Franklin County, Vermont

Franklin County, Vermont
County	Franklin County
State	Vermont
Founded	1792
Seat	St. Albans
Largest city	St. Albans
Area total sq mi	692
Area land sq mi	637
Area water sq mi	55
Area percentage	7.9%
Population as of	2020
Population total	49,946
Population density sq mi	78.4
Time zone	Eastern
District	Vermont's at-large congressional district
Named for	Benjamin Franklin

Franklin County, Vermont is a county located in the northwestern part of the state, bordering the Canadian province of Quebec. Established by the Vermont General Assembly in 1792, it is named for the American statesman and inventor Benjamin Franklin. The county seat and largest community is the city of St. Albans, a historic railroad hub known for the St. Albans Raid during the American Civil War. The county's landscape is defined by the fertile Missisquoi River valley, numerous lakes including Lake Champlain, and a mix of agricultural land and forested areas.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Abenaki people, with European settlement beginning in the late 18th century following land grants from the Republic of Vermont. The county was organized shortly after Vermont's admission to the Union as the 14th state. It gained national notoriety in 1864 for the St. Albans Raid, a northernmost land action of the Civil War conducted by Confederate soldiers from Canada. The 20th century saw the influence of the Rutland Railroad and later the Central Vermont Railway on its development. Notable historical figures from the area include John G. McCullough, a former Governor of Vermont, and Thaddeus Stevens, a prominent Radical Republican congressman born in the county.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 692 square miles, of which 637 square miles is land and 55 square miles is water. Its western border is formed by Lake Champlain, and it is traversed by the Missisquoi River and the Rock River. The geography includes parts of the Lake Champlain Islands, such as North Hero Island, and borders the Green Mountains to the east. Significant natural features include the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Carmi State Park, and the Alburgh Tongue, a unique peninsula extending from Quebec into the lake. The county borders the Canadian municipalities of Saint-Armand and Dunham.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 49,946. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with growing communities of Hispanic and Latino Americans and African Americans. A significant portion of the population reports French Canadian ancestry, reflecting the region's proximity to Quebec. The largest population centers are St. Albans, Swanton, and Enosburg Falls. Institutions like the University of Vermont and Northwestern Medical Center serve as regional hubs. The county is part of the Burlington metropolitan area and has seen gradual growth influenced by its location along the Quebec – Windsor Corridor.

Government and politics

The county government operates under the authority of the Vermont Constitution, with a Clerk, Sheriff, and State's attorney elected to four-year terms. The Franklin County Superior Court is located in St. Albans. Politically, the county has historically been a swing area but has trended toward the Vermont Republican Party in recent statewide elections, while also supporting figures like Bernie Sanders and Patrick Leahy. It is represented in the Vermont Senate by the Franklin District. Key law enforcement is provided by the Franklin County Sheriff's Department and the St. Albans Police Department.

Economy

The economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, particularly dairy farming, with major cooperatives like the St. Albans Cooperative Creamery operating in the region. Manufacturing is also significant, with companies such as Mack Molding and Blodgett Oven Company providing employment. The Swanton area is a center for aerospace components manufacturing. Tourism plays a growing role, centered on Lake Champlain, the Champlain Islands, and events like the Franklin County Field Days. The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development has supported growth in sectors like craft beer production and renewable energy.

Education

Public education is administered by several supervisory unions, including the Franklin West Supervisory Union and the Maple Run Unified School District. Notable secondary schools include Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans and Missisquoi Valley Union High School in Swanton. The county is served by the Northwest Career and Technical Center. For higher education, residents access Community College of Vermont sites in St. Albans and institutions in neighboring Chittenden County, such as the University of Vermont and Champlain College. Libraries include the St. Albans Free Library and the Vermont Department of Libraries system.

Transportation

Major transportation routes include Interstate 89, which runs north-south, and U.S. Route 7 and Vermont Route 78. The St. Albans station is served by Amtrak's Vermonter line. Freight rail service is provided by the New England Central Railroad. The Franklin County State Airport supports general aviation. Key international border crossings are located at Highgate Springs (connecting to Saint-Armand, Quebec) and Alburgh, facilitating trade and travel with Canada via Quebec Autoroute 35 and Quebec Route 133.

Category:Franklin County, Vermont Category:Vermont counties Category:1792 establishments in Vermont