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Gc 974.3 H1460 1770847
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01188 0710
OUTLINES
OF THE
GEOGRAPHY,
NATURAL AND CIVIL HISTORY AND CONSTITUTION
OF
VERMONT,
BY S. R. HALL, A. M.
ALSO THE
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES,
WITH NOTES AND QUERIES,
BY PLINY HI. WHITE, AND THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.
RECOMMENDED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF VERMONT, FOR USE IN THE SCHOOLS OF THE STATE.
MONTPELIER : C. W. WILLARD. 1864.
156670
1770847
لمقيمة
STATE CAPITOL, MONTPELIER.
Mompareinagog
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COUNTY-,
COUNTY
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ENDEN
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COUNTY
شامل
WASHINGTON
CALEDONIA COUNTY
4
music River
Lake
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COUNTY
ORANGE
Wells Ricer
HAMPSHIRE
YORK
RUTLAND COUNTY
M T. ASCUTNEY
Black Riv
MT.
TABOR
1
MAP OF
-
VERMONT
WINDIIAM
NGHAVI DYY MILBURN &SKALLOPY)
West Ri
d R.
COUNTY
Deerfie
COUNTY
Waits R
.Otter Creek
COUNTY L. Dunmore
COUNTY L.Bombazin: ADDISON WINDSOR Ofta queec het River
N.
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33150041 River
& River
Connect
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MT.HOLLY
NEW
¡BENNINGTON . COUNTY-
co River
Champlain
LAMLO ILLE Lameille Kivery
Passian
843 ,333
Hall, Samuel Read,
1. 1795-1877.
Outlines of the geography, netural and civil history and constitution of Vermont ... Mont- pelier, 1864.
---
WOLF CARD A 3989
-- C
F843.283
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1864, by C. W. WILLARD, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the District of Vermont.
PREFACE.
A book entitled "THE CHILD'S ASSISTANT TO A KNOWLEDGE OF THE GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY OF VERMONT," was written and pub- lished in 1827. Several editions were issued, and a large number of children and youth studied that book. The editor of the "Journal of Education," the mnost able and useful magazine, de- voted to improvement in Education, at that time, said of the work ; "This is one of the inost judicious and practical books for pri- mary schools, that we have yet seen. We value it, not so much for its entire correspondence with the views so often expressed in our pages, as for the uncommon quantity of interesting and use- ful matter it contains ; and for its happy adaptation to the minds of children. The geographical details are well selected; and the chapter on natural history will furnish much food for thought, and will aid in the formation of good mental habits. The civil history is sufficiently copious for the purposes of such a volume ; and the account of the hardships of the early settlers is highly instructive and entertaining. Books, such as this, contain the true elements of enlightened patriotism, and possess a much higher value than is apparent at first sight."
REV. ZADOCK THOMPSON, whose name is familiar to every one, and who has published a large and very able Gazetteer of Ver- mont, in a letter to the publishers, said of that book : "I am very much pleased with the "Child's Assistant to the knowledge of the Geography and History of Vermont," by Rev. S. R. Hall, which you lately put into my hands. It is a work which I think might be profitably introduced into all the primary schools in this State,-
A 3989
8
PREFACE.
I have long been persuaded, that the course, ordinarily pursued in teaching geography, ought to be completely reversed; and, instead of commencing with a general view of the solar system, or with the form of the globe, the child should begin at home. He should first learn the geography of the township in which he lives, and then, in their order, that of his county, of his state, and of the United States. After this, and not before, will he be prepared to understand the geography of the larger and more remote divisions of the earth. How is it possible for children from eight to twelve years of age, totally ignorant of the extent of the township, county and state in which they live, to form any just conception of the extent of continents ?"
Many others expressed a similar opinion. But a new genera- tion has arisen since that time. Many, who were children then, but are now parents, have expressed a strong wish that a similar book might be placed in the hands of their children. Many years having passed since the last edition was published, the book has not been attainable. Though in its general geography, natural scenery, climate, &c., Vermont has not greatly changed, many other changes have taken place, and many new facts have been brought to light, during the Geological Survey, construction of railroads, &c. It becomes necessary, therefore, to modify the book, or to write a new one. The latter course is preferred, with regard to the geographical details ; and to the history, many new facts are now added. An able writer in the " Journal of Education " says : "It is vastly more important to our children and youth, as rising members of towns and states, to learn something of their own town or state, than of any other, or all others put together. Besides, there can be no better preparation for obtaining a knowledge of the geography of our country or the world, than through an acquaint- ance with that of our native state."
