History

In 1759 after the British defeated the French at Fort Crown Point a link to and from Fort #4 on the banks of the Connecticut River at what is now Charlestown NH was needed. The Crown Point Military Road was constructed
passing through Cavendish enroute to the two forts.

New Hampshire Governor Benning Wentworth granted the land of Cavendish to sixty six proprietors in 1761. Due to the disputed claims of New York and New Hampshire over the land a grant was also received from New York.

First Settlement

The first settlers built in the area known as “The Center” along the military road. As the population expanded the main settlement moved to the valley along the Black River. Abundant water power for grist and saw mills developed the dual villages of Proctorsville and Cavendish. The first recorded town meeting was held in 1782, locally controlled town government continues to this day.

Roads

Roads were rough and scarce with mountains providing a formidable barrier.
The Green Mountain Turnpike, owned by a private company constructed a toll road from Bellows Falls through Cavendish Gulf then along the present Route 131 then North to Rutland. A shun pike was later build through Proctorsville Gulf along the current Route 103 to avoid the tolls.

Rail Road

By 1849, Cavendish was served by the Rutland Railroad providing access to a wider world with freight and passenger service. Currently Vermont Railway uses the rail line for daily freight service and foliage excursion trips.

Current Activity

With a history of farming and woolen mills Cavendish is at present a bedroom town with a mix of residential and vacation home owners.

An elementary school (K-6) is located in Proctorsville, higher grades attend Green Mountain High School in Chester.
Active organizations include Boy Scouts Little League, DAR, Rebecca's, Grange, Legion, Chamber of Commerce, and Historical Society.

Major businesses include Mack Molding making plastic cases and Black River Produce providing wholesale and retail produce and fish. Other businesses include two each stores, post offices, fire departments, hair dressers, camp grounds, and bed and breakfasts. One each bakery, hotel, wood working shop, and redemption center. Five churches grace the villages.

BATES MANSION @ BROOK FARM		Reserve Online | View Availability Calendar
Twenty Mile Stream Road PO Box 111 Cavendish, VT  05142 phone: 802.226.7863 fax: 802-226-7048 bates@tds.net		This elegantly restored and secluded 7 bedroom, 20 room Mansion provides an ideal setting for a luxurious country wedding, family reunion, corporate retreat, personal celebration or just a place to gather and relax.
FIBER ARTS IN VERMONT
PO Box 166 PO Box 166 Proctorsville, VT  05153 phone: 802--226-7744 favtinfo@tds.net		Fiber Arts in Vermont (FAVT) is a non-profit organization that promotes traditional and contemporary fiber art techniques and offers workshops for children and adults. FAVT sponosrs Thursday night Sit & Knit at Six Loose Ladies shop, a gathering of knitters, quilters, spinners, rug hookers, weavers and other fiber workers, (from 2:00 to 9:00) every Thursday! Come join the fun. MapQuest Directions
CET SOLAR STORE
1531 Route 131 Cavendish, VT  05142 phone: 802-226-7093 cetsolar@vermontel.net		Retail Dealer in energy conservation equipment, woodstoves, Energy Star appliances, lighting, water savings and sterilization. Plus wind power, back-up generators, whole house efficiency, tankless hot water, solar electric and hot water systems.
CAVENDISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Clock Tower Building Ludlow, VT  05149 phone: 802-226-7477 heartovt@tds.net		Providing business and visitor services to the community.
OKEMO VALLEY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE		Great Deals!
57 Pond St, Okemo Marketplace PO Box 333 Ludlow, VT  05149 phone: (802)228-5830 fax: (802)228-7642 toll free: 1-866-21-OVRCC info.ovrcc@tds.net		A visitor and business service organization which specilizes in visitor services. Visitor Center is loacted on Rt 100/103 opposite the entrance to Okemo. A seasonal Info Center is also located on the Village Green, RT 11, in Chester. MapQuest Directions
ARMSTRONG ELECTRIC
156 Armstrong Lane Cavendish, VT  05142 phone: 802-484-7360 Armstrongelectric@gmail.com		Armstrong Electric is a company based in Cavendish prepared to serve residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Vermont.
SIX LOOSE LADIES...AND FRIENDS		Great Deals!
#7 Depot Street, on the Green PO Box 166 Proctorsville, VT  05153 phone: 802-226-7373 favtinfo@tds.net		YARN & KNITTING SUPPLIES galore offered in an historical setting of relaxed ambiance, local fibers include wool, alpaca & hand-dyed organic cotton. Vermont artisan gallery & gifts. Books, patterns for knitters, roving, needle felting tools, jewelry made by local artisans. Thursday night Sit & Knit until 9 PM. The madam serves tea! Join us for some fiber fun. Visit us on the web: www.fiberartsinvermont.org MapQuest Directions
GOLDEN STAGE INN		Great Deals!
399 Depot St PO Box 218 Proctorsville, VT  05153 phone: 802.226.7744 fax: 802.226.7882 toll free: 800.253.8226 goldenstageinn@tds.net		Famous "Bottom-Less Cookie Jar!" Fletcher Farm Student Lodging Discounts (the longer you stay the less you pay per night-continental breakfast included). Bicycle maps for self-guided bike tours. Full size outdoor swimming pool, Central A/C. Candle-light dinners available with advance reservation. Ten bedrooms. Fireplace in common room. Handicap accessible bedroom on first floor. Four acres with stream. Walk to Six Loose Ladies & friends (YARN SHOP). Your hosts: Peter & Sandy Gregg Website: www.goldenstageinn.com MapQuest Directions
ORIGINAL VERMONT APPLE PIE & CHEESECAKE CO.
265 Depot Street Proctorsville, VT  05153 phone: 802-226-7822