Dorset
When Dorset was chartered in 1761 , it was on the basis of a grant by the Governor of New Hampshire . Fifteen years later , in the fateful summer of 1776 , the idea of Vermont as an independent republic was born in Cephas Kent ’ s tavern here in a series of meetings of delegates from the townships of the Grants . The Vermont constitution was adopted at Windsor the following year , and in 1791 Vermont joined the Union as the 14th state .
In today ’ s Dorset , the aura of the 18th century lingers . Cephas Kent ’ s tavern is no more , but the splendid , cozy Dorset Inn has dominated the lovely town green since 1796 . The first commercial marble quarry in America opened in Dorset in 1785 . More quarries followed , and Dorset stone was used for the New York Public Library and for buildings in Washington , DC . The marble era is over in Dorset , but visitors can see – and safely swim in – the beautiful quarry located beside Vermont Route 30 east of town .
No need to leave town for culture : the Dorset Theater Festival offers first-rate productions June to September . If you ’ re “ from away ” and are thinking of buying and running a Vermont country store like the wonderful 200-yearold Dorset Union Store ( and bakery ) on the green , read Ellen Stimson ’ s Mud Season first ; she bought and ran that very store and lived to write ( and laugh ) about it .
Photo by Lorianna Weathers Photography
COME EXPLORETHESHIRES . COM 27 FOR INFO CALL 802.447.3311