Waterbury, Vermont
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| Waterbury, Vermont | |
|---|---|
| Name | Waterbury, Vermont |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Vermont |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Washington |
| Government type | Town meeting |
| Leader title | Selectboard |
| Leader name | Mark Frier (Chair), Chris Nordle, Dani Kehlmann, Mike Bard, Katie Martin |
| Area total km2 | 120.8 |
| Area land km2 | 116.8 |
| Area water km2 | 4.0 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 5,331 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 44, 20, 15, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 05676 |
| Area code | 802 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 50-77050 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1462244 |
| Website | www.waterburyvt.com |
Waterbury, Vermont is a town in Washington County, Vermont within the Green Mountains region of New England. Settled in the late 18th century, it grew as an agricultural and railroad community before evolving into a modern hub for state government, tourism, and outdoor recreation. The town is notably home to several major state facilities and serves as a gateway to popular destinations like Stowe and the Mount Mansfield area. Its vibrant village center, situated along the Winooski River, features a mix of historic architecture, local businesses, and renowned food and drink establishments.
History
The town was chartered by New Hampshire grant in 1763 and named for Waterbury, Connecticut. Permanent settlement began around 1783, with early pioneers like John Kneeland establishing farms. The arrival of the Central Vermont Railway in 1849 transformed the local economy, connecting it to markets in Montpelier and Burlington and spurring industrial growth in lumber and dairy. A significant chapter began in 1890 when the Vermont State Hospital (later the Waterbury State Complex) was established, making the town a major center for state services. This role expanded in the 20th century with the relocation of key agencies like the Vermont Department of Public Safety following the devastating 1927 Vermont flood. The late 20th century saw the rise of Ben & Jerry's, which opened its first factory here in 1985, cementing the town's identity in popular culture.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 120.8 square kilometers, of which 116.8 square kilometers is land and 4.0 square kilometers is water. The terrain is defined by the Winooski River valley, flanked by the Green Mountains to the north and the Northfield Mountains to the south. Major water bodies include the Winooski River, the Little River, and the Waterbury Reservoir, a large flood-control project created by the United States Army Corps of Engineers after the 1927 flood. The town is bisected by Interstate 89, with Vermont Route 100 providing a scenic north-south route. It borders Bolton to the west, Duxbury and Moretown to the south, and Stowe to the north.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 5,331 people residing in the town. The population density was approximately 45.6 persons per square kilometer. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations identifying as Asian, Black or African American, and Hispanic or Latino. The median household income has historically been above the state average, reflecting a mix of employment in state government, healthcare, and tourism. A significant portion of the housing stock consists of owner-occupied single-family homes, though the village center contains many historic multi-unit buildings.
Economy
The economy is anchored by state government operations, with the Waterbury State Office Complex housing departments such as the Vermont Agency of Digital Services and the Vermont Department of Health. Tourism is a major driver, fueled by proximity to Stowe Mountain Resort, the Long Trail, and the Green Mountain National Forest. Ben & Jerry's factory tour is a leading attraction, while the Cold Hollow Cider Mill and Prohibition Pig brewery are iconic local businesses. Other significant employers include the Central Vermont Medical Center network and various outdoor recreation outfitters. The Waterbury Farmers' Market and numerous artisanal food producers contribute to a robust local food scene.
Government
The town operates under a Selectboard-Town Meeting form of government common in New England. An elected five-member Selectboard serves as the executive body, while legislative authority rests with the annual Town meeting. The town provides services through departments including the Waterbury Fire Department, the Waterbury Ambulance Service, and the Waterbury Public Works Department. For regional representation, Waterbury is part of the Washington County senate district and belongs to the Washington-Windham House district in the Vermont House of Representatives. The town is also served by the Harwood Unified Union School District.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with the town include John Kneeland, an early settler and town leader; Henry M. Bates, a 19th-century state representative and senator; and Timothy J. Donovan, a former state senator. In arts and culture, cartoonist and author James Kochalka has resided here, as has musician Gordon Stone. Athlete and Olympic silver medalist snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis grew up in the community. The town is also the birthplace of Ransom W. Dunham, a U.S. Congressman from Illinois.
Category:Towns in Washington County, Vermont Category:Populated places established in 1763 Category:1763 establishments in Vermont