The indigenous people who lived in the area now called Vermont were primarily Abenaki, who spoke Algonquian. They were forced aside by strategies of displacement after primarily British settlers flooded into the area after the French and Indian War.[5] There are no surviving names from the original language, which was most likely Mahican, an Algonquian dialect akin to Abenaki.[5]
Stowe was chartered on June 8, 1763, by Royal Governor Benning Wentworth of the Province of New Hampshire.[6] Vermont became a U.S. state in 1791. Two years later more settlers arrived in Stowe. By the turn of the nineteenth century, the majority of the town’s property had been sold, and its population had risen to 316.
Stowe's early years were dominated by the farm and lumber industries. Over 75 percent of the land in Stowe and most of Vermont used to be open terrain cleared by lumber production and used for agriculture, particularly sheep farming. In those days, up to 8000 sheep grazed the Stowe hills and valleys.[7]
Stowe's agricultural fortunes changed alongside those of the rest of New England. Most of Vermont eventually switched from sheep to dairy farms, with more than 100 farms in Stowe alone. Only nine of these farms are still operational today.[when?][citation needed] This move allowed 75 percent of the cleared area to reforest over time.[7]
Unlike much of the rest of Vermont, Stowe's past was not centered solely on agriculture. It had become a well-known summer resort by the mid-nineteenth century, thanks to its mountain scenery.[7]
The Summit House atop Mt. Mansfield was constructed just before the American Civil War broke out. The Toll Road to reach it followed by 1870. At that time the 300-room Mansfield House occupied the majority of the settlement. The latter, often known as the "Big Hotel," burned down in 1889. Behind it lay a vast stable with over 100 horses, equipment, carriages, and stable hands. In 1953, the barn was demolished over fire concern, and several of the original beams were repurposed in the construction of The Whip Bar & Grill. The Depot Building located next to the Green Mountain Inn was erected in 1897 for the Mt. Mansfield Electric Railway. Running the 11 miles between Waterbury and Stowe, it carried both passengers and freight until 1932.[7]
Through the First World War, summer tourism remained crucial to Stowe's economy. Stowe had its inaugural Winter Carnival in 1921, including ski jumping, skating, and a variety of other enjoyable activities. The Civilian Conservation Corps erected camps and began clearing ski tracks on Mt. Mansfield during the Great Depression, leading to Stowe becoming an early mecca for downhill skiing in the United States. The Bruce Trail, which ran from the current site of the Octagon to Ranch Camp, was the first built in 1933. The Mt. Mansfield Ski Touring trail system now includes this trail as well. The Nose Dive, the next ski trail, was created in 1934. Skiers used to trek the 2.5 miles to the summit in the early days. Chairlifts, which began with a single chair in 1940, overtook rope tows as the more convenient way. The chair was in service until 1986, when it was replaced with a high-speed detachable quad.[7]
The Vermont Ski Museum was founded in 1988, and relocated to Stowe in 2000. It contains information and artifacts on the history of skiing and snowboarding in Vermont.[7]
Stowe remains a premier Eastern resort town, summer and winter.
Stowe is in southern Lamoille County, lying in a broad, fertile valley between Mount Mansfield and other peaks of the Green Mountains to the west, and the Worcester Range to the east. The town is bordered by Chittenden County to the west and Washington County to the south and east. The village of Stowe sits in the east-central part of the town, along the Little River where it is joined by its West Branch. The Little River, a tributary of the Winooski, flows southward past the village of Moscow and into Waterbury Reservoir, a large reservoir created by a flood control dam in Waterbury but which extends north into the Stowe town limits.[8]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 72.8 square miles (188.5km2), of which 72.6 square miles (188.0km2) are land and 0.15 square miles (0.4km2), or 0.23%, are water.[1] By area, it is the second-largest town in the state of Vermont after Chittenden in Rutland County.
