Bennington (town), Vermont

:For other places in Vermont called Bennington, see Bennington, Vermont (disambiguation).

History

The history of the town of Bennington goes back to 1749, when New Hampshire Governor Benning Wentworth chartered the first town in the territory now known as Vermont, and named it after himself.

Related Topics:
1749 - New Hampshire - Benning Wentworth - Vermont

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The town is known primarily for the Battle of Bennington, fought during the Revolutionary War (the battle was actually fought a few miles further west, in the state of New York). On August 16th 1777, Gen. John Stark?s 1,500 New Hampshire militias defeated 800 troops of German mercenaries, local Loyalists, Canadians and Indians under German Lt. Col. Friedrich Baum. German reinforcements under the command of Lt. Col. Heinrich von Breymann looked set to reverse the outcome, but were prevented by the arrival of Seth Warner?s Green Mountain Boys; the Vermont militia founded by Ethan Allen.

Related Topics:
Battle of Bennington - Revolutionary War - New York - August 16th - 1777 - John Stark - Militia - Mercenaries - Loyalists - Friedrich Baum - Heinrich von Breymann - Seth Warner - Green Mountain Boys - Ethan Allen

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There are three historic districts within the town today: Old Bennington, Downtown Bennington and North Bennington. Of these, Old Bennington is the original settlement, dating back to 1761 when Congregational Separatists arrived from Connecticut and Massachusetts. In the early 1800?s , Downtown Bennington started developing, and by 1854 the county?s population had reached 18,589.

Related Topics:
Old Bennington - North Bennington - 1761 - Congregational Separatists - Connecticut - Massachusetts - 1800?s - 1854

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In 1891, the Bennington Battle Monument was opened, which features a 306 foot high stone obelisk. The monument is a popular tourist attraction.

Related Topics:
1891 - Bennington Battle Monument

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Bennington has ready access to natural resources and waterpower, and a long history of manufacture, primarily within wood processing. The town is also recognized nationally for its pottery, iron, and textiles.

Related Topics:
Pottery - Iron - Textiles

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