Vermont Historic Homes

Architecturally, Vermont has a character that is quite different and unique from our New England neighbors. This can be attributed to the late development of Vermont. At the time that Vermont was being settled and developed, the late 1700's, the rest of New England was very established with centers of commerce, industry and culture. New Englanders were very aware and sensitive to being in step with what was happening in Europe and the booming ports of New England. The settlers of Vermont had more than enough to do in developing Vermont to be able to partake in  such pursuits. The settlers were clearing forests, building sawmills, gristmills and living in crude log houses at the same time the rest of New England was having high tea. Consequently, by the time Vermonters were able to build permanent houses, they were drawing from styles and forms that were somewhat outdated elsewhere. The earliest Vermont homes were Georgian in syle, which was quickly replaced with Federal style homes. Established Vermonters were most anxious to demonstrate to the rest of New England that they too could make fashion and style statements.