Arlington, Vermont

Arlington, Vermont. Arlington is a town in Bennington County, situated in the southwestern part of the state within the valley of the Batten Kill. The community is historically significant as an early colonial settlement and a center for the Green Mountain Boys, playing a notable role during the American Revolution. Today, it is recognized for its scenic landscapes, contributions to American art and literature, and as a residential community with access to outdoor recreation in the Taconic Mountains and Green Mountains.

History

The area was originally part of the New Hampshire Grants and was chartered by Benning Wentworth in 1761, with early settlers including families from Connecticut and Massachusetts. Arlington served as a key headquarters for the Green Mountain Boys, with prominent leaders like Ethan Allen and Seth Warner residing here; the Catamount Tavern in the town was a famous meeting place for the militia. During the American Revolution, the town was a strategic location, and later, it became part of the independent Vermont Republic before statehood. In the 20th century, Arlington gained fame as the longtime home of illustrator Norman Rockwell, who lived and worked here from 1939 to 1953, producing many of his iconic *The Saturday Evening Post* covers that depicted American life. The town was also home to author Dorothy Canfield Fisher, a key figure in the Book-of-the-Month Club selection committee.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 109.8 square kilometers, with the Batten Kill, a renowned trout stream, flowing through its center. Arlington is bordered by the towns of Sunderland to the north, Sandgate to the west, and Shaftsbury to the south, with the Taconic Mountains forming a dramatic western boundary along the New York state line. The eastern part of town rises into the foothills of the Green Mountains, providing the setting for the Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail which pass nearby. Major geographic features include Mount Anthony to the southwest and the Green Mountain National Forest to the east.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 2,457, representing modest growth from previous decades. The racial makeup is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of other groups as recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau. The median household income has historically been above the state average, with key employment sectors including education, healthcare, and small manufacturing. Housing consists largely of single-family homes, with a mix of historic properties and newer developments. The town is part of the Bennington-Rutland region for economic and planning purposes.

Government

Arlington operates under a Selectboard-Town meeting form of government common in New England, with an elected Selectboard managing daily affairs and an annual Town meeting deciding major budgetary and policy issues. The town is part of Vermont's Bennington-4 House district in the Vermont House of Representatives and is represented in the Vermont Senate as part of the Bennington County district. Local services include a volunteer Arlington Fire Department and police coverage provided by the Vermont State Police from the Shireen Barracks in nearby Bennington. The town is also part of the Bennington County Regional Commission for regional planning.

Notable people

Beyond Norman Rockwell and Dorothy Canfield Fisher, Arlington was the birthplace of Stephen Douglas, the U.S. Senator from Illinois who famously debated Abraham Lincoln. Revolutionary War figure and Green Mountain Boy Remember Baker was also from here. More recent notable residents have included photographer Larry Fink and artist Molly Lamb Bobak, who was the first Canadian woman war artist during World War II.

Category:Towns in Bennington County, Vermont Category:Populated places established in 1761 Category:1761 establishments in Vermont