You’ll discover East Barnard tucked away in Vermont’s Windsor County, where a thriving 1830s population of 1,881 has notably declined. The village’s historic structures include the resilient 1832 Barnard General Store, which reopened through community effort in 2013, and the 1837 Methodist Church-turned-Town Hall. Despite natural disasters like the 1927 flood and 2011’s Hurricane Irene, this rural settlement maintains its New England character through determined preservation and local engagement, revealing layers of Vermont history.
Key Takeaways
- East Barnard’s population declined dramatically from its 1830 peak of 1,881 residents, transforming it into a sparsely populated rural community.
- Despite ghost town characteristics, East Barnard maintains active preservation through the Barnard General Store and historic Town Hall.
- Natural disasters, including the 1927 flood and Hurricane Irene, contributed to infrastructure damage and population decline.
- The village’s economic decline led to closures of most businesses and reduction of schools from 17 to four.
- Historic structures, including haunted covered bridges and 19th-century mill remnants, remain as testament to East Barnard’s former vitality.
Origins and Early Settlement of East Barnard
When Vermont was still contested territory in 1761, Barnard received its charter under the name “Bernard,” honoring Sir Francis Bernard, the Governor of Massachusetts Bay.
You’ll find East Barnard‘s story beginning around 1785, when brothers Moses and Joseph Ellis ventured north from Walpole, Massachusetts, to claim free land. At just 16 years old, Moses established what would become the Ellis Farm, a homestead that remained in his family for 165 years. The adventurous spirit of young men like the Ellis brothers characterized much of the migration during this era.
The first town meeting took place in April of 1778, while Revolutionary War tensions were high. The settler challenges were significant – they carved their farms from dense virgin forest filled with beech, birch, and hemlock. Family dynamics played an essential role in settlement patterns, with the Ellis brothers choosing adjoining lands.
They discovered valuable granite deposits on Ellis Mountain, which later supplied stone for many local buildings, including the prestigious Billings mansion wall.
The Rise and Fall of a Vermont Community
During its heyday in the early 1800s, East Barnard thrived as a bustling commercial hub serving three neighboring towns, with a population peaking at 1,881 residents by 1830.
You’d have found a vibrant mix of mills, blacksmiths, and shops, anchored by the Barnard General Store and Silver Lake House hotel established in 1832.
Though closed briefly in 2012, the general store was saved through community purchase and reopened in 2013 to continue serving residents and tourists alike.
The community’s resilience faced mounting challenges through the 20th century.
Natural disasters, including the devastating 1927 flood and Hurricane Irene in 2011, battered local infrastructure.
The railroad’s bypass and Interstate 89’s construction drew commerce elsewhere, while economic opportunities lured families away.
By mid-century, the village’s schools had dwindled from 17 to just four, reflecting the broader economic decline.
The historic Universalist church established in 1802 became a centerpiece of local religious life.
The 2012 closure of the historic general store marked the end of an era in East Barnard’s commercial life.
Historical Landmarks and Cultural Heritage
Despite its economic decline, East Barnard’s rich architectural legacy stands as a tribute to its vibrant past.
You’ll find the 1832 Barnard General Store at the heart of historic preservation efforts, where the community trust works to maintain this enduring symbol of rural commerce.
Nearby, the 1837 Methodist Church, transformed into the Town Hall in 1867, reflects the town’s cultural significance and adaptive reuse of religious structures.
East Barnard’s Methodist Church elegantly evolved from spiritual sanctuary to civic center, embodying the community’s adaptability and preservation of historic spaces.
You can explore Oliver’s Cave, a Civil War-era refuge that tells the story of draft resistance, or visit the sites where the Silver Lake House once welcomed travelers until 1937.
Throughout the village, remnants of 19th-century bridges, mills, and homes paint a portrait of Vermont’s bygone rural life, including haunted covered bridges that draw paranormal enthusiasts year-round.
Similar to the iconic 1886 Greenbanks Hollow bridge, many of East Barnard’s historic covered bridges exemplify classic New England architecture.
