Chittenden County, Vermont
Chittenden County is located in the northern part of Vermont, bordering New York to the west and Lake Champlain to the east. It is one of the most populous counties in Vermont and covers an area of 669 square miles. The county is divided into two distinct geographic regions: the Green Mountains in the west and Lake Champlain Valley in the east.
The western region of Chittenden County consists mainly of rolling hills and mountains, with several peaks rising above 3,000 feet, including Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak) and Camel’s Hump. This region is home to many state parks and forests, such as Camel’s Hump State Park, which offers camping and hiking opportunities, as well as numerous ski areas for winter sports enthusiasts.
The eastern region of Chittenden County consists mainly of lowlands along Lake Champlain. This area has a more urban feel than its western counterpart, with bustling towns like Burlington (the largest city in Vermont) located within its borders. Here visitors can take advantage of a variety of attractions like Church Street Marketplace (a pedestrian mall), Shelburne Museum (a museum featuring art from around the world) or ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (an aquarium).
No matter where you are in Chittenden County you’re sure to find something fun and exciting. From its stunning mountain peaks to its bustling cities there’s something for everyone here. Whether it’s exploring nature or enjoying some local culture there’s plenty to do here that will make your stay memorable.
Country Seat and Other Main Cities of Chittenden County, Vermont
Chittenden County’s county seat is located in the city of Burlington, which is also the largest city in Vermont. Burlington is home to the University of Vermont, and it has a vibrant downtown area full of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The Church Street Marketplace is a popular pedestrian mall located here that provides locals and visitors alike with plenty of places to eat and shop.
According to countryaah.com, other cities in Chittenden County include Essex Junction, South Burlington, Colchester, Williston, Shelburne, Winooski, and Milton. Essex Junction is located just west of Burlington and is known for its many parks and recreational facilities including a golf course and an ice skating rink. South Burlington borders Lake Champlain to the east and offers visitors plenty of activities such as swimming at Red Rocks Park or biking along its many trails.
Colchester lies on the western shores of Lake Champlain just north of Burlington. This small town offers plenty of outdoor activities such as kayaking or fishing on the lake or hiking in one of its many state parks. Williston is located just north of Colchester and features a few interesting attractions like Catamount Outdoor Family Center which offers skiing, snowboarding, tubing, skating and more during winter months.
Shelburne lies on the western edge of Chittenden County along Lake Champlain’s coast. This town features numerous attractions such as Shelburne Museum which houses art from around the world or ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain which features an aquarium with over 70 species living within it. Winooski lies east of Shelburne along Winooski River Valley while Milton lies south-west near Colchester offering visitors plenty to explore from its picturesque landscapes to its many outdoor activities like camping or fishing at Lamoille River or hiking trails at Mt Philo State Park.
History of Chittenden County, Vermont
Chittenden County, Vermont has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the early 1700s when the first European settlers arrived in the area. The county was initially part of the New Hampshire grants and was known as “New Chelsea”. In 1763, it became part of the newly-formed state of Vermont and was renamed Chittenden County after Thomas Chittenden, who was an early leader in Vermont’s state government.
The county developed slowly over the next two centuries, with many rural towns and villages being established throughout its borders. As it grew, it became a major agricultural center for Vermont with its fertile soil producing a variety of crops including wheat, potatoes, corn and other vegetables. It would also become a major producer of dairy products as well as maple syrup.
In the mid-1800s, the railroad came to Chittenden County which helped spur economic growth in Burlington and other cities in the county. During this time period, several large companies such as IBM were established in Burlington which further boosted economic development in Chittenden County.
In recent years, Chittenden County has seen steady population growth due to its proximity to Burlington and other major cities such as Essex Junction and South Burlington. This has led to an increase in businesses and services throughout the county which has helped make it one of Vermont’s most prosperous counties. Today, Chittenden County is home to a vibrant population that enjoys all that this beautiful region has to offer including its natural beauty, cultural attractions and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Economy of Chittenden County, Vermont
Chittenden County, Vermont is home to a diverse and vibrant economy that has been steadily growing in recent years. As the most populous county in the state, it boasts a wide variety of industries and businesses, from small local businesses to large national corporations.
The largest economic sector in Chittenden County is manufacturing, which employs over 17 percent of the population. This sector includes companies such as IBM, General Electric, and Global Foundries who produce goods ranging from computer chips to medical devices. Additionally, there are many small manufacturing companies located throughout the county that specialize in producing custom products for local clients.
Another major economic sector in Chittenden County is healthcare. The University of Vermont Medical Center is one of the largest employers in the county, and its presence has helped attract a number of other healthcare-related businesses to the area such as research laboratories and pharmaceutical companies.
Retail is another major industry in Chittenden County with numerous shopping malls and outlets located throughout the area. This sector includes both big-name stores as well as smaller local retailers selling unique items from around Vermont and beyond. Additionally, there are many restaurants located throughout Chittenden County that cater to both locals and visitors alike.
Finally, tourism plays an important role in Chittenden County’s economy with Burlington being one of the most popular destinations for visitors coming to Vermont. There are numerous attractions located throughout Burlington such as Church Street Marketplace and Waterfront Park that draw visitors year-round. Additionally, there are many outdoor activities available such as camping at Lake Champlain or hiking trails at Mt Philo State Park which makes Chittenden County an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts looking for a great vacation experience.