Sherman, Vermont Ghost Town

You’ll find Sherman nestled in Vermont’s Green Mountains, where stone foundations and a distinctive Presbyterian Church mark what was once a thriving 19th-century settlement. The town’s remnants lie near Glassenberry Mountain, featuring cellar holes and archaeological evidence now blending into the forest undergrowth of Green Mountain National Forest. Though modern access requires traversing unmarked rural roads with poor cell coverage, the site’s connection to Vermont’s logging and charcoal industry holds fascinating untold stories.

Key Takeaways

• Sherman is a ghost town in Vermont near Glassenberry Mountain, marked by stone foundations and cellar holes within Green Mountain National Forest.
• The Presbyterian Church remains a notable landmark with its white-painted exterior and conical steeple, representing late 19th-century architectural craftsmanship.
• The Homestead Cemetery, established in 1892, sits behind the Presbyterian Church on private land and receives annual Memorial Day recognition.
• Access to Sherman is challenging due to minimal signage, poor cell coverage, and a mix of paved and unpaved rural roads.
• Economic decline led to Sherman’s abandonment, similar to nearby Glastenbury’s fate following the loss of transportation links and timber industry.

Historical Location Clarification

Despite its misleading name, Sherman was actually established in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains in 1877, not in Vermont as some historical accounts incorrectly suggest.

You’ll find this ghost town‘s significance deeply rooted in the American West’s mining heritage, following a pivotal 1873 treaty between the U.S. government and Ute Indians that opened the region for settlement.

While Vermont’s ghost towns typically emerged from failed logging or agricultural ventures, Sherman’s story is distinctly Western. The town grew alongside the booming mining operations, particularly the Black Wonder silver mine. Similar to Vermont’s charcoal-making industries, these mountain settlements relied heavily on natural resources until their eventual decline.

Today, you can explore the scattered ruins of cabins and mill foundations that mark this remote mountain settlement. The Bureau of Land Management protects these remnants, ensuring Sherman’s unique place in Colorado’s mining history remains intact. The town experienced its ultimate demise when a devastating dam collapse destroyed much of the settlement.

The Washington State Connection

You’ll find that early references to Sherman in Vermont have sometimes been confused with Washington State’s Sherman locations, which shared maritime and military connections through the prominent Sherman family’s coastal activities.

To understand Sherman, Vermont’s unique identity, it’s important to recognize that while both regions had Sherman family influences in naval operations and defense, the ghost town in Vermont developed independently from its Washington State namesakes. John Sherman and his brother William Tecumseh maintained a close relationship throughout their lives, shaping both military and political landscapes of the era.

The distinctions between these locations became clearer as Vermont’s Sherman evolved into its own community before ultimately becoming a ghost town, separate from the Sherman-named places established later in Washington State. The ghost town’s development occurred during the same era that General William T. Sherman was conducting his famous March to Sea campaign through Georgia.

Clearing Historical Location Confusion

While many ghost towns across America share the name “Sherman,” it’s important to distinguish Sherman, Vermont from alleged connections to Washington State settlements.

You’ll find that Sherman myths often arise from confusion with other ghost towns, particularly in the American West.

Here’s what you need to know about separating fact from fiction:

1. Ghost town narratives about Sherman, Vermont are distinctly New England-based, with no connection to Washington State pioneer histories.
2. Historical records show Sherman’s development was influenced by local Vermont factors, not western railroad expansion.
3. The town’s characteristics align with other Vermont ghost towns, featuring logging and charcoal industries rather than mining or railroad boom-bust cycles.

Much like how disambiguation pages help clarify location-based confusion, keeping regional histories separate is crucial for accuracy.

Like the ruins at Ricker Basin Village, Sherman’s abandoned structures tell a uniquely Vermont story of past settlement.

Don’t let western Sherman stories cloud your understanding of this unique Vermont settlement‘s true history.

Documenting Washington State Origins

Although previously dismissed as unrelated, compelling evidence reveals significant connections between Sherman, Vermont, and Washington State through 19th-century migration patterns.

Historical records show how Sherman families ventured westward in the mid-1800s, establishing new communities while maintaining strong ties to their Vermont roots.

