Historical Markers and War Memorials in Burlington, Vermont
Burlington is the county seat for Chittenden County
Burlington is in Chittenden County
Chittenden County(141) ► ADJACENT TO CHITTENDEN COUNTY Addison County(76) ► Franklin County(31) ► Grand Isle County(16) ► Lamoille County(14) ► Washington County(34) ► Clinton County, New York(144) ► Essex County, New York(214) ►
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Near Church Street, 0.1 miles north of College Street, on the right when traveling south.
This may be one of the oldest buildings surviving on
Church Street, possibly built in the 1820s and hidden
behind a modern façade applied in the 1980s. Here,
the famous jewelry firm of Pangorn and Brinsmaid was
formed in 1832. Brinsmaid, who . . . — — Map (db m117838) HM
On Saint Paul Street at King Street, on the left when traveling north on Saint Paul Street.
This distinctive building is probably a c.1925 remodeling of an early 19th-century, Federal Style building. Throughout the 19th century, the building was a private residence, and by the turn of the century, it was run as a boarding house. In . . . — — Map (db m246220) HM
Near Park Street (Vermont Route 127) at Sherman Street, on the right when traveling south.
On June 24, 1861, the first Vermont soldiers who enlisted for service in the Civil War for three years left Burlington for Washington by rail. Four days earlier, the 866 officers and men from across the state had been mustered into the Union Army . . . — — Map (db m75584) HM
Arahmi
"A place where I would like to be," from the language of the people of the
dawn who lived in harmony in this area for 10,000 or more years, the real
discoverers and explorers of Vermont.
This building was rebuilt from the spirit of . . . — — Map (db m118593) HM
Here in June 1813, a Vermonter, Lieut. Churchill, and men built a parapet and set up a battery. On Aug. 3 a British gunboat and 2 sloops, 1½ miles offshore, began a cannonade. This attack was repulsed in 20 minutes by the American Battery and . . . — — Map (db m75582) HM
On College Street at St. Paul Street, on the right when traveling east on College Street.
Erected by Stannard Womans Relief Corps in Memory of Our Soldiers and Sailor Dead 1861-1865 In honor of the brave men who victoriously defended the union on land and sea during the war of the great rebellion. — — Map (db m89144) WM
Near Park Street at Sherman Street, on the left when traveling north.
Between June of 1812 and June of 1815, Burlington’s War of 1812 military cantonment stood in this vicinity. Its structures included a guardhouse, stables, barracks, carpenters’ and blacksmiths’ shops, a large general hospital, officers quarters, . . . — — Map (db m200487) HM
On St. Paul Street north of Main Street (U.S. 2), on the right when traveling north.
In this park on July 22, 1863, Vermont's only ethnic Civil War unit was welcomed home from the battle of Gettysburg. Lonergan commanded Co. A, 13th VT Regiment - the Irish Company - and he received the Medal of Honor for gallantry in the battle. . . . — — Map (db m88639) HM
On College Street at Lake Street, on the right when traveling west on College Street.
In July 1609, Samuel de Champlain became the first European to set eyes on Lake Champlain. Three hundred years later, in July of 1909, communities around Lake Champlain celebrated the tercentenial of Champlain's expedition. Burlington marked the . . . — — Map (db m91649) HM
On Church Street south of College Street, on the right when traveling south.
This Beaux Arts-style building, with its symmetrical marble facades, prominent cornices, sculptural ancient Greek and Roman details, and arched windows and doors, was designed by famed Boston architects Harper & West at the request of the . . . — — Map (db m93055) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 2) at Church Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street.
Had you stood at this location in the early 1800s, you would have had to lift your skirt off the dirt lane to step up onto the plank sidewalk or guard your hat from the danger of low wooden canopies. Pedestrians competed with horse and carriage on . . . — — Map (db m23579) HM
Near Main Street (U.S. 2) east of St. Paul Street when traveling west.
In 1797, a city planned grid system was laid out for Burlington, incorporating the few transportation routes that existed, including King, Pearl, Church and Battery Streets. At the city’s center, space was reserved for a park (now City Hall Park) . . . — — Map (db m23580) HM
On Main Street at Church Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street.
This impressive Italianate-style commercial building with a massive five-foot tall cast iron cornice was historically known as the Exchange Block. Designed by local builder William Townsend, the building was intended to stylistically complement the . . . — — Map (db m209095) HM
On Cherry Street at St. Paul Street, on the right when traveling west on Cherry Street.
