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Craftsbury Common, Vermont

Craftsbury Common, in north-central Vermont, is a quaint village centered around the historic Craftsbury Academy and Sterling College.

Located on a high plateau along Chamberlain Hill between two forks of the Black River, Craftsbury Common was first settled circa 1780 by Ebenezer Crafts, Timothy Newell and 62 others. Originally named Minden, it was changed to Craftsbury in honor of Ebenezer Crafts in 1790. Crafts was the first settler in the county.

Craftsbury Common was the first significant settlement in the township and was the center of culture and commerce, all centered around the town square. Ringing it is the circa 1797 United Church of Craftsbury, the Edible Forest Gardens, and the circa 1832 Craftsbury Academy, among the oldest and smallest public high schools in the state. It’s not just a typical school, offering hikes to local mountains in the late summer, off-campus physical education opportunities, and hands-on learning programs that explore sustainability-related themes. Nearby is Sterling College with just 45 students, offering courses in Ecology, Environmental Humanities, Outdoor Education, Sustainable Agriculture, and Sustainable Food Systems.

The outdoorsy theme continues on nearby with the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, home to extensive cross-country skiing trails, mountain biking paths, and a pond perfect for boating and sculling.

Resources

From Hardwick, follow VT Route 14 north for 8.2 miles. Turn right onto South Craftsbury Road and follow north for 3.1 miles.

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