The ignorance of the geography and history of the state, now so obvious, is doubtless to be ascribed in part, at least, to the want of a suitable text-book, adapted to the wants of the young. That want, it is hoped, will be found supplied by this book. It has been carefully examined and approved by some of the most intelligent
9-10.
PREFACE.
friends of education in the state. It is therefore earnestly com- mended to the attention of parents and teachers, as well as to the rising generation.
Note. It has been thought advisable by the BOARD OF EDUCA- TION to append to this work, both the substance of the Constitu- tion of the United States, and of Vermont, with the " Articles of Confederation," and other important items of great interest to the young. The matter thus added, though otherwise accessible to some who may use this work, constitutes a compendium of the highest importance to all ; but especially so to those who are to become instructors. To them the appendix will furnish informa- tion required by law to be imparted in all primary schools.
Though the book in its present form may be better adapted to meet the wants of youth, yet the details of Geography and Ilistory will be found not above the capacities of children.
1
TO THE YOUTH OF VERMONT.
1
Many youth, in the primary schools and academies of our commonwealth, spend much time in pursuing branches of study with which it is important to become acquainted. But is it not questionable whether some of these branches are not pursued to the neglect of others of more practical utility? Every young person ought to be familiar with English Grammar, Geography, Arithmetic, &c. But is it wise to devote months to studying the geography of the world, while the geography of the state in which they live is almost entirely disregarded?
Is it wise to spend months in the study of the history of England, France, Spain or Italy, while the history of their own state is neglected ? Is it not true that many know more about the geography and history of foreign countries than of their own state ? This ought not to be true of any of our youth.
Vermont is a NOBLE STATE; and all its youth should know many things about it. It is disgraceful to be ignorant concerning the town, county or state in which we live.
True, there are many larger states in the country, but none that has a more interesting history, a more exuber- ant soil, or a more healthy climate.
The natural scenery of Vermont is unsurpassed for either beauty or grandeur. No state in the Union has more in- telligent, virtuous, and industrious inhabitants. Our fathers were a very brave and patriotic race. They loved liberty better than life, and endured much hardship and shed much
12
GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY OF VERMONT.
blood, in order to secure safety to their children. We ought to know what they did for us, and be very grateful for the blessings and privileges they have purchased at so great a price.
I have endeavored to make the book so intelligible that all can understand it, and I trust that you will be interested in studying every part.
It contains nothing but what every young person in the state ought to know, and what may be easily acquired in a short time.
LESSON I.
In what town do you live? How much land does it con- tain ?
[The towns in Vermont usually contain thirty-six square miles, or twenty-three thousand and forty acres. But they are not all of the same size. A few are larger, and many are smaller. ]
Can you tell how the town in which you live is bounded ?
Boundaries are the lines which go round or limit a town, county, or state. In what county is the town ? Is there any river in it? If so, what is the name of it? [ If more than one, give name and situation.]
Are there any ponds ? Tell me the name, or names. Are there any hills or mountains ? Naines ? [ Commit to . memory the following definitions. ]
A township is a piece of land about six miles square, but sometimes larger and sometimes smaller, though gener- ally about that size. When people live on the land in a township, and have chosen a town clerk, selectmen, &c., it is called a town.
A county contains a number of towns, united together for the purpose of holding courts to settle difficulties, or try causes when people sue each other. A jail and a court house are built in some town, usually near the centre of the county.
1.
13
GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY OF VERMONT.
The town where they are built is called the shire town.
A state is a tract of land or territory, usually divided into several counties. The people have one governor, and are all required to obey the same laws. A man called a representative is chosen in a district or town, and the rep- resentatives meet usually once a year to aid in making laws for the people.
A place is said to be bounded by the places which are on the other side of the lines that surround it. Situation means the place where the town or other thing is located or situated.
A mountain is ground that rises very high;
A river is a stream of water.
A pond is a quantity of water that is kept from flowing away, by banks or shores.
A lake is a larger quantity of water of the same kind.
A bay is a place where the water extends into the land, so as to be nearly surrounded by it.
History is an account of the most important things that have occurred in a place or country.
First settlement means the time when civilized people first began to live in a place.
Government is the power that orders people to do right, and punishes them when they do wrong.
