History of Burlington, Vermont It is always intriguing to find out the city's origins in which you wish to buy your home. There is nothing better than discovery and knowledge and understanding the "bones" of a place to make you strive for that Burlington, Vermont piece of real estate. As for the origins of Burlington’s name, there are two theories on that. Some people believe that the city was named after Earl Ricard Boyl of Burlington. Others think it was named after a wealthy family named Burling, originally from New York but who held land near Burlington. Although Gov. Benning Wentworth chartered Burlington in 1763, the settlement only began ten years later in 1773. During this time, sawmill and shipbuilding industries arose. During the 1812 war, Burlington was a military post and was the site for engagements between land batteries and British warships, which earned the place its name of Battery Park. Pre-20th century, most of the city's economy was manufacturing-based. In the mid-20th century, this changed to include service and tourism industries. Today we see thriving industries in the area, from the manufacturing of concrete products, aircraft armaments, and foodservice equipment to snowboards and maple syrup. Being a college town, we see the establishment of two iconic universities as early as 1791, with the University of Vermont and Trinity College in 1925. The richness of Burlington's history is encapsulated in the walls of the Shelburne Museum, which was erected in 1947. The museum spans 45-acres and depicts early American life, even showcasing a side-wheel steamship. The American Revolutionary War hero, Etan Allen, has his gravesite in Burlington, as he called the city home from 1787 to 89. From all accounts, Burlington, Vermont, is a city shrouded in culture and history, this having had a significant impact on the wonderful city it is today.

Burlington's unique and compact city offers you a selection of interesting things to do, from arts and culture to tours and culinary experiences. To make your choice simpler, here are our top five favorites:

Church Street Market: The Church Street Marketplace is in Downtown Burlington nestled between Church and Pearl Main Street. It is a fabulous mix of historical buildings, quaint shops, delicious food, bookstores, and a lot of music and entertainment. Be sure to check it out!

⁠Burlington Edible History Tour: Learn all about food and its intricacies on a two-mile tour through the town. Visitors are invited to explore several restaurants while listening to knowledgeable local guides tell stories about the food, from farm to table.

Flynn Centre for the Performing Arts: If there are performing arts events going on in the town of Burlington, it is happening here. From local and visiting groups to large renowned companies like the Vermont Stage Company and Vermont Youth Orchestra, there is always something to enjoy for the enthusiast.

Waterfront Park Burlington: Everyone needs a breakaway to enjoy the fresh air and soothing scenery. Fortunately, this beautiful park along the lakeshore gives you just that. Take a picnic or go for a stroll in the beautiful greenery that this park provides.

Shelburne Museum: This large, open-air museum gathers original buildings from different eras of Vermont’s past into one campus. People can also visit the thirty-nine other historical buildings and experience a feel of the past.