“Vermont Begins Here: Wandering Around the South Shire Town of Bennington
Nestled between the Taconic and Green mountain ranges in the southwest corner of Vermont, Bennington County is enriched by the waters of the famous Batten Kill that runs through its valley and has the unusual distinction of having two shire towns (historically referred to as county seats). While Manchester presides as the county’s North Shire, the town of Bennington anchors the county as the South Shire and is encompassed by three areas – Old Bennington, North Bennington and downtown Bennington. With its rich history, warm hospitality, vibrant cultural scene of art galleries and museums, along with plenty of shops, restaurants, and sidewalk cafés, Bennington makes for the perfect destination no matter what time of year you visit. It’s no wonder the motto for the town is “Vermont Begins Here.” Named for Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth of New Hampshire, the original settlement in the shire dates to 1761 when Congregational Separatists arrived from Litchfield County, Conn...