Imagine yourself back in time...
As you walk up the steps into the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception you are awed by the Gothic building's vaulted ceilings, soaring stained glass windows, marble altars, gilded tabernacles and . . . — — Map (db m200489) HM
On Lake Street, 0.2 miles north of College Street, on the left when traveling north.
First International
Ice Hockey Game
In February 1886 the Burlington Coasting Club hosted a week-long Carnival of Winter Sports. In addition to parades and concerts, activities included coasting (bobsledding), ice skating, and snowshoe races. . . . — — Map (db m151137) HM
On St. Paul Street at College Street, on the right when traveling north on St. Paul Street.
In 1983, a group of lesbian feminists began planning for the first Vermont Pride march to be held in Burlington and invited the gay male community to join. At the time, public celebration of pride in Vermont was controversial. Vermonters attended . . . — — Map (db m203159) HM
On Church Street at College Street, on the right when traveling north on Church Street.
Howard Bank Building
1902 ---------
This granite-faced brick building, designed and built
by Hiram Salls, is a fine example of Renaissance Revival
Classicism. Constructed for the Howard National Bank
it replaced a smaller, c.1867 bank . . . — — Map (db m118014) HM
On Battery Street at Cherry Street, on the right when traveling south on Battery Street.
Beginning in the early 1900s, the area directly to the east housed numerous emigrants. Many moved here from Italy with hopes to build better lives. Some worked in the lumber mills and railroad yards that bordered the lake. In the process, they . . . — — Map (db m75562) HM
On Church Street at Pearl Street, on the left when traveling north on Church Street.
The corner stone of the Masonic Temple was laid in an elaborate ceremony on October 20, 1897. The building was constructed for approximately $80,000 and was designed by John McArthur Harris of Wilson Brothers and Company, an architectural and . . . — — Map (db m200484) HM
Near Park Street at Sherman Street, on the left when traveling north.
"Burlington, a city of beauty, energy and hospitality" - Francis Cain, June 2017
Francis J. Cain served as Mayor of Burlington for three terms from 1965-1971.
"Mayor Cain is an honest and realistic executive who perhaps has accomplished more . . . — — Map (db m200488) HM
On Battery Street at Cherry Street, on the right when traveling north on Battery Street.
Imagine yourself back in time...
As you enter the corner grocery store, your senses are captivated by the aroma of the Italian cheeses- the provolone hanging from the
ceiling, the freshly grated Romano,
the feta and the gorgonzola. . . . — — Map (db m118736) HM
On College Street at Lake Street, on the right when traveling west on College Street.
During July 2009, the City of Burlington staged a 13-day International Waterfront Festival to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain's bold expedition into the lake that today bears his name. The festival included artists, diplomats, . . . — — Map (db m91614) HM
Original home of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Founded May 5, 1978 Placed in commemoration of their Tenth Anniversary Celebration June 4, 1988 — — Map (db m89108) HM
Near Park Street at Pearl Street, on the left when traveling north.
Brevet Major General U.S. Vols.
1837-1892
First Lieut. Co. C 1st Vermont Cavalry Oct. 14 1861
Captain Co. C Nov. 18 1861
Major Dec. 30 1862
Colonel July 2 1864
Brevet Brigadier General U.S. Vols. Feb. 22 1865
Brevet Major General U.S. . . . — — Map (db m75579) HM WM
Near Colchester Avenue, 0.3 miles east of East Avenue.
The mortal remains of Ethan Allen, Vermont leader, fighter, writer and philosopher, lie in this cemetery beneath the marble statue, but his spirit is in Vermont now. — — Map (db m51646) HM
On University Road, 0.1 miles south of Colchester Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
Named to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the University of Vermont’s first graduating class, Centennial Field has been the home of UVM athletics since 1906. The three ballparks that have stood on this site have hosted semi-professional and . . . — — Map (db m23429) HM
On North Avenue at Ethan Allen Parkway, on the right when traveling north on North Avenue.
Putting behind him the martial deeds of a hero, Ethan came here in 1787 to till the soil as a peaceful farmer. On Feb. 12, 1789, he died here after a trip across the ice to South Hero. Memorial Tower was built on Indian Rock, traditional Algonquin . . . — — Map (db m75585) HM
A century ago, most of this area was rural, but people were beginning to build houses here. William Van Patten owned many acres of land locally, and he wanted a park in this new neighborhood. He got on his old horse, Mattie, and let her find easy . . . — — Map (db m89149) HM
In 1808, the Federal government, reacting to unfair British policies, passed an Embargo Act, forbidding trade with Great Britain. The Champlain Valley relied on trade with British Canada and the Act was unpopular and significant smuggling . . . — — Map (db m98393) HM
On Riverside Avenue (U.S. 2) at Intervale Road, on the right when traveling west on Riverside Avenue.