Natural Surroundings and Geographic Significance
Nestled in Windsor County’s rolling terrain, East Barnard occupies a distinctive position at 43.7459°N and 72.6025°W, with an elevation of 1,181 feet above sea level.
The village’s natural habitats span across mixed hardwood forests and winding waterways, including Gulf Stream Brook and Locust Creek, which shape the local ecosystem. To maintain authenticity and prevent unauthorized access, the area employs verification systems at key entrance points.
You’ll find the landscape dotted with geographic features typical of central Vermont, from gentle hills to protected woodlands. Much like Vermont’s early Huguenot settlements, the town’s sheltered valleys provided an ideal refuge for its first inhabitants.
The NUTS LES NEWELL Wildlife Management Area nearby safeguards diverse flora and fauna, while seasonal changes transform the scenery dramatically.
The Barnard Town Forest exemplifies the region’s commitment to preservation, encompassing substantial forested acres where deer, foxes, and native birds roam freely.
These protected spaces maintain the area’s wild character, offering glimpses into Vermont’s pristine natural heritage.
Modern-Day Remnants and Preservation Efforts
While many Vermont ghost towns have vanished entirely, East Barnard retains several notable structures that anchor its historical legacy.
Like the town of Glastenbury’s disincorporation, East Barnard faced significant population decline throughout its history, though it managed to avoid complete abandonment.
You’ll find the Barnard General Store, operating since 1832, standing proudly near Silver Lake as a symbol of community resilience. The historic Town Hall, originally a Methodist meeting house from 1837, continues to mark the landscape. Heavy erosion and floods have impacted many of the area’s historic structures, similar to neighboring regions.
Community engagement through the Barnard Community Trust has proven essential for preservation, especially in reopening the general store with help from the Preservation Trust of Vermont.
Despite these successes, preservation challenges persist. The area’s rural nature and sparse population make it difficult to maintain consistent upkeep of historical sites.
You’ll notice foundational remains and cellar holes throughout East Barnard, while local conservation efforts endeavor to protect these remnants from natural decay and development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Reported Ghost Sightings or Paranormal Activities in East Barnard?
You won’t find documented ghost encounters or paranormal investigations here – records show no supernatural activity. While Vermont has many haunted locations, East Barnard’s ghost town status refers to abandonment, not spirits.
What Happened to the Families Who Originally Lived in East Barnard?
You’ll find that historical records show many original families relocated to nearby towns like Bethel and Pittsfield, seeking better economic opportunities while some maintained vacation cottages in the area.
Can Visitors Stay Overnight in Any of East Barnard’s Abandoned Buildings?
You can’t legally stay overnight in these abandoned buildings for ghost hunting or abandoned tourism – it’s trespassing on private property and poses serious safety risks due to structural instability.
What Wildlife Species Currently Inhabit the Abandoned Areas of East Barnard?
While you’d expect a ghost town to be lifeless, you’ll find rich wildlife observation opportunities here – from white-tailed deer and black bears to rare species like Jefferson salamanders and yellow-banded bumble bees.
Does Anyone Maintain Private Property or Live in East Barnard Today?
You’ll find active property ownership and local residents in the area today, with homes maintained under conservation guidelines that require minimum 10-acre parcels and sustainable land management practices.
References
- https://communityofbarnard.org/community/about-barnard-vermont/
- https://happyvermont.com/2014/10/23/glastenbury-ghost-town/
- https://www.trorc.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Barnard_TP_FINAL_8-24-2016-1.pdf
- https://outside.vermont.gov/agency/ACCD/bylaws/Bylaws and Plans Approved/Barnard_Adopted_MunicipalPlan_August_2016.pdf
- http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~gtusa/history/usa/vt.htm
- http://trailsofmyimagination.blogspot.com/2011/04/ellis-farm-in-vermont.html
- https://sites.google.com/wcsu.net/barnardacademy/history-of-reading-elementary
- https://vermonthistory.org/journal/misc/ConquestOfVermont.pdf
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnard_General_Store
- http://sites.rootsweb.com/~vermont/WindsorBarnard.html
