St. Johnsbury, The Quintessential Vermont Town Worth Exploring
St. Johnsbury feels like the kind of Vermont town that perfectly captures New England’s quiet magic.
Tree-lined streets, historic brick buildings, and a deep sense of community give it a timeless charm.
Between its welcoming atmosphere and postcard-worthy views, St. Johnsbury proves that some of Vermont’s best treasures are found off the beaten path.
The Founding and Early Settlement
Back in 1786, settlers arrived in what would become St. Johnsbury, naming it after French ally Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur.
The Fairbanks family played a massive role in shaping the town’s destiny when they arrived in the early 1800s.
Thaddeus Fairbanks invented the platform scale in 1830, transforming this quiet settlement into an industrial powerhouse.
His invention revolutionized commerce worldwide and brought prosperity flooding into the community, creating jobs and attracting talented craftsmen from across New England.
The Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium
Franklin Fairbanks gifted the town an extraordinary treasure in 1891 – a museum that still captivates visitors today.
The building itself looks like a castle straight from a storybook, constructed with stunning red sandstone and intricate architectural details.
Inside, you’ll find over 175,000 objects ranging from taxidermied animals to Civil War artifacts and ancient fossils.
The planetarium offers shows that transport you across galaxies, making science accessible and thrilling for curious minds of all ages.
The St. Johnsbury Athenaeum
Imagine a library where art and literature embrace under one magnificent roof.
Horace Fairbanks established this cultural gem in 1871, combining a public library with an art gallery in a way that was revolutionary for its time.
The crown jewel? A massive painting called “Domes of the Yosemite” by Albert Bierstadt hangs in the gallery, measuring ten feet tall.
Walking through the Athenaeum feels like traveling back to an era when knowledge and beauty were cherished above all else.
Dog Mountain and Stephen Huneck Gallery
Artist Stephen Huneck created something truly magical – a chapel dedicated entirely to celebrating the bond between humans and their canine companions.
Perched on a hilltop, this whimsical sanctuary welcomes dogs and their people to worship together in a space filled with vibrant folk art.
Visitors leave heartfelt notes about beloved pets on the chapel walls, creating an emotional tapestry of love and loss.
The surrounding trails offer breathtaking views where four-legged friends can romp freely across meadows.
Main Street Architecture
Strolling down Main Street feels like wandering through an open-air museum of 19th-century architecture.
Ornate brick buildings showcase Italianate, Second Empire, and Romanesque Revival styles that wealthy industrialists commissioned during the town’s golden age.
Many structures feature intricate cornices, arched windows, and decorative stonework that modern construction rarely replicates.
Local businesses occupy these historic spaces today, creating a shopping experience where past and present coexist beautifully, reminding visitors that good design never goes out of style.
