Newport City, VT - Northeast Kingdom Vermont
| Newport, Vermont is located in northeastern Vermont and the only bona fide "city" in the Northeast Kingdom. The folks in St. Johnsbury town don't care much for that fact but it's true. Because of it's proximity to the Canadian border, the Newport City of years gone by was probably the hub of cultural activity and growth. | |
The glory days of the railroad have long since past, changing the area considerably. The area's manufacturing base has declined over the years with only a few major employers left in existence such as Ethan Allen Manufacturing in Orleans, Tivoly (formerly Butterfields) in Derby Line and Columbia Plywood in Newport. Tourism became the primary focus, as Newport focused less on industry. The beauty and serenity of Lake Memphremagog still remains the major attraction. Newport City's Main Street was renewed several years ago along with vast aesthetic improvements to the nearby waterfront on Lake Mempremagog. In 2009, the Vermont North Country Chamber of Commerce information booth on the Causeway was totally rebuilt and improved. Newport continues to revitalize with the addition of a new cruise boat, the Newport Belle, scheduled to begin excursions in 2009. |
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Is there really a Lake Memphremagog Monster? Check out these articles and decide for yourself! On August 21, 1955 William Francis "Billy" Connor lowered himself into Lake Memphremagog in Newport at 4:30 in the afternoon. His goal: swim to Magog, Quebec. Read more about his story, submitted to us by Aven A. Comeau.
Newport's Main Street is far different than the one of days gone by. Many of the historical buildings and hotels burned or were torn down to make way for the future. Goodrich Library is a monument to Newport's glorious past and looks much the same today, as when it was first built. The library was recently remodeled and looks fantastic. Visit their web site for more info and photos. There are many more libraries spread out all over Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. Visit the libraries directory for locations and more information.
Does anyone remember the Chamberlin Birch ski area in Newport? How about the infamous "Snake Pit", Jake's Pizza, J.B. Police Store and the many department stores (Fishmans, Woolworth, Grant's, Newberry's, Montgomery Ward, etc.) that once lined Main Street back in the 1960's and 1970's? Visit our directory of Vermont Northeast Kingdom historical societies or Scott Wheeler's wonderful reference work, Vermont's Northland Journal (formerly The Kingdom Historical) for more information.
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