Orleans County, Administrative county in northeastern Vermont, United States
Orleans County is an administrative county in northeastern Vermont encompassing several towns, lakes, and rural areas. The landscape features forested hills, river valleys, and farmland that shapes much of what you see when traveling through the region.
The county was formed in 1792 when Chittenden and Orange counties were divided, with Newport chosen as its administrative center. Growth came gradually through farming settlement and development that shaped the region into what it is today.
French-speaking communities have shaped daily life here, and their influence remains visible in local names, traditions, and how people gather. You notice this heritage reflected in the way residents interact and celebrate together.
The area connects to Quebec across its northern border and Interstate 91 provides the main transportation route through the region. A car is the most practical way to explore the towns, farmland, and natural areas spread across the county.
In 1810, an underground lake burst through and released a massive amount of water into the Barton River Valley, creating one of the region's most dramatic natural events. This incident, called Runaway Pond, left lasting marks on the landscape and local memory.
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