Essex Junction, Vermont 2025

The town of Essex Junction is located in Chittenden County, Vermont, USA. In the 2020 census, the population was 10,742. It was incorporated on November 18, 1865. Winooski River passes through the town.

Essex Junction has a public library, a fire department, a police department, a water and sewer department, a parks and recreation department, and a public works department. Other services include a community bank, a post office, and for-profit ambulance service.

Cultural

The town has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with several galleries, museums, and performance venues. The Vermont Symphony Orchestra and the Vermont Chamber Orchestra are based in Essex Junction and regularly perform at the historic Essex Junction Building. The town is also home to the Vermont Shakespeare Company, which performs at various locations throughout the area.

Special Events

Every year, on the last Saturday of June, the town hosts the annual Essex Junction Fourth of July Celebration. The event begins with a parade through the historic district and ends with a fireworks display at the high school field. Other special events include the Essex Junction Farmers' Market, held every Saturday from May through October, and the Essex Junction Jazz Festival, held in September.

Local Attractions

Several local attractions in and around Essex Junction, including the Vermont History Museum, the Vermont Folk Life Center, and the Shelburne Museum. The town is also home to the Essex Junction Nature Center, which offers walking trails, a nature center, and educational programs for children.

Food

In the town, there are several restaurants, cafés, and bakeries, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining. The town's largest employer is the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, which produces handmade teddy bears. Essex Junction also has a brewery that offers tours and tastings.

People

Essex Junction is a community that welcomes newcomers and celebrates diversity. The town has a population of approximately 10,000 and is home to people from various cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds.

Industry

Essex Junction is primarily a service-based economy, with most residents working in the service industry, retail, healthcare, technology, education, and tourism. Essex Junction is also home to numerous businesses, including a grocery store, a movie theater, and various shops and restaurants.

Education

Essex Junction is home to a choice of public and private schools. The town contains four public schools, including Essex High School, Essex Middle School, Summit Street School, and Hiawatha School. Champlain Valley Union High School is also located in the city. saint Michael's Catholic School is a private school in Essex Junction.

Transportation

Essex Junction is situated near several major highways. Interstate 89 passes through the town, and U.S. Route 2 passes through the central business district. The town is also served by the Burlington International Airport, which is located approximately 30 minutes from the town center.

Sports

Essex Junction has several recreational activities, including hiking, biking, skiing, and fishing. The town has numerous parks and trails, as well as a skate park and an ice rink. The Essex Junction Soccer Club is a semi-pro soccer team that competes in the Women's Premier Soccer League.

History

In 1763, the land was granted by the British monarchy to Samuel Herrick and 72 others. Seth Warner, a patriot who fought in the Battle of Hubbardton during the American Revolution, lived in the area now known as Essex Junction. In the early 1800s, the Winooski River was bridged, and in 1830, a canal was built to connect the river with Lake Champlain. This allowed water passage between the Hudson River and Lake Champlain. As a result, the agricultural industry in the area expanded, and the town became an important center for processing and shipping farm products.

In 1842, a railroad was constructed through the town. This led to further growth, and by 1850, the town had a population of 2,784. In 1854, the town was officially incorporated under the name Essex Junction. In 1865, the town's name was changed to Essex Junction. The rise of the railroad and interstate commerce brought prosperity to the town, and various industries emerged, including textiles, lumber, and manufacturing.

In 1911, the town's first library was established, and in 1927, the town's first bank was built.