Look out California...Vermont has its own OC... and a town chartered
by the same name. We'll go to Orange.

On August 11, 1781, the town of Orange was chartered. It was named for the county in which it sits.

Though chartered, Orange wouldn't see its first permanent settler for another 12 years. It wasn't until the first quarter of the 19th century that the population of Orange really began to grow, reaching its height around 1830. The head count? About 1,000 people and more than 5,000 sheep.

Orange became home to gristmills, sawmills and merchants as more settlers arrived and needs grew. Today, that original Orange charter is displayed under glass at the Town Clerk's Office.

The Vermont Book Of Days photo.

August Archives | August 12