In Tunbridge, Vermont, history is in the front seat

A sea of green surrounds Tucker's Barn in Tunbridge, Vermont. (Photo: M.S. Maguire)A sea of green surrounds Tucker's Barn in Tunbridge, Vermont. (Photo: M.S. Maguire)

A sea of green surrounds Tucker’s Barn in Tunbridge, Vermont. (Photo: M.S. Maguire)

If we Canadians decide to invade Vermont this summer, let’s be more pleasant about it than we were in 1780.

In October of that year, 300 aboriginals under the command of British soldiers took 28 Tunbridge-area boys and men prisoner. Known as the Royalton Raid, it was the last gasp of the Revolutionary War in New England.

Many of the prisoners of war made their way home, and it’s probable that their descendants had a hand in the chartering of the town of Tunbridge and the institution of two annual fairs—authorized when the town grew to 50 families.

The 2000 census heralded 362 families; the Tunbridge World’s Fair takes place in September.

Vermont’s past is celebrated June 16 and 17 at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds, as 150 local historical societies, heritage organizations and museums paint a fresh picture of the state with music, food, performances and activities.

Tunbridge is about 40 minutes south of Montpelier.

Sources: vermonthistory.org, tunbridgeworldsfair.com, wikipedia.org.

Be the first to comment on "In Tunbridge, Vermont, history is in the front seat"

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.


*