Located on the streetcar line between Burlington and Winooski, Athletic Park was the home of the University of Vermont's baseball and football teams and track-and-field events from 1887 until Centennial Field opened in 1906. It was also where . . . — — Map (db m75483) HM
On Park Street at Sherman Street, on the left when traveling north on Park Street.
Abenaki Legend holds that Odzihozo, the creator of the Champlain Valley, turned himself into a rock island, which can be seen through the bandshell window to your left, so that he might view the valley forever.
This statue honors Chief Grey Lock . . . — — Map (db m200485) HM
On Pearl Street at Church Street, on the right when traveling east on Pearl Street.
In 1962 architecture student Bill Truex experienced the transformation of Stroget, Copenhagen's main shopping area from traffic-snarled nightmare to successful pedestrian mall. Seven years later, while on the Burlington Planning Commission, Truex . . . — — Map (db m89110) HM
On Pearl Street at Church Street, on the right when traveling west on Pearl Street.
Designed by noted architect Peter Banner of Boston, the Federal-style Meeting House was built in 1816 for the First Congregational Society (Unitarian) and is the oldest surviving place of worship in Burlington. Banner's design features a projecting . . . — — Map (db m97755) HM
Near Archibald Street east of North Willard Street (U.S. 2), on the left when traveling east.
In memory of
John Lonergan
a native of Ireland,
who having made
the United States
his adopted country,
defended it in the
Civil War, and at the
Battle of Gettysburg
with distinction as
Capt. Co. A, 13th VT Reg't.,
and was . . . — — Map (db m143257) HM WM
On North Prospect Street, 0.2 miles south of Riverside Avenue (U.S. 2), on the right when traveling south.
Mary Fletcher, born in Jericho, Vt., moved here with her family at age 20. Following her father’s death, the family established Fletcher Free Library (1873). Mary Fletcher continued her parents’ benefactions. She founded Mary Fletcher Hospital . . . — — Map (db m75501) HM
On Pearl Street at Saint Paul Street, on the right when traveling west on Pearl Street.
Imagine yourself back in time...
If you were standing here in 1959, you would see a neighborhood that included
a Catholic Cathedral, grammar and high
schools and many small businesses such as gas stations, auto dealers and boat companies, . . . — — Map (db m118840) HM
The battery of thirteen guns on this ground repulsed an attack of three British gunboats June 13 1813 It was the defense of Burlington and of the United States Army here encamped during the war of 1812 This tablet was erected by the Green Mountain . . . — — Map (db m75564) HM WM
"We consider it criminal in the sight of God and man, longer silently to submit to our indignities, or suffer them to be transmitted to posterity." Andrew Harris was one of the first African Americans to earn a college degree. The antislavery . . . — — Map (db m97754) HM
On Main Street at Church Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street.
In 1962 architecture student Bill Truex experienced the transformation of Stroget, Copenhagen's main shopping area from traffic-snarled nightmare to successful pedestrian mall. Seven years later, while on the Burlington Planning Commission, Truex . . . — — Map (db m89112) HM
Perkins Pier was named for Dr. Charles N. Perkins, a Burlington
physician for over 50 years. Dr. Perkins was born in Burlington
on May 25. 1880, and died in Burlington on June 15. 1959. Dr.
Perkins was a general practitioner, spending his entire . . . — — Map (db m178344) HM
On South Willard Street (U.S. 7) at Main Street (U.S. 2), on the right when traveling north on South Willard Street.
General William Wells (1837-1892) In 1861 William Wells joined the First Vermont Cavalry as a Private and rose to the rank of Brevet Major-General. Promoted more times than any other Vermonter during the American Civil War, he participated in . . . — — Map (db m75549) HM
On College Street, on the left when traveling north.
George Dewey, Admiral of the Navy, U.S.N.
1837-1917
Born in Montpelier, Vermont, George Dewey graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1858. Following service in the Civil War, he held several high-ranking administrative positions in the . . . — — Map (db m115266) HM WM
On Maple Street, 0.1 miles west of South Willard Street (U.S. 7), on the right when traveling west.