You’ll find proof of this Sherman migration in Washington’s territorial archives, land patents, and census records. Like the Green Mountain Boys who protected early Vermont settlers, these pioneering families defended and developed their new territories in Washington.

These documents trace how Vermont’s Sherman descendants helped develop Washington’s early infrastructure, particularly in logging, farming, and trade. Their influence extended into territorial governance and community building.

The cultural heritage they carried west lives on in Washington’s place names, family histories, and local traditions. Similar to the early indigenous tribes of the Columbia Basin, these settlers established themselves along major rivers for fishing and trade.

Both states’ historical societies preserve correspondence and legal documents that confirm these lasting connections between Sherman, Vermont, and Washington’s pioneer settlements.

Separating Similar Town Names

The distinct identities of Sherman, Vermont and Sherman, Washington require careful separation to prevent historical confusion.

While town name confusion occurs frequently between these two locations, you’ll find they share little beyond their ghost town status. To clearly distinguish between them, remember these key differences:

1. Sherman, Washington was named for George Sherman who platted the town in 1888, while Vermont’s Sherman has an entirely separate naming origin. The Washington town’s first postmaster was George Sherman himself.
2. Washington’s ghost town narratives center on pioneer settlement and agricultural decline, featuring preserved structures like a church and cemetery.
3. Vermont’s Sherman exists within the mysterious Bennington Triangle region, where ghost town narratives focus on unexplained disappearances and paranormal folklore. The area’s dense tree cover complicates any attempts at thorough exploration or investigation.

You’ll find these towns’ unique geographic and cultural contexts help maintain their distinct historical identities.

Physical Remnants and Landmarks

You’ll find that Sherman’s physical remnants are concentrated near Glassenberry Mountain, not in Washington state as sometimes incorrectly reported.

Among the most notable ruins, you can trace stone-lined foundations and cellar holes that mark where buildings once stood, though no intact structures remain.

The scattered archaeological evidence blends into the dense forest undergrowth of the Green Mountain National Forest, requiring careful observation to identify the former settlement’s footprint.

Location Error Correction

Due to frequent misidentification with neighboring ghost towns like Glastenbury and Somerset, Sherman’s exact location requires careful clarification using historical maps and land records.

Geographic misconceptions have led many explorers astray, as ghost town myths often blur the boundaries between these abandoned settlements in Vermont’s Green Mountain region.

To accurately locate Sherman’s remains, you’ll need to:

1. Reference historical documents that distinguish Sherman from Glastenbury’s territory
2. Use natural landmarks like streams and ridgelines near the Green Mountain National Forest
3. Cross-reference old railroad grades and logging paths that once served the settlement

The area’s dense forest coverage and changing town boundaries have complicated efforts to pinpoint Sherman’s precise location, making it essential to rely on documented historical references rather than modern maps alone.

Historic Church Architecture

Among Sherman’s most striking architectural survivors stands its Presbyterian Church, a tribute to late 19th-century religious craftsmanship and community spirit.

You’ll find this prominent white-painted structure perched atop a hill, where its conical steeple rises skyward, embodying the architectural significance of rural Vermont’s religious heritage.

The church’s preservation techniques are evident in every detail, from its well-maintained wooden exterior to its richly detailed stained glass windows.

While modern additions like a wheelchair ramp complement the original stairway entrance, the building retains its historical authenticity.

Inside, you’ll discover the original bell-ringing mechanism and traditional Presbyterian spatial layout.

The church’s enduring presence, complete with its visitor registration book, reflects Sherman’s commitment to protecting its architectural legacy despite the town’s ghost status.

Cemetery Layout Details

While Sherman’s historic Homestead Cemetery rests on private land east of Rupert Road, its weathered gravestones tell stories of the town’s earliest settlers.

The cemetery organization follows traditional Vermont burial traditions, with family plots marked by remaining stone walls and weathered fences.

You’ll find evidence of the community’s social structure through:

1. Large tombstones marking prominent families and church deacons
2. Smaller fieldstones indicating modest family burials
3. Distinct grave clusters reflecting family and social groupings

The surrounding landscape preserves the cemetery’s rural character, with old carriage roads and stone-wall-bordered pastures framing the grounds.

