Town Name: St. Johnsbury
Population: 7,364
Area: 36.8 mi²
The Heart of the Northeast Kingdom
Founded in 1760 as Bessborough and renamed in 1790, St. Johnsbury became a manufacturing hub thanks to Thaddeus Fairbanks’ invention of the platform scale and the arrival of the Boston-to-Montreal railroad. Today, it remains the largest town in the Northeast Kingdom and was named National Geographic Adventure’s “Best Small Town” in 2006.
What Makes St. Johnsbury Unique?
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St. Johnsbury Athenaeum – Historic library and art gallery.
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Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium – Home to Vermont’s only public planetarium.
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Catamount Arts – The region’s center for film, music, and live performances.
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Vermont State University – A key educational institution.
Things to Do
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Outdoor Recreation – Kayaking, hiking, and fishing along the Moose and Connecticut Rivers.
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Winter Sports – Access to VAST snowmobile trails and Burke Mountain skiing.
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Community Events – First Night St. Johnsbury brings live music and fireworks every New Year's Eve.
Fun Facts
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The town’s oldest occupied home, built in 1801, stands on Clarks Ave.
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83% of residents live in the southern half of town.
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St. Johnsbury blends history, culture, and outdoor adventure, making it a must-visit spot in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.
Town Websites: www.discoverstjvt.com
Schools:
- K-8: St. Johnsbury School
- High School: St. Johnsbury Academy