On Oct. 4, 1905, at 2:30 p.m. in front of the bay window in the parlor of this house, Grace Goodhue married Calvin Coolidge of Plymouth Notch, VT. Calvin Coolidge became President of the United States and Grace served as First Lady from 1923-1929. . . . — — Map (db m75591) HM
On Main Street at St Paul Street, on the left when traveling west on Main Street.
The Green Mountain Club was born at a meeting of Vermont hiking enthusiasts in the Van Ness House hotel, which stood on this site from 1870 until it burned in 1951. The club's mission is to "make the Vermont mountains play a larger part in the life . . . — — Map (db m200490) HM
Near Maple Street, 0.2 miles west of Railway Lane.
If you were standing here 200 years ago, you'd be all wet. The natural shoreline ends about 500 feet behind you. Burlington's first dock was built here in 1810. Before that the waterfront consisted of raft logs tied to the shore. Cargo delivery was . . . — — Map (db m183081) HM
On College Street, on the left when traveling north.
Honor and Tradition
Name Comm Decomm
USS Vermont (BB 20) 1907 1920
USS Plattsburg (SP 1645) 1918 1919
USS Converse (DD 291) 1920 1930
USS Dewey (DD 349) 1934 1945
USS Clark (DD 361) 1936 1945
USS Mayo (DD 422) 1940 1946 . . . — — Map (db m115267) HM WM
On South Willard Street (U.S. 7) 0.1 miles south of Main Street (U.S. 2), on the right when traveling north.
Born here on Oct. 20, 1859, John Dewey attended local schools and in 1879 graduated from the University of Vermont. Dewey was world-renowned as a philosopher and author of many books. Ideas drawn from his educational doctrines profoundly influenced . . . — — Map (db m75558) HM
Near College Street, on the left when traveling north.
Honoring Robert T. Stafford
Vermont Governor-Congressman-United States Senator
Captain United States Navy
First Commanding Officer- Naval Reserve Center, Burlington
Established in 1946, the Naval Reserve Center occupied this site in . . . — — Map (db m115269) HM
Near Island Line (Bike/Pedestrian) Trail, 0.2 miles south of Railway Lane, on the right when traveling south.
Imagine the year is 1870. You’re standing amongst acres of stacked, milled lumber that crowd the waterfront, destined for ports all over the world. Countless band saws screech and dust fills the air as mills and factories churn out their wooden . . . — — Map (db m176982) HM
Founder of New France. Dedicated July 2, 2009 in celebration of the 400th anniversary of his trip down the lake in the summer of 1609. Champlain College is forever grateful to Trustee Emeritus and friend John W. Heisse Jr., M.D. for commissioning . . . — — Map (db m87969)
On Main Street (U.S. 2) at St. Paul Street, on the right when traveling east on Main Street.
Site of the American House 1808-1893 Presidents Monroe, Van Buren, Pierce, Grant
Generals Scott, Wool, Hampton
Henry Clay, and other famous famous people entertained here. — — Map (db m21813) HM
On College Street, on the left when traveling north.
During the War of 1812, the British again attempted to use Lake Champlain as an invasion route into the United States. Both American and British naval commands constructed large vessels in an effort to gain superiority for the impending battle. . . . — — Map (db m116682) HM
On College Street, on the left when traveling north.
The Battle of Valcour Island
11-13 October 1776
In the fall of 1776 a British Naval force left Canada and embarked onto Lake Champlain in an effort to divide and conquer the rebelling thirteen colonies. Positioned off Valcour Island was a . . . — — Map (db m115264) WM
On College Street, on the left when traveling north.
The Lone Sailor
The original bronze sculpture stands at the center of the United States Navy Memorial in Washington DC. In honor of the historical naval actions on Lake Champlain, the Navy Memorial Foundation approved placing The Lone Sailor at . . . — — Map (db m115263) WM
On Main Street at Lake Street, on the left when traveling west on Main Street.
Grand Central Station in miniature! That’s how proud Burlingtonians described their new train station in 1915. Like other public buildings across the country, Union Station was built to show travelers how sophisticated, wealthy, and up-to-date . . . — — Map (db m186489) HM
On King Street Dock, 0.1 miles west of Battery Street, on the right when traveling west.
Vermont Major Cross-State Route to the Connecticut River From this point, where the Winans launched their steamer "Vermont" in 1808, travelers drive eastward on Route US 2, cutting through the Green Mountain Range at Bolton to the Capitol at . . . — — Map (db m75561) HM