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Both an important part of Essex, but often considered separate entities, the government and history of Essex Center and Essex junction has been intertwined since the charter of Essex on June 7, 1763. Consisting of six square miles, permanent settlement of the town began in spring of 1783 with the arrival of Samuel and William Smith, Jonathan Winchell, Dubartis Willard, David Hall, and Willard Blood, looking forward to the promise of land, and work in the lumber trade and at Ira Allen's saw mills. The early township grew through cooperation, as settlers thought nothing of traveling 20 miles to help with a house or barn raising.

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Their backgrounds varied. Dubartis "Barty" Willard was one of the original Green Mountain Boys, known for his wit, eccentricity, skill as a wheelwright, and love for good liquor. Willard served as the representative from Essex to the Vermont Assembly in 1787. Jonathan Winchell, from Connecticut, settled with Willard on land owned by Joshua Staunton and moved lumber from Essex to Allen's mills at Winooski Falls. Samuel and William Smith were the "Yorkers" of the group, clearing their homesteads near the Jericho line. David Hall of Pownal and Willard Blood of Shaftsbury moved to land near the Brown's River.

By 1784, settlement burgeoned, roads cut, and the arteries that became Routes 15, 117, and 128 were main thoroughfares then as they are now. Environs around Essex Center began to take shape as more and more farms were established. Stephen Butler, the first shoemaker, was patronized by inhabitants of the Center and surrounding towns. A church was built and a meeting house raised. The first building was erected before 1800 on the southeast corner of Common by Samuel Pelton, who built a sawmill on Alder Creek in 1804, and it was this sawmill that cut the lumber for the Congregational Church. The second house was that of Joel Woodworth and was operated as a tavern with a "noted reputation as a resort."

As in many other areas, taverns to accommodate travelers were often among the first businesses established in a community. Samuel Buell opened a tavern at Butler's corners near the present intersection of Route 15 and Old Stage Road. Samuel Farrar's tavern was located near Page's Corner (the intersection of Old Stage Road, Brigham Hill Road, and Col. Page Road), as was the John Reed Tavern. Farrar's later was owned by Adonijah Brooks and was then called the Public House. The John Reed became the Col. Page tavern.

Most of the early town meetings were held at one or the other of two taverns. Stores soon followed, and one of the first general merchants was Ralph Rice, who opened an establishment at Page's Corner. Walter Tyler opened a store opposite Rice's, offering a small selection of merchandise. Tyler's store was later transferred to the Dunton family. Blacksmith and wheelwright shops were located north of Col. Page's. Predominantly rural, Essex Center has the ambience found in many Vermont communities.

Farmhouses on expanses of acreage are glimpsed beyond neighborhoods of more recent vintage. Historic homes dot the village center. the former Congregational Church has been restored to its original splendor, now housing the library.

Essex schools are instrumental in attracting families to the area. Essex Elementary and Essex Middle schools are in Essex Center. Founders Memorial is located on Sandhill Road. Residents of the Town of Essex pay tuition to the Village of Essex Junction to attend Essex Junction High School. Township residents enjoy an easy commute to employment, cultural activities, and shopping. Major recreational areas are also easily accessed. Neighborhoods diversify; some rural, others more suburban in feel, yet all provide a sense of community to their residents.