kipling Rd, Dummerston, VT 05301, USA
Address: American Precision Museum, 196 Main St, Windsor, VT 05089, USA
Address: Rokeby Museum, 4334 US-7, Ferrisburgh, VT 05456, USA
Address: The Old Round Church, 29 Round Church Rd, Richmond, VT 05477, USA
Address: Shelburne Farms, 1611 Harbor Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482, USA
Address: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 1171 Main St, St Johnsbury, VT 05819, USA
Address: Old Labor Hall National Historic Landmark, 46 Granite St, Barre, VT 05641, USA
Address: Stellafane Clubhouse, Breezy Hill Rd, Springfield, VT 05156, USA
Address: Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, VT 05482, USA
Address: State House, Montpelier, VT 05602, USA
Address: Emma Willard House, 131 S Main St, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
Address: Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Mailing Address Only:, 54 Elm St, Woodstock, VT 05091, USA
