Bennington County, Vermont is located in the southwestern part of the state and is bordered by four other counties: Windham County to the east, Rutland County to the south, Washington County to the west and Addison County to the north. See Countryaah – Counties in Vermont. The county seat is located in Bennington, which is also its largest town.
The county covers a total area of 719 square miles and has a population of approximately 37,000 people. The terrain of Bennington County includes rolling hills, mountains, valleys and rivers. The Taconic Mountains are located along its western border while the Green Mountains are found in its southern region.
Bennington County has many outdoor recreational opportunities including hiking trails, camping sites and ski resorts. Bromley Mountain Ski Resort is located in Peru on the county’s southern border with Rutland County while Stratton Mountain Resort is situated near Bondville on its western border with Washington County.
The Appalachian Trail also passes through Bennington County for approximately 20 miles from Glastenbury Mountain in Shaftsbury to Manchester Center near its eastern border with Windham County. Other attractions include several museums such as The Bennington Museum which houses an extensive collection of Americana art, artifacts and history; The Luman Reed Gallery which showcases works by local artists; and Old First Church which was built in 1805 and has been restored over time to look much like it did when it was first constructed.
The bordering counties of Bennington are all within driving distance for those wishing to explore what each one has to offer. Windham County offers a variety of outdoor activities such as skiing at Mount Snow or visiting Grafton Village Cheese Factory for some local artisan cheese tasting; Rutland features a number of historic sites such as Fort Ticonderoga or President Calvin Coolidge’s homestead; Washington offers plenty of outdoor recreation from mountain biking on Glastenbury Mountain or kayaking on Lake Champlain; while Addison boasts stunning views at Snake Mountain or swimming at Lake Dunmore State Park.
Demographics of Bennington County, Vermont
Bennington County, Vermont is located in the southwestern corner of the state and has an estimated population of 37,000 people. The county seat is located in Bennington, which is also its largest town. The county covers a total area of 719 square miles and has a population density of 51 people per square mile.
The racial composition of Bennington County is 94.3% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% African American, 0.7% Asian, 0.4% Native American and 1.8% two or more races. There are also large numbers of people who identify as Irish (17%), German (15%), English (14%), French (7%) and Italian (5%).
The median household income in the county is $50,839 and the average per capita income is $28,554 with 13% of residents living below the poverty line. The median age in Bennington County is 43 years old with a gender breakdown that consists of 49% male and 51% female residents.
In terms of educational attainment, 89% have at least a high school diploma or equivalent while 28% have earned a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. The largest industries for employment are health care & social assistance (15%), retail trade (13%), education services (12%) and manufacturing (11%).
Bennington County has seen steady population growth over the past decade due to its excellent quality of life offerings including outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking trails, camping sites and ski resorts; numerous museums; historic sites; local artisan cheese tasting; mountain biking on Glastenbury Mountain; kayaking on Lake Champlain; stunning views at Snake Mountain; swimming at Lake Dunmore State Park; plus plenty more activities to explore within its bordering counties including Windham County to the east, Rutland County to the south and Washington County to the west as well as Addison County to the north.
Places of Interest in Bennington County, Vermont
Bennington County is home to a variety of interesting places and attractions. The Bennington Battle Monument is the most famous of these, as it commemorates the Revolutionary War Battle of Bennington in 1777. This monument stands at 306 feet tall and is made up of four tiers, each one representing an aspect of the battle. Visitors can climb to the top for a stunning view of the surrounding area. Another historical attraction in Bennington County is Old First Church, which was built in 1762 and is still standing today. The church has a unique design that was popular during its time, featuring historic furnishings, steeple, and bell tower. In addition to its historical significance, Old First Church also serves as a community center for various events throughout the year. The Bennington Museum is another must-see attraction in the area. This museum features works from some of America’s most iconic artists such as Grandma Moses and Norman Rockwell. The museum also offers rotating special exhibitions and educational programs for visitors of all ages to explore. Finally, the Shaftsbury State Park offers plenty of outdoor activities including hiking trails, camping spots, fishing areas, and picnic sites that are perfect for spending quality time with friends or family members outdoors.
Notable People of Bennington County, Vermont
Bennington County, Vermont is home to a number of notable people who have made great contributions to the community. One such person is John Harrington, who was born in Bennington and went on to become an important figure in the Revolutionary War. He was a leader of the local militia, and his actions during the Battle of Bennington were instrumental in securing a victory for the American forces. Another notable person from Bennington County is Robert Frost, one of America’s most beloved poets. He was born and raised in San Francisco but moved to Bennington County when he was 11 years old. While living here he wrote some of his most famous works such as “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” and “The Road Not Taken”. Aside from these two prominent figures, there are many other people from Bennington County who have made significant contributions to society. For example, Justus Dartt served as Vermont’s first governor and helped establish many of the state’s laws and regulations. Similarly, Robert Collyer was an influential religious leader who founded The Church of the Unity which still exists today. Finally, Benjamin Burt created a system for preserving documents that has been used by many other states since its inception in 1802. Each one of these individuals has left their mark on history and continues to inspire future generations with their accomplishments.