According to andyeducation, Bennington, Vermont is a rural town located in southwestern Vermont and is the home of Bennington College. The town has a population of around 15,000 people and is situated in the Taconic Mountains, which are part of the Appalachian mountain range. The town is bordered by the states of Massachusetts and New York. Bennington is known for its picturesque landscape, with rolling hills, lush green valleys, and winding rivers.
The geography of Bennington consists mainly of mountains with some flatlands located in between them. The Green Mountains form a natural barrier to the west and there are several ridges that run through the area including Glastenbury Mountain which is one of the highest peaks in Vermont at 3,848 feet above sea level. To the east lies Mount Anthony, which reaches an elevation of 2,921 feet above sea level.
The climate in Bennington tends to be relatively mild compared to other areas in Vermont due to its proximity to Massachusetts and New York. The summers are generally warm but not overly hot while winters tend to be cold but not extreme by New England standards. Rainfall is abundant throughout the year, with over 40 inches annually making it one of the wettest towns in Vermont on average.
The terrain around Bennington consists mostly of hills and valleys with some flat areas near rivers or streams. There are many small farms that dot the landscape as well as wooded areas filled with maple trees that produce maple syrup each springtime. Outdoor recreational opportunities abound as there are numerous hiking trails located throughout town as well as several ski resorts nearby for those looking for winter fun.
History of Bennington, Vermont
Bennington, Vermont is a small town located in southwestern Vermont that has a rich and varied history. The area was first settled in the late 17th century by English settlers who were attracted to the area due to its abundant natural resources. In 1749, Bennington was officially established as a town and began to grow rapidly due to its fertile land and access to nearby rivers for transportation purposes.
The town of Bennington played an important role during the Revolutionary War. In 1777, a battle was fought on the outskirts of town between American forces led by General John Stark and British troops led by General John Burgoyne. This battle, known as the Battle of Bennington, proved to be an important victory for the colonists as it helped break the stalemate with British forces and ultimately resulted in American independence.
In 1842, Bennington College was founded which helped bring further growth and prosperity to the area. During this time period, many wealthy families moved into town and built large estates which still remain today. The 19th century also saw an influx of immigrants from Europe who brought their culture and traditions with them which can still be seen throughout Bennington today.
The 20th century saw more growth for Bennington with new factories being built in town which provided employment opportunities for many people in the area. In addition, tourism also began to take off as people from all over traveled to see the beautiful scenery that surrounded Bennington such as mountains, rivers, and forests. Today, Bennington remains a vibrant community with plenty of activities for locals and visitors alike such as hiking trails, ski resorts, shopping centers, restaurants, etc.
Economy of Bennington, Vermont
Bennington, Vermont has a thriving economy that is driven by a variety of industries. The town’s main sources of income come from tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. Bennington is home to many popular tourist attractions such as the Bennington Battle Monument, The Old First Church, and the Bennington Museum which draw in visitors from all over the world.
The manufacturing industry is an important part of the local economy with several large factories located in town. These factories produce a wide range of products including clothing, furniture, electronics, and more. In addition to these larger factories there are also numerous small businesses located throughout town that specialize in producing handmade goods such as pottery and jewelry.
Agriculture is also an important part of the local economy with several farms located in and around town. These farms produce a variety of crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, apples and hay which are used for both consumption and sale in local markets. There are also several dairy farms located in the area that produce milk which is then sold to local stores or processed into cheese for export.
In recent years there has been an influx of new businesses opening up throughout Bennington which have helped diversify the local economy even further. These businesses include restaurants, shops, breweries, wineries and much more which have brought new life into town while providing employment opportunities for locals.
Overall, Bennington has a strong and vibrant economy that provides plenty of opportunities for locals while providing visitors with plenty to do during their stay in town. With its diverse range of industries and attractions it’s no wonder why so many people choose to call Bennington home!
Politics in Bennington, Vermont
Bennington, Vermont is a small town with a big political history. The town has been home to many influential politicians over the years including former U.S. President Calvin Coolidge who was born in Bennington in 1872 and served as Governor of Vermont from 1923-1925 before becoming president.
The town is governed by a board of selectmen who are elected by the citizens every two years. The board is responsible for setting the budget, making policy decisions, and appointing department heads for the various government services offered in town such as police, fire, public works, and parks & recreation.
Bennington is part of the state of Vermont which is an open primary state meaning that any registered voter can vote in either the Republican or Democratic primaries regardless of party affiliation. In recent years Bennington has been leaning more towards Democratic candidates with Hillary Clinton winning 61% of the popular vote during the 2016 US Presidential election and Bernie Sanders winning 75% during his 2020 Presidential Primary bid.
In addition to voting for local and national candidates Bennington residents also have an opportunity to participate in various committees and boards that help shape their community such as the Town Planning Commission which oversees zoning laws, building regulations and other land use issues; or the Affirmative Action Committee which works to ensure equal employment opportunities for all residents regardless of race or gender.
Overall, Bennington is an engaged community with active citizens eager to make their voices heard through participating in politics both locally and nationally.