Law explains what is right, and points out the way in which people are to be punished when they do wrong by transgressing law.
Questions.
What is the difference between a township and a town ? Define a county. What is a state ? What are boundaries ? Define sit- uation. What is a mountain ? A river ? A pond ? A lake ? A bay ? What is history ? What do you understand by first settle- ment ? What by government ? What by law ?
14
GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY OF VERMONT.
LESSON II.
VERMONT is in the north-west part of New England, lying between Canada on the north and Massachusetts on the south, and between New Hampshire, or rather low water mark on the western bank of Connecticut river, on the east, and New York on the west. A part of the western line is in lake Champlain, following the deepest channel. Its length is much greater than its width. It is 1573 miles long. Its width at the north line is about 90, and at the south line only about 41 miles. The number of square miles is about 10,200 .* A range of high hills or moun- tains extends the whole length of the state, to which the name Verd Mont was applied by those who early visited it .* The Green Mountains are parted in the northern part of the state into two ranges, with a northerly slope between them. It is, however, a singular fact, that the principal range is broken in three places, so that rivers, which have their head waters many miles east of the range, flow west into lake Champlain. The rivers are numerous, but not large. Those on the east side generally flow into Connecti- cut river. Most of those on the west side flow into lake Champlain, and from thence into the river St. Lawrence. Several in the central northern part flow into Memphrema- gog lake. The map shows the position of the mountains, rivers, and lakes.
* Thompson's Gazetteer gives only 9056'5.
* We find the following story told of an event said to have taken place in October, 1763. Rev. Mr. Peters { presumed to be the same man who labored many years to be made bishop of Vermont, and whose account of several other transactions cannot be verified ] and several others, assembled on a mountain called Pisgah. He stood on a purnacie of the rock, and receiving a bottle of spirits from one of the company, made a shout address, after which he continued -" We have here met upon the rock Etam, standing on Mount Pisgah, which makes a part of the everlasting hill, the pue of Asia, Africa, and America [this remark would have been more nearly true if maade on the -umnet of the Rocky Mountains]- holding together the terrestrial ball, and dividing the Atlantic from the Pacific ocean -to dedicate and consecrate this extensive wilderness to God manifested in the flesh, and to give it a new name worthy of the Athenians and ancient Spartans-which new name is Ferd Mont, in token that her mountains and hills shall be ever green, and shall never die." " Ile then poured out the spirits and cast the bottle upon the rock Etam." Rev. Zadock Thompson remarks, however, that " the name Verd Mont had been applied to this range of mountains long previous to the above transaction," but it does not appear that the name was commonly applied to the territory before called New flampshire · +-undonce in 1777.
15
GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY OF VERMONT.
Questions on the Map.
Where is Otter Creek ? In what direction does it flow ? Where does it empty ? Where is Winooski or Onion river ? In what di- direction does it flow and where does it empty ? Where is La - moille river ? In what direction does it flow ? Where does it empty ? Where is the Missisco river ? In what direction does it flow till it leaves the state ? What is its course after it again enters Vermont ? Where does it empty ? What rivers flow into Con- nectieut river ? Where is Vermont sitnated ? How is it bounded ? What is its length ? How wide at the northern line? Its width at the south line ? How many square miles in Vermont ? What mountains pass through the state ? What can you say respecting the Green Mountains ? Are there many rivers in Vermont ? Where do the rivers in the cast part empty ? Those in the west ? Which How into Memphremagog lake ? What does the map show ?
LESSON III.
There is one very singular feature in the Geography of the state. You have just been told that the head branches of some of the rivers, that flow into lake Champlain, are on the east side of the principal range of the Green Mountains.
If a barrier, or dam, were now made across Winooski river, where it passes through the mountains, only one thou- sand feet high, a large part of Washington county would be covered with water, and would be a lake.
It is very probable that there was a time when this was true. All the lower lands in that county are within the bottom of an ancient lake.
If a dam were made across the Lamoille river at Cam- bridge and Johnson, to the height of one thousand feet, almost all of Lamoille county. except the high lands. and a, part of Caledonia county, would be covered with water, and become a lake. Such a lake did once exist.
