Insurance in Williston, VT

History and Geography

Williston, Vermont is a town in central Chittenden County, east of South Burlington. Once an agricultural town, it has become one of the fastest growing towns in the state, with rapidly expanding commercial activity. According to the 2010 census, the town had a population of 8,698, a significant increase over the previous census, and more recent estimates show continued population growth.

Williston has a long history, with artifacts dating back to 8,000 B.C. showing the history of its inhabitation. The Native American Abenakis people lived here, using the many waterways as living sites, while the wetlands and ponds made for rich hunting. In the 1700s, European settlers began to settle the area.

The town was chartered in June, 1763, granted to landowners including Samuel Willis, for whom the town was named. It covers 30.4 square miles. One of the earliest settlers, in 1774 was Thomas Chittenden, who would become the first governor of Vermont, and the namesake of the county.

Agriculture and Commerce

As with many of the towns in this region of Vermont, Williston was founded as an agricultural community. While most farms were small and produced only enough for the family, in the 1830s they began to grow and become specialized, especially in raising sheep. When the railroad came to town, farmers had broader access to the markets throughout New England and other parts of the country and poultry and dairy became important products.

The railroad helped the town to grow, with machine shops, a grist mill, warehouses, a cheese factory, and other industrial businesses sprouted up. This tradition continues today, with dairy farming being a primary industry in the town.

Williston is also now home to one of the largest shopping areas in the state. Taft Corners has a wide variety of stores and restaurants, drawing business from Burlington and its suburbs. In 2007, the town had the largest retails sales in the state.

Lake Champlain Valley

Williston lies within the Lake Champlain Valley area of Vermont, between Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains. Residents and visitors can take advantage of the wide range of cultural and recreational activities in the area.

Burlington is the largest city in the state, and as a college town host a number of fairs, festivals, and other cultural activities. Throughout the year, theater and art performances, concerts, and other activities are available to those in the Lake Champlain Valley.

With its distinct four seasons, the Champlain Valley offers number of recreational activities. During summer, many enjoy boating on the lake, strolls on the miles of walking trails along the shore, hiking in the nearby mountains, and taking advantage of the numerous swimming holes that form. Fall brings spectacular foliage and harvest festivals, while spring brings the famous local maple syrup. Perhaps the best known season is winter. Nearby Stowe and Waterbury boast the highest peak in the state, with world-class skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities making the Champlain Valley a popular winter destination. In fact, many Winter Olympians call the area home.

Williston, Vermont combines the small town charm of historic New England villages, open spaces, diverse wildlife, a strong agricultural tradition, and modern industry. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder this town is growing so rapidly.