www.riverbendvt.com http://www.riverbendvt.com Sat, 13 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 River Ecology of the Conneticut River in Vermont http://www.riverbendvt.com/2013/04/13/river-ecology-of-the-conneticut-river-in-vermont/ http://www.riverbendvt.com/2013/04/13/river-ecology-of-the-conneticut-river-in-vermont/#comments Sat, 13 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.riverbendvt.com/?p=17 At 407 miles long, the Connecticut River is the longest river in the New England States. It begins in New Hampshire’s Fourth Connecticut Lake and flows southward to Long Island Sound. The Connecticut river is the Eastern border of Vermont, but it’s owned by New Hampshire.

The Connecticut River in Vermont is the descendant of Glacial Lake Hitchcock, which began to drain and break up into the Connecticut Lakes starting about 10,000 years ago. However, for a long time the Connecticut river was polluted. Now, it’s considered a Class B river, which means that people can fish and swim in it. It’s now also habitat for many types of fish, including the Northern pike, the rainbow and brown trout, the smallmouth and largemouth bass, the white and black crappie and walleye. Another fish to be found is the marine lamprey, which is an ancient, jawless fish.

Mammals who live around Vermont’s part of the Connecticut River include the American opossum. Beavers have also built dams and lodges in parts of the river. The river and its environs is also home to the snapping turtle, the timber rattlesnake and the northern water snake. Birds include the bald eagle, the common loon, the common merganser, the great blue heron and belted kingfisher, all birds that feed on fish and reptiles found in the river.

]]> http://www.riverbendvt.com/2013/04/13/river-ecology-of-the-conneticut-river-in-vermont/feed/ 0 Early Peoples of the Connecticut River Area in Vermont http://www.riverbendvt.com/2012/06/24/early-peoples-of-the-connecticut-river-area-in-vermont/ http://www.riverbendvt.com/2012/06/24/early-peoples-of-the-connecticut-river-area-in-vermont/#comments Sun, 24 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.riverbendvt.com/?p=16 7,000 BC

Archaeologists have discovered signs of the first people that lived in the Connecticut River area in Vermont, dating back to about 7,000 BC. These people lived in the lowland areas of the region, and by 5,000 BC, the population had grown. Permanent traces of the people’s native villages, woodworking tools and primitive canoes have been found in the area. Other tools like hunting bows and arrows, bowls and even art objects have been found in the area that date back to 900 BC.The whole story can be found at http://climate-connections.org/2012/05/17/sign-on-stand-with-the-first-vermonters-support-tribal-forests/

1100 AD

In 1100 AD, farming communities began to pop up in the Connecticut River area in Vermont. The people responsible for these farms were Abenaki people, a tribe of the Algonquin nation. Traces of Abenaki villages including crude huts and tools have been found near the Connecticut River and near the Winooski River. With the arrival of explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1609 disease devastated the native population, and the difficult to farm land no longer produced enough food for the Abenaki people. By 1800, the Abenaki people had been wiped out by Europeans settlers.

]]> http://www.riverbendvt.com/2012/06/24/early-peoples-of-the-connecticut-river-area-in-vermont/feed/ 0 Historical Sites Near the Connecticut River in Vermont http://www.riverbendvt.com/2011/11/04/historical-sites-near-the-connecticut-river-in-vermont/ http://www.riverbendvt.com/2011/11/04/historical-sites-near-the-connecticut-river-in-vermont/#comments Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.riverbendvt.com/?p=15 Vermont is renowned for its natural beauty, stunning mountain scenery and peaceful atmosphere. The state boasts great cultural attractions, unspoiled forests and fascinating cities and towns. One of the most beautiful and interesting areas of the state is the Connecticut River Valley on the state’s eastern border. This region is home to many great towns and cities, a wealth of historical and cultural sites and some of the most breathtaking and picturesque landscapes in the United States.

Vermont’s Connecticut River Valley still holds that historic New England charm that is increasingly hard to find in the region. The area’s landscape of colonial houses, beautiful churches and historic towns make for an idyllic and beautiful setting. No matter what time of year you visit the region, it is sure to be astounding.

The Connecticut River Valley in Vermont is home to a wide array of historical sites and landmarks. These include the charming city of Brattleboro, known for its quaint New England atmosphere. Brattleboro plays host to the historic Hooker-Dunham Theater and Gallery and the Latchis Hotel and Theater. Another city, Hartford, is home to many historic houses and buildings as well. Many historic churches, town halls and libraries exist nearby.

