Hartford, Vermont, USA (White River Junction) (Quechee) (Wilder) (West Hartford)
1849 - Hartford

Windsor Co. Hartford is watered by White and Quechee Rivers, which are the only streams of consequence. White River enters the township near the north-west corner, and falls into the Connecticut about the middle of the eastern boundary, and Quechee River mns through the south part. They both afford very valuable privileges for mills, and other machinery driven by water, particularly at the places called White River Village and Quechee Village.

The surface of the town is broken, but the soil is rich and warm, and produces good grass and grain.

The gulf formed by the passage of Quechee River through a considerable hill, is a curiosity, and is about one mile below Quechee Village. There are evident appearances of there having been a considerable pond here, which was emptied by the wearing down of the channel. The timber is principally white pine, beech, maple, and birch.

There are several villages in town : the largest are White River Village and Quechee Village. White River Village is pleasantly situated on the banks of White River, about one mile from its mouth. The river is here crossed by a handsome bridge.

Quechee Village is situated around a considerable fall in Otta-Quechee River, about five miles from its mouth.

The passage of the great Northern and Connecticut River Railroads through this beautiful town, and the hydraulic power it possesses, bid fair to render them important places for manufacturing operations and depots of a large inland trade of the fertile country which surrounds them. The White River Iron Co. in this town was incorporated in 1844.

The railroad bridge across the Connecticut is a fine structure.

Boundaries. North by Norwich, east by Connecticut River, which separates it from Lebanon, N. H., south by Hartland, and west by Pomfret.

First Settlers. The first settlers were Elijah, Solomon, and Benajah Strong. They emigrated from Lebanon, Ct., and came into this township with their families in 1764. The next year they were joined in the settlement by twelve other families.

First Minister. The Rev. Thomas Gross was the first settled minister. He was settled over the Congregational Church June 7, 1786, and dismissed in Feb. 1808.

Productions of the Soil. Wheat, 4,507 bushels; Indian corn, 19,753 bushels; potatoes, 59,050 bushels; hay, 5,687 tons ; maple sugar, 11,400 pounds ; wool, 39,915 pounds.

Distances. Forty-two miles south south-east from Montpelier, and fourteen north from Windsor.

The great Northern Railroad between Boston and Burlington, and the Connecticut River Railroad, pass through the town.

A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849

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