Mount Mansfield has a temperate continental climate (Dc) with mild summers (l), very cold winters (c) and year-around precipitation (Dclc). Dclc climates are characterized by at least one month having an average mean temperature ≤ −10.0°C (14.0°F), four to seven months with an average mean temperature ≥ 10.0°C (50.0°F), all months with an average mean temperature < 72.0°F (22.2°C) and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. Although most summer days are humid on Mount Mansfield, episodes of warmth and high humidity can occur with heat index values > 27°C (81°F). Since 1981, the highest air temperature was 31.9°C (89.5°F) on 07/08/1988, and the highest daily average mean dew point was 21.0°C (69.8°F) on 08/01/2006. July is the peak month for thunderstorm activity which correlates with the average warmest month of the year. Since 1981, the wettest calendar day was 5.74 inches (146mm) on 09/16/1999. During the winter months, the plant hardiness zone is 4a with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of −32.6°C (−26.7°F).[9] Since 1981, the coldest air temperature was −37.6°C (−35.6°F) on 01/27/1994. Episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values below −41°C (−42°F). Ice storms and large snowstorms depositing ≥ 12 inches (30cm) of snow are frequent from late-fall to early-spring.
Climate data for Mount Mansfield, Elevation 3,999ft (1,219m), 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1981–2018
The Lodge at Spruce Peak has a temperate continental climate (Dc) with warm summers (b), cold winters (o) and year-around precipitation (Dcbo). Dcbo climates are characterized by at least one month having an average mean temperature ≤ 0.0°C (32.0°F), four to seven months with an average mean temperature ≥ 10.0°C (50.0°F), all months with an average mean temperature < 22.2°C (72.0°F) and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. Although most summer days are humid at The Lodge at Spruce Peak, episodes of warmth and high humidity can occur with heat index values > 31°C (88°F). Since 1981, the highest air temperature was 32.1°C (89.8°F) on 07/08/1988, and the highest daily average mean dew point was 20.9°C (69.7°F) on 08/01/2006. July is the peak month for thunderstorm activity which correlates with the average warmest month of the year. Since 1981, the wettest calendar day was 5.62 inches (143mm) on 09/16/1999. During the winter months, the plant hardiness zone is 4b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of −30.9°C (−23.7°F).[9] Since 1981, the coldest air temperature was −37.7°C (−35.8°F) on 01/27/1994. Episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values < −39°C (−38°F). Ice storms and large snowstorms depositing ≥ 30 centimetres (12in) of snow are somewhat frequent from December through March.
Climate data for The Lodge at Spruce Peak, Elevation 1,673ft (510m), 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1981–2018
Stowe village has a temperate continental climate (Dc) with warm summers (b), cold winters (o) and year-around precipitation (Dcbo). Dcbo climates are characterized by at least one month having an average mean temperature ≤ 32.0°F (0.0°C), four to seven months with an average mean temperature ≥ 50.0°F (10.0°C), all months with an average mean temperature < 72.0°F (22.2°C) and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. Although most summer days are comfortably humid at Stowe village, episodes of heat and high humidity can occur with heat index values > 92°F (33°C). Since 1981, the highest air temperature was 94.7°F (34.8°C) on 07/09/1988, and the highest daily average mean dew point was 71.9°F (22.2°C) on 07/01/2018. July is the peak month for thunderstorm activity which correlates with the average warmest month of the year. Since 1981, the wettest calendar day was 4.65 inches (118mm) on 08/28/2011. During the winter months, the plant hardiness zone is 4a with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of −25.2°F (−31.8°C).[9] Since 1981, the coldest air temperature was −35.1°F (−37.3°C) on 01/27/1994. Episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values < −40°F (−40°C). Ice storms and large snowstorms depositing ≥ 12 inches (30cm) of snow occur once or twice per winter.