]]> http://www.riverbendvt.com/2011/11/04/historical-sites-near-the-connecticut-river-in-vermont/feed/ 0 Cultural Day Trips Along the Connecticut River in Vermont http://www.riverbendvt.com/2011/11/03/cultural-day-trips-along-the-connecticut-river-in-vermont/ http://www.riverbendvt.com/2011/11/03/cultural-day-trips-along-the-connecticut-river-in-vermont/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.riverbendvt.com/?p=14 The Connecticut River In Vermont
The longest river in New England, the Connecticut, wends its way through several New England states. It is also the largest river in New England and historically was a main asset for farmers and traders. The name of the river comes from the native Algonquin word, “quinetuket” which meant “long tidal river”. French explorers of the river refined the name to “Connecticut”. Vermonters are fiercely protective of this river. Thanks to legislation known as the “Water Quality Act” of 1965, the river and its tributaries have been spared the damages of water pollution with due diligence of the state of Vermont.

Cultural Day Trips Along the Connecticut River in Vermont
Today, as part of Vermont tourism, visitors can enjoy cultural day trips along the Connecticut that are inspiring as well as relaxing and scenic. There are a number of exceptional bridges with a New England flair that are seen on day trips. In addition, there is plenty of opportunity for fishing and boating, a particular summer and autumn favorite of visitors to Vermont. This is the simple life with simple pleasures and a deeply embedded Vermont respect for culture and history of the Connecticut River.

]]> http://www.riverbendvt.com/2011/11/03/cultural-day-trips-along-the-connecticut-river-in-vermont/feed/ 0 Vacationing Along the Connecticut River in Vermont http://www.riverbendvt.com/2011/11/02/vacationing-along-the-connecticut-river-in-vermont/ http://www.riverbendvt.com/2011/11/02/vacationing-along-the-connecticut-river-in-vermont/#comments Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.riverbendvt.com/?p=13 Vacationing along the Connecticut river can be an amazing experience for anyone who wants to enjoy something out of the ordinary. Not only is it beautiful, this powerful river which is the longest river in the area is full of rich history.

Fishing is one of the favorites things for people to do who vacation here. Small mouth bass and trout are easy to catch and even the novice fisherman will find all the fish he is looking for. It is possible to get a trophy rainbow trout or a brown trout even with limited experience. Fly fishing and light spinning can also be done. The catch and release program is enjoyed by many people along the Connecticut river banks also. It is possible to hire a guide for the more serious fisherman, but either way, the whole experience is great and one that will not soon be forgotten.

Camping is also possible and there are many private and federal campgrounds that dot the area along the river. Families enjoy all the beauty of the area and can hike, bike and fish to their hearts content. Picnicking is also popular for day trips to the river and there are many shelters and covered areas that can be reserved to have family parties and activities. A trip to the Connecticut River is something everyone will enjoy and it is right there just waiting for locals and tourists to enjoy.

]]> http://www.riverbendvt.com/2011/11/02/vacationing-along-the-connecticut-river-in-vermont/feed/ 0 What to do Along the CT River http://www.riverbendvt.com/2011/10/02/what-to-do-along-the-ct-river/ http://www.riverbendvt.com/2011/10/02/what-to-do-along-the-ct-river/#comments Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.riverbendvt.com/?p=11 If you’re turning off the Direct Star tv for the weekend and making the journey to great north, check out all the great things there are to do in the Connecticut River Valley Region here in Vermont. It may surprise you!
Godspeed Opera House: If you’ve got an artistic side you’ve got to make a pilgrimage to one of the most majestic opera houses in the country. It overlooks the surging Connecticut river and you’ll catch some of the finest performances in the area here but don’t forget to dress in evening wear.
Gilette Castle: It was completed in the 1900s but this 150 acre estate resembles a medieval masterpiece. Spend an afternoon touring the grounds and the house’s many rooms and don’t forget to bring the kids they’ll love it.
Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine: Wonder what an abandoned copper mine from the 1700s looks like inside? Wonder no more; here you can picnic and journey to the center of the earth while getting a history lesson in the commercial mining world of Vermont.

