Middlebury, County seat in western central Vermont, US
Middlebury is the county seat of Addison County in western central Vermont, nestled among Green Mountain foothills with Otter Creek flowing through its heart. The downtown area clusters around this waterway, blending historic buildings with shops, restaurants, and community services.
The town received its charter in 1761 from a Colonial official and grew rapidly into an important regional center. By 1830 it had become Vermont's second-largest city, driven by strong economic development and mill industries.
Middlebury College shapes daily life here, with students walking through town and events happening throughout the year. The college forms a strong community presence that influences how locals and visitors experience the place.
The downtown core is easily walkable with shops, restaurants, and services spread along its streets and near the river. Start in the center and stroll along the waterfront to get a sense of how locals move through the community.
For over a century, the town ran mills along the river for sawing, paper making, and textiles, drawing power from the waterway to fuel production. Though most mills closed long ago, their stone buildings still stand as reminders of that industrial past.
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