The towns of Stowe, except the hills, Morristown, Hyde- park, Wolcott, Eden and Hardwick, and parts of some others, are situated in what was the bottom of an ancient lake. Were a dam of similar height built across the Mis- sisco river at Richford. or Potton, C. E., the entire Missisco
16
GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY OF VERMONT.
valley in Orleans county would be covered with water, and also a portion of the towns in Canada north of this valley. A large lake would be formed. Such a lake doubtless did once exist, the waters of which are now confined to the chan- hel of the river.
If a dam of similar height were built across the river at Magog, C. E., the waters of Memphremagog lake would cover not only a considerable part of several towns in Can- ada, but a part of Newport, Coventry, Derby, Salem, Charleston, Brownington, Barton, Glover, Irasburgh, Al- bany and Craftsbury, in Orleans county. The lower lands in all these towns are in the bed of an ancient lake, for such a barrier or dam did, no doubt, once exist at or near the present outlet of the lake. If a damn at the head of the " Fifteen mile falls," between Lunenburgh, Vt., and Dal- ton, N. H., were made, of similar height, another large lake would be formed, extending into Canada on the north. It is doubtless true that the lower lands in the river towns in Essex county, Vt., and Coos county, N. H., are within the bed of an ancient lake. Hills or mountains now exist on each side of the streams before mentioned, in some in- stances more than a thousand feet in height, through which a channel has been formed, by which these ancient lakes have been drained. Many smaller lakes or ponds once ex- isted in different parts of the state, particularly in Otter Creek, and White River valleys, in the beds of which are now thriving towns and pleasant villages. One pond, lying in the towns of Glover and Greensboro, was drained of its entire waters early in the present century. The pond was more than a mile in length and very deep. A good road now passes through its bed nearly a hundred feet lower than the previous surface of the pond. Several of the men whoaided in accomplishing the work are now living. [1864.]*
Questions.
What have you just learned ? What would result if a dam
* Do not the facts, just stated, furnish in part the reason why the soil in Vermont is more prolific than that of any other New England state ? Much of the low land in the valley bordering on lake Champlain was once covered with salt water. Sea whalls phi mad in the valley. not yet decomposed !
17
GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY OF VERMONT.
were built across the Wingski river where it passes through the mountains ? Was a Pole formerly there ? What would be the consequence of building a dun across the Lambville river at Can- bridge and Johnson ? What towasnar chie tiver were formerly at least in part, covered by water: If a similar donne were built across the Missisco at Richford what would be the realt? What towns would be covered with water if : data were built across the river at Magog ? Did such a barrier or dam once exi ! ? What would result from building a damn at the head of the Fo mile falls ? By what means have these lakes been drained ? What pond was drained within the present century ? What is mentioned respect- ing it ?
LESSON 1V.
Mountains.
The mountains of Vermont are its most striking natural feature,-dividing the state principally into ilnee slopes, eastern, western, and northern. The prominent range ex- tends from Massachusetts on the south, to Canada on the north, varying but little fran a north and south line ; west of which the streams flow into lake Champlain, and the Hudson river. A range less extended, branching from the former in the north-easterly part of Addison, and in the south- westerly part of Washington county, extends from thence to Canada in a north-easterly direction. The latter range is not so regular as the other, but yet has the general features of a range. This, with the northern part of the principal range, forins what is called the Y of the Green Mountains. The northern part of the Y has a northerly slope, and the streams mostly flow into t'anada. Valleys between the parts of this rangs. sf for roals. an! . : ::
into Connecticut river.
and Champlain lakes It has Been stated, that several streams flow westerly through the principal monutan. range. This is a very remarkable feattire in the geography of Ver- mont. The principal elevations, avall in the western range.
1
18
GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY OF VERMONT.
and yet several of the larger rivers have their head branches in the easterly range, or within the valley of the Y.
The high lands of the eastern are less broken than in the western range, and are not unfrequently capable of cultiva- tion on the summit of hills of considerable elevation. Ex- cellent farms are frequently situated from 1500 to 2000 feet above the level of the ocean, not only yielding abundant crops of grass, and grain, but corn of good quality. The rock is, in many places, disintegrating, and forming new soil of great productiveness.
The mountains of Vermont should by no means be re- garded as unfavorable to the people, but as a blessing. Riv- ulets and streams of pure water proceed from them, bring- ing much to enrich the lower lands. The mountains also serve to furnish timber and fuel for the use of future in- habitants, as well as to insure protection from disastrous drouths, often experienced in more level tracts of territory.
