Burlington: A History of Vermont's Queen City

by Vincent Feeney

The first history of the Green Mountain State's largest city, home of the state university, and commercial and retail center for a majority of Vermonters, and enjoyed by the Quebecois who live just across the Canadian border. It is a story that outlines the development of a small village nestled between a river and a lake that became one of New England's urban the economic 'engines' that nurtured the community; the various ethnic groups that settled in Burlington; and the political shifts that announced cultural changes. A History of Vermont's Queen City provides the stories of the people, places, and events that resulted in the buildings, streets and neighborhoods of today. With 28 photographs, an 1898 city map, and extensive index.

272 pages, Paperback

First published September 29, 2015

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having lived half my life in Burlington, I was surprised to learn so much about my hometown and the people who made it into a place that I love so much. Mr. Feeney did an outstanding job of bringing color and context to this history of Burlington; I enjoyed it thoroughly.

[Don LaFountaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the most in-depth history of my hometown of Burlington, Vermont that I have ever read.

Many people already know that Lake Champlain was discovered by Samuel Champlain in 1609, but the book explores how the lake was an important part in early American history, even before America was "born", and even before any white people settled in the ares. It then further discusses how Ira and Ethan Allen found the Burlington area when they moved up from Connecticut, and settled along the Winooski river. Foreseeing the potential economical growth of the area because of Lake Champlain's ability to transport goods in and out of the area, from Canada and the Fort Ticonderoga and areas beyond.

As Burlington started to grown up, a person named Timothy Follett expanded the town's importance by making the Burlington Waterfront port the hub of trade, while bringing in and adding the Railroad to Burlington's commercial success. With this, more and more people started to move to the area to work, and brought their families with them. Various cultures and nationalities congregated together...Italians, French, Jewish, etc. From this growth there was a further growth of churches to accommodate religious beliefs in each community. Often times they were at odds with one another, and the people in charge of the town were the ones to determine which church was prominent in the area.

Over time, the town grew so big that it became a city. As with other cities, it experienced its ups and downs; between economic changes with the lake transportation dying, to war, famine, and disease, and the rebound after World War II, it is a very interesting study of the history of Burlington, Vermont.

I really enjoyed this book and learning more about the history of my hometown. There were things within the pages I knew, things I thought I knew but were discussed in a different light, and things I didn't know and learned about. The book explores the last 70ish years in only 30 pages, which I think does a disservice to the reader, but otherwise I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to people who are interested in American history and especially people who have a connection to Burlington, Vermont

[David Kopec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive, Readable, and Enjoyable City History

Mr. Feeney is a talented author who takes what could be dry subject matter and imbues it with enough color and detail to bring it to life. He is a thoroughly readable writer, who sparkles the text with vignettes of prominent citizens and touchstone events, while keeping a pace that feels sensible and sustained. At just 230 pages, Burlington: A History of Vermont's Queen City manages to comprehensively catalog every era in the city's development without feeling rushed.

I especially appreciated Mr. Feeney's coverage of Burlington's industrial history. While many historians focus on governmental and cultural themes, Mr. Feeney appreciates the pre-eminence that business plays in the formation of a place's character and identity. Feeney ties larger regional and national market evolutions into the story of Burlington's industrial trends with grace and deft knowledge.

If I had one criticism of the book it would be that its telling of the recent history (1970s - present) feels rushed. There is little to no coverage of anything beyond 1990. With that said, Vincent Feeney should be applauded for the service he has done the city of Burlington by capturing it so articulately in this volume. It is a great book for anyone remotely interested in the history of Vermont's "Queen City."

[Debbie Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up will visiting Stowe, Vermont. We made a couple of day trips into Burlington and really enjoyed the city. I enjoyed learning more about its history.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written history of one of America's great small cities. An enjoyable read, full of colorful characters, from Ira Allen to Bernie Sanders.