Climate data for Stowe Village, Elevation 791ft (241m), 1981–2010 normals, extremes 1981–2018
Mount Mansfield has a dominant vegetation type of Northeast Spruce/Fir (96) with a dominant vegetation form of Northern Conifer forest (22).[11] The peak spring bloom typically occurs in late-May and peak fall color usually occurs in late-September. The plant hardiness zone is 4a with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of −26.7°F (−32.6°C).[9]
The Lodge at Spruce Peak
The Lodge at Spruce Peak has a dominant vegetation type of Northeast Spruce/Fir (96) with a dominant vegetation form of Northern Conifer forest (22).[11] The peak spring bloom typically occurs in mid-May and peak fall color usually occurs in late-September. The plant hardiness zone is 4b with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of −30.9°C (−23.7°F).[9]
Stowe village
Stowe village has a dominant vegetation type of Northern [Hardwood]s/[Spruce] (108) with a dominant vegetation form of Northern Hardwoods (23).[11] The peak spring bloom typically occurs in early-May and peak fall color usually occurs in late-September. The plant hardiness zone is 4a with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of −31.8°C (−25.2°F).[9]
As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 4339 people, 1905 households, and 1129 families residing in the town. The population density was 59.7 people per square mile (23.1/km2). There were 2,728 housing units at an average density of 37.5 per square mile (14.5/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.51% White, 0.28% African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.44% Asian, 0.23% from other races, and 1.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.06% of the population.
There were 1,905 households, out of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.7% were non-families. 29.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.83.
In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.1% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 30.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.2 males.
Economy
There has been some manufacturing in Stowe, such as the Tubbs Snowshoe factory, but it closed in 2009 and moved its manufacturing overseas.[13]
The median income for a household in the town was $52,378, and the median income for a family was $64,700. Males had a median income of $37,788 versus $31,689 for females. The per capita income for the town was $35,474. About 3.7% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.8% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.[3] The median house value was $412,183 in 2012.[14]
Stowe Mountain Resort – Stowe, "The Ski Capital of the East", has long been known for its winter recreation. Its ski area was purchased by Vail Resorts in 2017 for $41 million.[15] It has 117 ski runs spread over Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, and boasts 13 lifts.[16]
Stowe Recreation Path – a recreation trail[17] that runs 8.5 kilometres (5.3mi), and was completed in 1989 at a total cost of $680000. The path stretches from the Village downtown all the way to the TopNotch Lodge. It has received several awards and honors.[18]
Cady Hill Forest on the western edge of Stowe village was conserved by the Stowe Land Trust in 2012 and transferred to the town of Stowe. It offers more than 18 kilometres (11mi) of hiking and mountain bike trails, with an access point off Route 108 (Mountain Road). The Stowe Mountain Bike Club is currently responsible for maintaining the trail network.[19]
Education
The middle and high school are adjacent.
There are three public schools in town: Stowe Elementary School, Stowe Middle School, and Stowe High School. The Mount Mansfield Winter Academy is located in Stowe, which has a focus on snow sport athletes.
Stowe Land Trust
Stowe Land Trust is a local land conservation nonprofit that was founded in 1987 and has conserved 35 properties and over 18 square kilometres (4500 acres), many of which are available to the public. One is Wiessner Woods, conserved by the trust in 1992 through a donation from the Wiessner family.[20]
Media
The Stowe Reporter, covering local politics, business, arts, and personalities, has been the weekly newspaper of record for the town of Stowe since its founding in 1958. The Vermont Community Newspaper Group, owner of the Stowe Reporter and four other community weekly newspapers in Vermont, is based in Stowe.
Radio station WCVT is licensed to Stowe, and programs a classic hits format.
Barrett Township is a township in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 4,053 at the 2020 census. Two Poconos resort communities, Buck Hill Falls and Skytop, are located within the township. It is located 38 miles from Scranton and 48 miles from Wilkes-Barre. There is one privately owned, public-use airport in Barrett Township, called the Flying Dollar Airport.
Eldred Township is a township in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,594 at the 2020 census.
Jackson Township is a township in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 6,578 at the 2020 census. A portion of Big Pocono State Park, a Pennsylvania state park, is on Camelback Mountain in Jackson Township.
Middle Smithfield Township is a township in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 16,014 at the 2020 census.
Mount Pocono is a borough in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. It is located nearly centered in the southernmost county of five in the northeastern corner that are part of the Pocono Mountains. The borough serves as a local highway nexus, and sees a lot of tourist traffic making use of resources in the region. As of the 2020 census, the borough population was 3,083 residents.
