Vergennes in Addison County, Vermont — The American Northeast (New England)

Stephen Bates

Vermont’s Earliest Known Black Sheriff and Chief of Police

Photographed by Dennis Gilkenson, April 15, 2022

1. Stephen Bates Marker

Inscription. Stephen Bates (1842-1907) was born enslaved on the Shirley Plantation in Virginia. He escaped in 1862 and after the Civil War came north to Vergennes with U.S. Congressman Frederick E. Woodbridge. Bates was first elected Sheriff in 1879 and served with distinction almost continuously for 25 years, until his death in 1907. He was also appointed Chief of Police. When his family home on North Street was damaged by fire, Vergennes citizens rallied around Bates, offering financial assistance. A respected city official and a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bates’ commanding figure and distinctive hat were a familiar sight in the community. Sheriff Bates is buried in Prospect Cemetery.

Erected 2021 by Vermont Division for Historic Preservation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.

Location. 44° 10.098′ N, 73° 15.078′ W. Marker is in Vergennes, Vermont, in Addison County. It is at the intersection

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of West Main Street (Vermont Route 22A) and Park Street, on the left when traveling north on West Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 191 W Main St, Vergennes VT 05491, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Vermont’s Champlain Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Commodore Thomas Macdonough (within shouting distance of this marker); Vergennes 150th Anniversary (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bixby Memorial Free Library (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); World War Memorial (about 700 feet away); Early Life Along Otter Creek in Vergennes (approx. ¼ mile away); The Vergennes Pump House (approx. ¼ mile away); Commerce at the Crossroads (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vergennes.

Also see . . . The Life of Stephen Bates.

Wide View of Stephen Bates Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dennis Gilkenson, April 15, 2022

2. Wide View of Stephen Bates Marker

Beautiful story and videography (Submitted on April 16, 2022, by Dennis Gilkenson of Saxtons River, Vermont.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2022, by Dennis Gilkenson of Saxtons River, Vermont. This page has been viewed 452 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 16, 2022, by Dennis Gilkenson of Saxtons River, Vermont. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.