]]> http://www.riverbendvt.com/2011/10/02/what-to-do-along-the-ct-river/feed/ 0 Animal Ecology Along the Connecticut River in Vermont http://www.riverbendvt.com/2011/07/21/animal-ecology-along-the-connecticut-river-in-vermont/ http://www.riverbendvt.com/2011/07/21/animal-ecology-along-the-connecticut-river-in-vermont/#comments Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.riverbendvt.com/?p=10 The Connecticut River, which separates Vermont from New Hampshire before heading into the state of Connecticut, has an abundance and wide variety of wildlife. Mammals along the river include the beaver and the opossum. Reptiles and amphibians include the timber rattlesnake, the snapping turtle, the northern water snake, the red-spotted newt, and the northern dusky salamander. There are many species of birds to be found along the river as well. Some of the more spectacular species are the bald eagle, the common loon, the belted kingfisher, and the great blue heron.Didn’t catch that? This explains it.
The Connecticut River is also home to many species of fish, including several species of trout, striped and smallmouth bass, shad, carp, catfish and eel. The Atlantic Salmon had been driven out of the river in the 1800′s as damming disrupted the spawning, but they are now being reintroduced with the help of fish ladders and fish elevators.
Because of industrial development along the river in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, pollution along the river was severe until the late 1900′s. The Water Quality Act of 1865 has helped to reduce that problem significantly, and many towns along the river now limit development in order to keep the Connecticut River clean and pristine.

]]> http://www.riverbendvt.com/2011/07/21/animal-ecology-along-the-connecticut-river-in-vermont/feed/ 0 Museums and Galleries Along the Connecticut River in Vermont http://www.riverbendvt.com/2011/07/17/museums-and-galleries-along-the-connecticut-river-in-vermont/ http://www.riverbendvt.com/2011/07/17/museums-and-galleries-along-the-connecticut-river-in-vermont/#comments Sun, 17 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.riverbendvt.com/?p=8 Bored with the beach? Want to beat the heat? Take a trip to Vermont along the Connecticut River. There you will find two cool museums you have to check out. Both are perfect if you have young children in tow. Here are two you may enjoy.

The Montshire Museum of Science is located along the Connecticut River in Norwich. The museum features natural science exhibits like a day in the life of a honeybee, a planet walk, where you will discover each planet’s uniqueness. The museum also features the Robot Zoo which shows animal characteristics through robotic animals. Science exhibits include interactive light and vision exhibits, an anti-gravity mirror and exhibits that will teach motion and mathematics in a fun, educational setting. The museum is open daily from 10am-5pm. Adult admission is 12, 10 for children 2-17.

The Brattleboro Museum and Art Center is located near the Connecticut River. Dating back to the mid-1800s, the museum offers a rich history as well as modern exhibits featuring paint, sculpture and photography. The museum is open 11am-5pm and is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 6 for adults, 4 for senior citizens and 5 for children six years or older. Younger children are free.

]]> http://www.riverbendvt.com/2011/07/17/museums-and-galleries-along-the-connecticut-river-in-vermont/feed/ 0 The History of the Connecticut River Area in Vermont http://www.riverbendvt.com/2011/07/15/the-history-of-the-connecticut-river-area-in-vermont/ http://www.riverbendvt.com/2011/07/15/the-history-of-the-connecticut-river-area-in-vermont/#comments Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.riverbendvt.com/?p=7 The largest river located in New England is the Connecticut River. The beginning point of the river is from the Connecticut Lakes out of New Hampshire. The river’s route designates the border between New Hampshire and Vermont.

Historically the river has always been heavy with silt and this has created a large sandbar near the mouth. Unfortunately, it makes navigation difficult. Dutch explorer Adriaen Block discovered the Connecticut River in 1614 and named it the “Fresh River.” The Dutch constructed a trading post with added defenses in 1623, which was the future site for today’s Hartford, Connecticut.You can find a quick rundown here

Later in the 19th century the river was used by loggers to send their merchandise to the north, specifically the Nulhegan River basin located in Essex County, Vermont. This practice was stopped when the owners of pleasure boat cruises were unhappy about the dangers this trip posed to their journeys.

In the early spring of 1936, a heavy snowfall combined with an early thaw and heavy rains caused catastrophic flooding, taking out bridges and stranding hundreds of people. Rescues were made by boat and the Vernon, Vermont dam was underwater by 19 feet. Residents banded together to sandbag and were able to save the dam’s powerhouse from being overcome by water.

]]> http://www.riverbendvt.com/2011/07/15/the-history-of-the-connecticut-river-area-in-vermont/feed/ 0