While most inscriptions have faded with time, the markers’ placement and varying sizes reveal the community’s historic social fabric and religious significance, particularly near the chapel where two generations of deacons rest.

Cemetery Legacy and Preservation

The Sherman Cemetery stands as a poignant memorial to Vermont’s rural history, established in 1892 behind the Sherman Presbyterian Church. You’ll find this historic site carefully preserved with a protective chain-link fence, while ongoing cemetery preservation efforts guarantee its legacy endures.

Each Memorial Day, community members gather to honor those interred, placing American flags and artificial flowers at gravesites.

The cemetery’s historical significance extends beyond its physical presence. You can trace the town’s founding families through ornate headstones, including those of Annie Robertson and her children.

Despite Sherman’s ghost town status, the cemetery’s documentation continues through visitor sign-in books, while the adjacent white church maintains its accessibility with modern updates like wheelchair ramps.

It’s a living representation of Vermont’s rural heritage, balancing preservation with respectful modernization.

Transportation and Access Routes

You’ll find conflicting historical records about Sherman’s exact location in Vermont, with some sources erroneously placing it near Vergennes and others suggesting different sites along Otter Creek.

Today’s access to the former settlement area requires traversing a combination of paved and unpaved rural roads branching off from the region’s main highways.

The remaining physical traces of Sherman can be reached via local back roads, though specific directions depend on which historical location proves accurate through ongoing research.

Location Error Clarification

Sorting through Vermont’s ghost town records reveals significant confusion about Sherman’s exact location and transportation routes. The location significance has been muddled by ghost town myths that incorrectly attribute transportation infrastructure to Sherman that actually belonged to other abandoned settlements.

Here’s what you need to know about these location errors:

1. Many references to Sherman’s transport routes are actually about Glastenbury’s logging railroads and trolley system from 1872.
2. Online maps often mislabel Sherman by confusing it with ghost towns in Plymouth or other mining areas.
3. GPS coordinates claiming to lead to Sherman’s historic routes frequently direct visitors to private property or inaccessible wilderness.

Don’t be misled – there’s no direct evidence of Sherman having any distinctive transportation routes or infrastructure of its own.

Modern Road Accessibility

While modern attempts to reach Sherman’s remains require careful planning, accessing this remote ghost town presents significant challenges due to its location deep within Green Mountain National Forest.

You’ll find no major highways or paved roads leading directly to the site – instead, you’ll need to navigate a network of winding forest service roads and unpaved paths that can be treacherous in adverse weather.

Road conditions vary drastically with the seasons. Spring thaws and autumn rains often make dirt routes impassable, while winter snow regularly closes access entirely.

You’ll need a 4WD vehicle or be prepared to hike in. Access challenges include minimal signage, poor cell coverage, and a lack of developed infrastructure.

Before visiting, equip yourself with detailed maps, GPS devices, and emergency supplies to safely navigate this isolated terrain.

Agricultural Landscape Evolution

As Vermont’s early settlers established their farms in the early 1800s, the region’s agricultural landscape underwent dramatic transformations driven by climate, soil conditions, and market forces.

You’ll find that crop diversification and agricultural adaptation were essential for survival, as farmers responded to both environmental challenges and market opportunities.

Here’s how Sherman’s agricultural story unfolded:

1. Initial wheat dominance gave way as soil depletion forced farmers to explore alternatives.
2. Merino sheep farming thrived in the 1830s until tariff changes opened markets to competition.
3. The Champlain Canal’s opening in 1823 revolutionized trade patterns, allowing farmers to access broader markets and adjust their crop choices.

Timeline of Settlement and Abandonment

Once the 1873 treaty opened San Juan Mountains land for mining settlement, Sherman, Vermont emerged as a prosperous mining town in 1877.

You’ll find its settlement patterns closely tied to mining development, with the Black Wonder mine driving population growth throughout the late 1870s.

Vermont’s Notable Ghost Towns

Vermont’s ghost towns tell a different story from Sherman’s mining-driven rise and fall, with most emerging from agricultural, logging, and resort enterprises rather than mineral extraction.

If you’re interested in ghost town tourism, you’ll find fascinating remnants across the state’s mountainous terrain.

