The year 1816 is often referred to as “1800 and Froze To Death,” “The Starvation Year,” or most likely the “Year Without a Summer.” During this time, the summer months were filled with snow and frost, making farming practically impossible. Vermont certainly isn’t the only place that was affected, however we love looking back at the history and learn a few things about what life was like here during the Year Without A Summer in VT.

It all started when the largest volcanic eruption in history took place on April 9, 1815.
wikipedia.org
Billions of tons of debris were blown sky high when Indonesia’s Mt. Tambora blew its top.
The effects were seen worldwide, but people in Vermont had no way of knowing that the extreme climate changes to come were caused by a volcano in another part of the world.
Youtube/A.T. Fence
On June 5 & 6th snow started falling in Vermont and after a few days the drifts were as much as 3 feet deep.
Youtube/A.T. Fence
Life was so hard that roughly 15,000 people left the Green Mountain State
Youtube/A.T. Fence
The food that was available was unaffordable to many as the crops were decimated.
Flickr/Ezequiel Chernikoff

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Even the newly sheared sheep had to wear their own fleeces!
Flickr/Nadine Maurer
But it wasn't just the U.S. that was effected.
Youtube/A.T. Fence
That summer in Europe Lord Byron and Mary Shelly had planned a summer holiday in Switzerland. However, due to the weather Mary Shelly remained indoors much of the time. It was then she penned her famous novel, Frankenstein.
Among those that left Vermont were the Smith family who left with their son, Joseph.
Youtube/A.T. Fence
Joseph Smith went on to be a religious leader and founder of Mormonism and the Latter Day Saint movement.
In fact, during the year without a summer, many feared the end of the world and turned to God begging for mercy.
Youtube/A.T. Fence
During this tumultuous time, the residents of Bethel built the United Church of Bethel.
Youtube/A.T. Fence
This may be the only church built during the summer of 1816.
In fact, the United Church of Bethel has been designated the official place of remembrance for Vermont for what will forever be known as The Year Without A Summer.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Take a look at this video by Across The Fence on Youtube to learn more. It's fascinating!

The Year Without A Summer in VT will always be remembered. Who can forget the natural disaster that struck Vermont in 2011?

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