Norwich, Vermont, USA (Lewiston)
1849 - Norwich

Windsor Co. The Connecticut River washes the eastern boundary of this township, and is from thirty to forty rods in width. It is fordable in three places at low water. Ompomponoosuc River enters Norwich from Thetford, two miles west of Connecticut River, and, after running three miles across the north-east corner, mingles its waters with those of the Connecticut. It is a rapid stream, with a gravelly bottom, about six rods in width, and affords several eligible mill sites. Bloody Brook arises wholly in this township, and, passing a little westerly of Norwich Plain, falls into the Connecticut just below the bridge leading from Norwich to Dartmouth College. On this stream arc several excellent mill sites. It is said to have had its name from a bloody battle fought here during the French war.

The surface of the township is uneven, but nearly all admits of cultivation. It produces all kinds of grain and grass, and some of the finest orchards in the State. Extensive beds of iron ore are found in the north-west corner of the town.

On the bank of Connecticut River, about seventy rods above the mouth of the Ompomponoosuc, is an Indian burying ground, where human bones, stone pots, arrows, &c., are frequently found. Between the Connecticut and the Ompomponoosuc is a high bluff, where explosions were formerly heard, like the report of cannon, to the great terror of the inhabitants.

Norwich village is pleasantly situated on a plain near Connecticut River, and 16 the site of the Norwich University, now given up. This is a beautiful town and a fine place for residence.

Boundaries. North by Thetford, east by Connecticut River, which separates it from Hanover, N. H., south by Hartford, and west by Sharon,

First Settlers. In 1762, the township was partly lotted, and the next year Jacob Fenton, Ebenezer Smith and John Slafter came here from Mansfield, Ct, built them a camp, and began improvements.

First Minister. The First Congregational Church was organized in 1770, and the Rev. Lyman Potter ordained over it in 1775.

Productions of the Soil. Wheat, 3,801 bushels j Indian corn, 11,119 bushels; potatoes, 5.3,480 bushels; hay, 5,265 tons; maple sugar, 15,730 pounds; wool, 27,639 pounds.

Distances. Forty miles south-east from Montpelier, and nineteen north from Windsor. The Connecticut River Railroad passes through the town ; and the great Northern Railroad between Boston and Burlington passes through the neighboring town of Hartford.

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

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