Revolutionary Road Trip: Addison County, Vermont
- Timothy Dusablon
- Jun 7
- 5 min read
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, I have created several “Revolutionary Road Trips” in the Champlain Valley and the surrounding areas. These road trips are designed to be done in one day, and to give you time to explore and enjoy the sites. This road trip focuses on northern Addison County in Vermont.
You may think you need to go to Boston, New York City, New Jersey or Philadelphia to experience the important sites of the Revolutionary War. With all due respect to those locations, if you live or visit in the Champlain Valley, there are PLENTY of sites to keep you on the road and entertained walking in the pathway of one of the most critical theaters in the Revolutionary War.
In the words of Rene Descartes: “Traveling is almost like talking with men of other centuries." With this in mind, these Revolutionary Road Trips are the perfect excuse to get out and experience the places that greatly influenced our country’s founding 250 years ago. See for yourself where our history took place!
Stop 1: Vergennes Shipyard - Vergennes, VT
Technically this is not a Revolutionary War site, but rather the site where the American fleet that emerged victorious during the Battle of Plattsburgh was built in the War of 1812. Ships like the USS Eagle, USS Ticonderoga, USS Saratoga and others were either built, stored, or modified here. That said, Carleton’s Raid in 1778 did take place along the Otter Creek, and several houses in nearby Weybridge and Middlebury were burnt to the ground.
Stop 2: Lake Champlain Maritime Museum - Vergennes, VT
This place is an absolute gem. Give yourself plenty of time here to explore the new exhibit focusing on the Revolutionary fleet on Lake Champlain built and commanded by Benedict Arnold. There's even a full-scale replica of the gunboat Philadelphia, and plenty more to see and do regarding Lake Champlain's amazing maritime history. Plus, admission is free!
LCMM was kind enough to send along a special statement regarding the 250th Anniversary celebrations:
“This season, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum invites all to explore the complex story of our region during the American Revolution through the artifacts, shipwrecks, and previously unknown stories left by the many people who were there. Visitors can explore a new exhibit, “Fragments: Voices of the American Revolution on Lake Champlain,” step aboard the replica gunboat, Philadelphia II, or join the museum for public programs on land or water about history, archaeology, and ecology. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from May 23 to October 18, 2026, and admission is free for all visitors.”
Stop 3: Buttonmould Bay - Vergennes, VT
Just south on Button Bay Road is a place that was once called Buttonmould Bay. It was here that Benedict Arnold's fleet took shelter for a few days from a driving northerly wind. Arnold and his officers came ashore for a "genteel feast" before moving north in 1776. Burgoyne’s force in 1777 also stopped here before proceeding to Crown Point.
Stop 4: Arnold’s Bay - Panton, VT
This quiet unassuming bay is one of the most historic sites in the Champlain Valley, right in Panton, VT. It was here that the battered remnants of Arnold's naval fleet was beached and set ablaze to prevent capture from the pursuing British fleet. With the British fleet right on his heels, Arnold realized he wasn't going to make it back to Crown Point and Ticonderoga. Knowing Lake Champlain very well, he knew of a small bay called Ferris' Bay that was shallow enough where the larger vessels of the British fleet would not be able to pursue. Aboard the "Congress," he ordered four other gondolas, the "Providence," "New Haven," "Boston," and "Connecticut" to follow him into the bay.
Once the crew had disembarked, he ordered all of the vessels to be set ablaze with the flags still flying in an act of defiance. There, Arnold and his men stood armed on the bluff to ensure the British did not attempt a landing to extinguish the fires. Once he was satisfied the vessels were properly destroyed, he led his man down the eastern shore of the lake down to Crown Point and Ticonderoga. After this engagement, the site was known as Arnold's Bay. This is the only spot in America named after Benedict Arnold. Additionally, in April of 1776, Benjamin Franklin spent the night here in the bay at Peter Ferris' home.
Stop 5: Chimney Point State Historic Site - Chimney Point in Addison, VT
This old house dating back to the 1780's has a wonderful array of exhibits and interpretive signage dating from the First Nations, to the French occupation of the valley, to the Revolutionary War and beyond. It was here that Thomas Jefferson and James Madison concluded their tour of the northern theater of the Revolutionary War after the conclusion of the conflict.
The Vermont State Historic Sites were kind enough to share the following statement regarding the 250th Anniversary Celebrations:
“Chimney Point State Historic Site is hosting Unfinished Revolutions, an art exhibit made up of pieces created by students from across Vermont. Students were asked what they see as unfinished revolutions and set to work creating incredible works of art sharing their perspectives. The art will be on display from May 22 until October 12. This exhibit is a collaborative activity among, VT AOE, VT250th, Vermont State Curator."
Stop 6: Crown Point State Historical Site - Crown Point, NY
Perhaps my favorite historical site in the Champlain Valley. Original in its beauty and condition, Crown Point has the remnants of two forts, the old French Fort St. Frederic, and His Majesty's Fort at Crown Point. This spot was fortified from the early 1730's through to the Revolutionary War. The ruins have been stabilized, but not rebuilt like Ticonderoga. There's also a wonderful museum on site with great exhibits. Seth Warner captured Fort Crown Point from the British the day after Arnold and Allen captured Fort Ticonderoga. Fun fact: almost half of Henry Knox's "Noble Train of Artillery" came from Crown Point, not Ticonderoga. It's the perfect conclusion to a wonderful day.
