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 Vermont’s Earliest Known Black Sheriff and Chief of Police. . 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.
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. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Law Enforcement. 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. Marker is at the intersection 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance
Also see . . . The Life of Stephen Bates. Beautiful story and videography (Submitted on April 16, 2022, by Dennis Gilkenson of Saxtons River, Vermont.)
Photographed By Dennis Gilkenson, April 15, 2022
2. Wide View of Stephen Bates Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2022, by Dennis Gilkenson of Saxtons River, Vermont. This page has been viewed 181 times since then and 29 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.
