Franklin County, Vermont is located in the northwestern corner of the state. The county is bordered by Orleans County to the east, Chittenden County to the south, Grand Isle County to the west, and Canada to the north. The county has a total area of 568 square miles with an average elevation of 1,450 feet above sea level. Franklin County has a diverse landscape that consists of rolling hills, lakes and rivers, and mountain peaks.
The main river that flows through Franklin County is the Missisquoi River which flows from Canada into Lake Champlain. This river provides many recreational opportunities for fishing and boating as well as many scenic views. Other smaller rivers include Lamoille River, Winooski River, Dog River, and Otter Creek. Additionally, there are several mountain ranges located within Franklin County such as Mount Mansfield which is the tallest mountain in Vermont at 4393 feet above sea level.
The county also contains several lakes including Lake Carmi which is located on the western border of Franklin County and is part of Maine’s border with Vermont. Additionally, there are other smaller lakes such as Lake Champlain which has a rich history dating back to before European colonization of North America and provides numerous recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy swimming, fishing or boating during summer months.
Overall, Franklin County has a diverse geography that features rolling hills, mountains peaks and rivers providing visitors with ample opportunity to explore nature while enjoying recreational activities such as camping or fishing. With its stunning scenery it’s no wonder why this area continues to attract more people each year.
Country seat and other main cities of Franklin County, Vermont
The county seat of Franklin County, Vermont is the city of St. Albans which is located in the northwestern corner of the state. This city is home to a population of around 8,000 people and is known for its vibrant downtown area with numerous shops and restaurants. The city also has numerous parks and recreational areas such as Taylor Park which offers tennis courts, baseball fields, playgrounds and a community pool. Additionally, St. Albans has several cultural attractions including a museum, art galleries and theaters as well as an annual summer festival that draws visitors from all over the state.
According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, there are several other cities located within Franklin County including Enosburg Falls, Fairfield, Highgate Center, Swanton, Sheldon Springs and Montgomery Center. Enosburg Falls is located on the western border of Franklin County and has a population of around 2,500 people while Fairfield is located in the eastern portion of the county with a population of approximately 1,400 residents.
Highgate Center is situated on both sides of the Missisquoi River with an estimated population of just over 900 people while Swanton is home to around 5,000 residents and features several parks as well as a popular farmer’s market that takes place every Saturday from June through October. Sheldon Springs has an estimated population of 700 people while Montgomery Center sits at an elevation of 1,125 feet above sea level with a population of just under 500 people making it one of the smallest towns in Franklin County.
Overall, Franklin County contains several vibrant cities full of culture and recreational activities that provide visitors with plenty to see and do during their stay in this beautiful corner of Vermont.
History of Franklin County, Vermont
Franklin County, Vermont has a rich and diverse history, beginning with the Native American tribes who were the first to inhabit the area. These tribes included the Abenaki, Mohawk, and Algonquin peoples who lived in the area for centuries before being forced out by European settlers. The first recorded European settlers in Franklin County were French-Canadians who arrived around 1795 and settled in what is now St. Albans.
In 1797 Franklin County was established from parts of Chittenden and Orange counties with St. Albans designated as its county seat. During this time period most of the county’s economy was centered around agriculture, timber harvesting, and small-scale manufacturing such as woolen mills and gristmills. In 1810 St. Albans became an official village and by 1820 it had become a major trading center for farmers from all over northern Vermont.
Throughout the 19th century Franklin County went through a period of rapid growth as more people began to move into the area due to its fertile land and abundance of natural resources such as timber and water power for manufacturing purposes. By 1880 St. Albans had become an important railroad hub connecting northern Vermont with Montreal, Canada while other towns such as Enosburg Falls grew to become important milling centers for wheat production.
In more recent years Franklin County has seen a resurgence in population growth due to its close proximity to metropolitan areas like Burlington, Vermont as well as its numerous recreational activities such as hiking trails in nearby mountain ranges like Mt Mansfield State Park or exploring Lake Champlain which borders Franklin County on its eastern side. With its stunning scenery, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage it’s no wonder why this area continues to attract more people each year.
Economy of Franklin County, Vermont
Franklin County, Vermont has a diverse and vibrant economy that is centered around agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Agriculture has been an integral part of the county’s economy since its inception with dairy farming being the primary source of income for many years. Today, agriculture remains a major industry within Franklin County with an estimated $47 million in annual sales.
Manufacturing is another important sector of the county’s economy with numerous companies operating in the area, such as General Electric and IBM. These companies employ thousands of people from Franklin County and beyond while providing much-needed jobs and revenue for the local economy.
Tourism also plays a significant role in Franklin County’s economy with hundreds of thousands of visitors coming to the area each year to enjoy its natural beauty and abundant recreational activities. Stunning mountain ranges like Mt Mansfield State Park offer visitors miles of hiking trails while Lake Champlain provides ample opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. There are also numerous cultural attractions such as museums, galleries, and historical sites that attract tourists from all over New England.
Overall, the economy of Franklin County is strong and growing thanks to its diverse industries that provide jobs for residents as well as revenue for local businesses. The area’s natural beauty continues to draw more people each year while businesses in manufacturing and agriculture continue to thrive despite changing economic conditions. With its vibrant cities, rural townships, stunning scenery, and abundance of recreational activities it’s no wonder why so many people choose to call this beautiful corner of Vermont home.