Paradise Township is a township in Monroe County, Pennsylvania in the Pocono Mountains. The population was 2,898 at the 2020 census.
Pocono Township is a township in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. The township's government is located in the village of Tannersville, Pennsylvania, near the site of Camelback Mountain Resort, which is located in the Pocono Mountains and the adjacent Jackson Township. The top of the ski area is within Big Pocono State Park, which is maintained by resort staff. The population was 10,868 at the 2020 census.
Polk Township is a township in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 7,473 at the 2020 census.
Price Township is a township in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 3,675 at the 2020 census.
Ross Township is a township in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 5,464 at the 2020 census. Ross Township is one of 16 townships in Monroe County.
The Northeast Kingdom is the northeast corner of the U.S. state of Vermont, approximately comprising Essex, Orleans, and Caledonia counties and with a population of 64,764 at the 2010 census. The term "Northeast Kingdom" is attributed to George D. Aiken, former Governor of Vermont and a U.S. senator, who first used the term in a 1949 speech.
Mount Mansfield is the highest mountain in Vermont with a summit that peaks at 4,393 feet (1,339 m) above sea level. The summit is located within the town of Underhill in Chittenden County; the ridgeline, including some secondary peaks, extends into the town of Stowe in Lamoille County, and the mountain's flanks also reach into the town of Cambridge.
The Pocono Mountains, commonly referred to as the Poconos, are a geographical, geological, and cultural region in Northeastern Pennsylvania. They overlook the Delaware River and Delaware Water Gap to the east, Lake Wallenpaupack to the north, Wyoming Valley and the Coal Region to the west, and the Lehigh Valley to the south. The name Pocono is derived from the Munsee word Pokawachne, which means "Creek Between Two Hills".
Camelback Resort is a four season resort located in Tannersville, Pennsylvania in the Pocono Mountains in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The resort opened in December 1963. It is the largest ski resort in the Poconos.
Big Pocono State Park is a 1,305.6-acre (528.4 ha) Pennsylvania state park in Jackson and Pocono townships in Monroe County, Pennsylvania in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The park is located on Camelback Mountain and is maintained jointly by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Camelback Ski Corporation.
Blue Mountain Resort is a ski resort located in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, United States, on Blue Mountain. As of May 2021, KSL Resorts, which owns Camelback Resort, manages the resort.
Bear Creek is a ski resort in Longswamp Township, Pennsylvania, in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania. The resort opened in 1967 and was known as the Doe Mountain until 1999. It is a year-round resort on more than 330 acres (1.3 km2) that features a variety of activities and amenities.
Gouldsboro State Park is a 2,880-acre (1,165 ha) Pennsylvania state park in Coolbaugh Township, Monroe County and Lehigh Township, Wayne County, Pennsylvania in the United States. The park includes the 250-acre (100 ha) Gouldsboro Lake. Gouldsboro State Park is located very close to Tobyhanna State Park and Pennsylvania State Game Lands 127 and 312. It is on Pennsylvania Route 507 near the small village of Gouldsboro.
Stowe Mountain Resort is a ski resort in the northeastern United States, near the town of Stowe in northern Vermont, comprising two separate mountains: Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. The lift-served vertical drop of Mount Mansfield is 2,360 feet (719 m), the fifth largest in New England and the fourth largest in Vermont.
Elk Mountain Ski Resort is a ski area in the Endless Mountains on the summit of Elk Hill in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. It is located 30 mi (48 km) north of Scranton. The mountain has been given favorable reviews from Ski Magazine, including a listing in "Six Unsung Heroes", a roundup of hidden gems in skiing.
↑ History of Stowe Vermont to 1869 by Mrs. M.N. Wilkins, As originally published in THE VERMONT HISTORICAL GAZATEER, a Magazine Embracing a History of Each Town Civil, Ecclesiastical, Biographical and Military. Vol.II (Burlington, VT 1871). Edited and published by Miss A. M Hemenway: Stowe Historical Society, Stowe, Vermont 1987
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