The influence of the mountains on climate, rendering it salubrious, is an important benefit both to man and domes- tie animals. The great excellence of the horses, cattle and sheep of the state, is in part to be attributed to the influence of our hills and mountains.
The highest land in Vermont is a part of Mansfield mountain, called the Chin, 4348 feet above the ocean. The Nose, another part of the same mountain, is 4044, and the south peak 3882 feet high.
With regard to the height of several other mountains in the state, authorities differ. Killington Peak, in Sher- burne, as measured by Capt. Partridge, is 3924 feet above the ocean. Prof. Guyot says it is 4221 feet high, being only 127 feet lower than Mansfield. In the table of eleva- tion, the height of most of the prominent mountains is given according to the Geological Report, pp. 876 and 877. From the summit of many of these mountains, the prospect is most delightful, and will richly repay any one able to endure the fatigue, for the time and effort required to ascend to their tops.
CHIN MANSFIELD 4348 FT .. CAMEL'S HUMP 4083 FT. MANSFIELD NOSE 4044 FT. KILLINGTON PCAK 3924 FT. SOUTH PEAK 38 02 FT:
SHREWSBURY PEAK 4 036 FT. -JAY PEAK 4018 FT.
EQUINOX 0700 FT.
ASCUTNEY 3320 5",
WESTMORE MT. 3000 FT.
MT. PISGAH 2757 FT ..
SNAKE MT. 1310 FT.
BUCK MT. 1036 FT.
SUGAR LOAF 100SEG
20
GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY OF VERMONT.
Mountains. Height above the ocean.
Mansfield (Chin), io Undertill, 4348 feet.
Killington Peak, in Sherburne, 4180
Camel's Hump, in Duxbury, 1083
Mansfield (Nose), in Undertali, 1041
Jay Peak, in Jay,. 1018
Lincoln Mountain, in Lincoln,. 3856
Pico Peak, in Sherburne and Mendon, 017
Shrewsbury Peak, in Mendon and Shrewsbury,
Mount Pisgah, in Westmore, .. $8-15
3800
Equinox Mountain, in Manchester, 3706
Sterling Mountain, in Cambridge and Morristown, 3700
Ascutney Mountain, in Windsor 3320
Mount Eolus, in Dorset, .. 3148
Bald Mountain, in Arlington, .. 3121
Westmore Mountain, in Westmore, 3000
Saltash Mountain, in Plymouth,. 2850
Prospect Mountain in Woodford, 2690
Herrick Mountain, in Ira, . 2661
White Rocks, in Wallingford, 2532
Bird Mountain, in fra, .. 2500
Mt. Anthony, in Beimington, 2505
Mt. Tom, in Woodstock,. 1351
Snake Mountain, in Addison,. 1310
Questions.
What is the most striking natural feature of Vermont ? How is the state divided by mountains? Describe the principal range ? Describe the less extensive range ? What is formed oy the union of the two ranges? Where do the streams within the Y low ?
What remarkable natural feature i, mentioned ? What is said respecting the high lands of the eastern range ? At what height above the ocean are many larms ? How is new soil being formed ? What advantages do the mountains afford to the people of Ver- mont ?
How is the climate affected by mountains ? What is the high- est land in the state? Height of the Nose? Of the south peak ? Height of Killington Peak . Camel's Hump? Jay Peak ? Lin,
cola Moant? Pico Peak : Shrew. - bag Peak ? Equinox Mt. ? Sterling Mt. ? Ascutney ? Eolus? Bald Mt. ? Westmore Att. : Saltash Mt. ? Pisgah ? Prospect Mt. ? Herrick Mt. ?- White Rocks ? Bird Mt. ? Mt. Anthony : Mt. Tom ? Snake Mi. ?
What of the prospect from many of these mountains ?
66
21
GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY OF VERMONT.
LESSON V.
Lakes and Ponds.
The lakes and ponds of Vermont are, next to the moun- tains, the most interesting objects. The large lakes are not entirely within the state. Champlain, 120 miles long and from 1 to 12 miles broad, is on the west side of the state. The deepest channel is the boundary between Ver- mont and New York. The lake extends into Canada. The surface of the water is about 90 feet higher than the ocean. Large steamboats and vessels traverse it from one end to the other. A steamboat ride up and down the lake is most delightful, as the scenery on both sides is grand and beau- tiful.
The lake has several quite large islands that belong to Vermont, and constitute almost an entire county.
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