The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1891-08-19
Grand Isle County.

T NILS County is situated in the extreme north west
of the State of Vermont, and with the excep-
ton of the north line of the town of Alburgh it is entirely
surrounded by the waters of Lake Champlan. 1t
sists of five towns, viz Alburgh point setting into
the Lake from the north, with population in 1890 Of
GA Isle La Motto on Island southwest of Alburgh,
population 504 North Hero south of Aburgh con-
sists of large island and several smaller ones with
population of 637 Grand Isle SOUTH occupies the
northern half of the island of Grand Isle, with several adj
acent smaller islands, with population of 1906 South
Hero occupies the south half Of Grand Isle, with
small islands, and has population of 620
The surface of the County is generally rolling with no
mountains, no large streams and few swamps
The basis of the soil is Champlan clay, modified some
what in places by drift and the decomposition of the
DERIVING rock which, with the excel ton of Isle La Motto
and small part of the west shore of Grand Isle, is Utica
slate. In the exceptions named the rock is Chazy and
Trenton limestone The clay soil prevails over large
portion of the north part Of the County, and is nearly
level, free from sone and is excellent for grass wheat
oats, etc., and when properly underdrained, produces
good crops OF corn, beans, etc. The saty hills and
ridges, and the billy portions where the clay is
more less mixed with the drift the soil is excellent for
fruit potatoes peas beans clover and all garden crops
The adapabty of the soil of Grand Isle County for vari
Gus farm products may be shown by the following facts
From the first settlement down to about 1885 the prnc
pal money crop wheat large crops Of both winter and
spring varieties being raised From that date to about
1865, the main reliance for money merno sheep and
wool nearly every farm stocked to its full capac-
ty with Sheep and they were remarkably vigorous and
healthy. This County visited by the diseases
which proved destructive to ocks in other parts of
the County At present the industries of the people are
more diversified than at any previous time. Hay is
largely sold from farms well adapted to that product
oats, beans potatoes and onions staple crops on a
majority of farms, and many are engaged in dairying
with good success. The production Of fruit, especially
cof iS
attention, and it will soon if it does not now, stand at
the head Of money crops. Within few years sew
era large farms in various parts Of the County have been
devoted mainly to the raising of fine horses with fair
prospect of success.
The first settlers of Grand Isle County were mainly
from the older New England colonies of English Stock
and they made their first settlement about the year 1888
Later there has been considerable influx of Canadians
and there are few of other nationaltes among the in
habitants
There mines, factories manufactures of any
extent. Each town has small village corners, !"
where the churches, postoce store and various shops
located.
Within a few years the attractions of beautiful
lake have become known to pleasure seekers from other
States well own, and each year brings more
and of them here to spend few weeks in summer,
enjoy the good fishing and cool bracing air Many have
bought choice bit of shore, point tiny island
and built thereon their cottages less
costly and elaborate their fancy dictates.
They gladly welcomed by the people. Even some
times the thrifty islanders make the mnsterng to the
wants of the strangers their best paying crop.
This is sometimes called the County of Bridges. u"
Besides the long bridges Of the Central Vermont r..
r. which connect AlbuIgh with the main land the
east and west there three fine draw bridges
arms of the Lake, fl ON Isle La Note to Alburgh, AL
burgh to North Hero, and from North Hero to Grand
Isle, each nearly one half mile long, and built at the
joint expense Of the State and the towns South Hero
is with the main land by the sand bar bridge
causeway nearly three miles long, and another fine single