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When
traveling east on Route 2 toward Montpelier, the road
winds between the Interstate and Winooski River into the
village of Richmond. A peppering of new homes are visible,
quietly taking their place in an area supported by agriculture
since its incorporation in 1794. It is said that Richmond
came into being because of politics, resulting in the
consolidation of lands that were part of Jericho, Williston,
Huntington and Bolton.
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Whatever
the reason for the incorporation, Richmond residents love
their community, evident by the number of descendants
of early settlers living there. When waiting for the town’s
signal stop light to change to green, one realizes that
stores, churches, library, restaurants, parks, and town
offices are within walking distance from the Victorian
and federal homes that line its streets. Malls and supermarkets
are conspicuously absent from the
Richmond landscape.
The
best known structure in Richmond is the Round Church,
located on Bridge Street near Fay’s Corners. Built through
the collaboration of the Baptists, Methodists, Congregationalists,
Universalists, and Christians in
1812, the structure served as the center of Richmond’s
religious, governmental, and social activities until 1973,
when deterioration made closing necessary. Restored by
the Richmond Historical Society, the Round
Church reopened in 1981, and is open to visitors during
Summer and Fall. A popular site for weddings, concerts,
and meetings, the Round Church is well-utilized.
Local children learn to ski at Cochran’s Ski Area, located
on Cochran Road. Operated by the family of Gordon Cochran,
whose four children brought fame to the town as members
of the U.S. Olympic Ski Team. In 1972, Barbara Ann brought
home the U.S. gold medal for winning the Women’s Special
Slalom.
In addition to skiing, hiking, bicycling, canoeing, and
fishing opportunities abound. The Winooski River and local
streams are ideal for fishing for Bass and Rainbow Trout.
Richmond residents can easily access activities in adjacent
community.
Even
the media has recognized Richmond’s charm. Moviemakers
used the Village Center for several scenes in the movie,
"Me, Myself, and Irene." Generations of photographers
are drawn to the Round Church. The scenery and
abundance of wildlife throughout Richmond’s three square
miles has often been the subject of photographs for regional
and national magazines. Like most Vermont communities,
Richmond offers quality of life, surrounded by
incredible beauty to those who live, and stay, within
its boundaries.
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