Putney, Vermont

Putney, Vermont
source
Name	Putney, Vermont
Settlement type	Town
Pushpin label	Putney
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Vermont
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Windham County
Established title	Chartered
Established date	1753
Government type	Town
Leader title	Town manager
Unit pref	Imperial
Area total km2	53.4
Area total sq mi	20.6
Area land km2	52.8
Area land sq mi	20.4
Area water km2	0.6
Area water sq mi	0.2
Elevation m	100
Elevation ft	328
Population total	2637
Population as of	2020
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	Eastern (EST)
Utc offset	-5
Timezone DST	EDT
Utc offset DST	-4
Coordinates	43, 0, N, 72...
Postal code type	ZIP Code
Postal code	05346
Area code	802
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	50-57850
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	1462180
Website	www.putneyvt.org

Putney, Vermont. Putney is a town in Windham County, Vermont, situated along the Connecticut River in the southeastern part of the state. Chartered in the mid-18th century, it has evolved from an agricultural community into a noted center for progressive education, artisan crafts, and organic farming. The town is part of the Brattleboro micropolitan area and is known for its vibrant cultural scene and historic village center.

History

The town was chartered by Benning Wentworth, the colonial governor of New Hampshire, in 1753, named after Putney, a district in London. Early settlement was delayed by the turmoil of the French and Indian War and conflicts with Abenaki peoples. Following the American Revolutionary War, Putney developed as a thriving agricultural and milling community on the West River. In the 19th century, it became a station on the Vermont Valley Railroad and was briefly the home of the radical Perfectionist religious community led by John Humphrey Noyes, before his group relocated to found the Oneida Community in New York. The 20th century saw the establishment of influential institutions like The Putney School and Landmark College, shaping its modern identity.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 20.6 square miles, with the Connecticut River forming its eastern boundary. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and river valleys, including the watershed of the West River, which flows into the Connecticut. Putney is bordered by the towns of Dummerston to the north, Westminster to the south, and Brookline to the west, with the state of New Hampshire lying across the Connecticut River to the east. The region is part of the New England physiographic province.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 2,637. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations identifying as Asian, Black or African American, and Two or More Races. The town has a higher concentration of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher compared to state and national averages, reflecting its educational institutions. The median household income is above the average for Vermont, and a portion of housing units are seasonal, reflecting Putney's appeal as a destination in New England.

Economy

The local economy is a mix of education, agriculture, retail, and light manufacturing. Putney is a recognized hub for organic farming, with several notable operations like Green Mountain Orchards and Putney Mountain Winery. The town is home to Landmark College, a pioneer in serving students with dyslexia and other learning differences, and The Putney School, both significant employers. Artisan food production, including at Putney Food Co-op and Misty Knoll Farms, and crafts are prominent, supported by retail establishments along U.S. Route 5 in Putney Village. Technology and service sectors have also grown, with many residents commuting to Brattleboro and Keene, New Hampshire.

Education

Public education is managed by the Windham Southeast Supervisory Union, with Putney Central School serving elementary grades. Middle and high school students typically attend schools in neighboring towns, such as Brattleboro Union High School. The town is internationally known for its private educational institutions: The Putney School, a progressive co-educational boarding school founded by Carmelita Hinton, and Landmark College, the first college in the United States designed specifically for students with learning disabilities. These institutions attract students from across the United States and around the world, contributing significantly to the community's intellectual and cultural life.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with Putney include educator and founder of The Putney School, Carmelita Hinton; abstract painter Frank Owen; and musician and member of the band Phish, Page McConnell. Author and naturalist Bernd Heinrich has resided and conducted research in the area. Social reformer and founder of the Oneida Community, John Humphrey Noyes, lived in Putney before moving his community to New York. Contemporary figures include organic farming advocate and writer Michele Owens.

Category:Towns in Windham County, Vermont Category:Populated places established in 1753 Category:1753 establishments in Vermont