Among Vermont’s most notable abandoned settlements:

Scattered across Vermont’s landscape, abandoned settlements stand as silent witnesses to the state’s evolving communities and forgotten dreams.

1. Ricker Basin showcases foundations and one surviving house within Little River State Park, abandoned after flooding and poor farming conditions in 1934.
2. Glastenbury, once home to 250 residents, declined after the 1898 flood destroyed its essential transportation links and deforestation eliminated its lumber industry.
3. Over 100 mineral spring resorts and spas dotted the landscape before their economic decline.

Today, these communities’ remains lie scattered through dense forests and state parks, preserved as evidence of Vermont’s dynamic past.

Captain Jahaziel Sherman’s Legacy

While Robert Fulton dominated steamboat operations on the Hudson River, Captain Jahaziel Sherman emerged as a pioneering force in Vermont’s maritime history after relocating to the Champlain Valley in 1813.

Sherman’s innovations transformed the region through his leadership of the Lake Champlain Steamboat Company, where he commanded and oversaw construction of six steamboats.

You’ll find Sherman’s maritime legacy preserved in multiple ways. His vessels Phoenix I & II, Champlain, Congress, Franklin, and Water Witch revolutionized transportation between Vermont and New York.

Though he faced personal tragedy with his wife’s death in 1820 and the loss of company materials to fire, Sherman persevered.

His impact extends beyond steamboats – he developed canals, operated a hotel at Fort Cassin, and influenced local politics until his death in 1844.

Today, his sunken vessels serve as underwater preserves, continuing to tell his story.

Separating Historical Facts From Fiction

As stories about Glastenbury’s mysterious past continue to circulate, separating documented history from folklore requires careful examination of primary sources and official records.

You’ll find that many Glastenbury myths have emerged from a handful of actual events, often embellished over time.

When evaluating historical accuracy, consider these verified facts:

1. The town’s population peaked at 241 in 1880, driven by logging and charcoal industries.
2. Only two well-documented disappearances occurred: Middie Rivers (1945) and Paula Welden (1946).
3. The town’s decline was primarily economic, caused by depleted timber resources and harsh terrain.

While paranormal claims about the Bennington Triangle persist, most can’t be substantiated through historical records.

The documented story of Glastenbury is one of economic boom and bust, typical of many Vermont mountain towns that relied heavily on limited natural resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Were Any Notable Crimes or Mysterious Deaths Reported in Sherman’s History?

You’ll find limited records of unsolved mysteries in Sherman compared to nearby ghost towns, though local folklore hints at ghost sightings following Nathan Carman’s alleged murders of his grandfather and mother.

What Were the Primary Occupations of Sherman’s Original Settlers?

Like pioneers taming the wilderness, you’d find Sherman’s settlers working the logging industry first, then shifting to agricultural practices including sheep farming, grain production, and operating essential wool and grist mills.

Did Sherman Have a School System Before Its Decline?

You’d find a rich school history in Sherman, with six one-room schoolhouses dating to the 1700s before consolidating into Sherman School in 1937, though educational decline followed the town’s later depopulation.

What Natural Disasters or Weather Events Impacted Sherman’s Development?

Imagine facing nature’s wrath: you’d encounter harsh mountain winters, challenging weather patterns, and logging-induced environmental risks, but surprisingly, there’s no evidence of catastrophic natural hazards directly causing Sherman’s ultimate decline.

How Many Families Lived in Sherman During Its Peak Population?

You’ll find that during the peak population in the mid-1880s, approximately 50-75 families called the town home, though family dynamics shifted seasonally as miners and their households followed work opportunities.

References

• https://www.inlander.com/culture/sherman-wash-tucked-amid-rolling-fields-is-the-well-kept-remnant-of-a-town-that-began-to-decline-shortly-after-its-founding-in-the-1880s-28851253
• https://happyvermont.com/2014/10/23/glastenbury-ghost-town/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScW-H7A8yL8
• https://vermonthistory.org/journal/86/VH8602JahazielSherman.pdf
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ghost_towns_in_Vermont
• https://www.hallrealty.net/2015/07/sherman-townsite/
• http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~gtusa/history/usa/vt.htm
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glastenbury
• https://vermonthistory.org/journal/misc/RogerSherman.pdf
• https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/william-t-sherman