President Chester A. Arthur State Historic Sites - www.HistoricVermont.org
List of Sites
- Bennington Monument
- Chimney Point
- Covered Bridges
- Eureka Schoolhouse
- Hubbardton Battlefield
- Hyde Cabin
- Morrill Homestead
- Mount Independence
- Old Constitution House
- Pres. Calvin Coolidge
- Pres. Chester A. Arthur
- Underwater Shipwrecks
While many Americans remember Calvin Coolidge as "the President from Vermont," most forget that another of our Chief Executives hailed from the Green Mountain State. Vermont's "other President" was Chester Alan Arthur. Both Coolidge and Arthur were born in small farming communities and both, as Republican U.S. Vice Presidents, succeeded to the Presidency upon the death of the incumbents. Like many of their contemporaries, both men left their native state to attain political prominence.
Some mystery surrounds the early years of Chester A. Arthur. The most frequently asked question is "Where was he born?" The President Arthur State Historic Site is a 1953 recreation of the second house in which Arthur lived as an infant. The confusion stems from the fact that Arthur himself told people that his birth year was 1830 (it was actually 1829). The building in which he was born was actually a primitive cabin hastily erected in the village of Fairfield. The Baptist Congregation later completed the parsonage where the family moved shortly after the birth of the future president. It was this parsonage which was reconstructed by the State of Vermont.
The granite monument, dedicated in 1903, is situated on a small plot of land presented to the State of Vermont by P.B.B. Northrop. At that time, it was believed this was the location of the birthplace of Chester Arthur. In 1950, the State of Vermont purchased the land around the monument and the present building was recreated in 1953 using as a guide an old photograph of the house which stood on this site.
A short distance to the northwest of the Chester A. Arthur State Historic Site stands the North Fairfield Baptist Church. At this site, Rev. William Arthur was called to preach shortly before Chester was born. The present brick church, built circa 1840, replaced the earlier church. This church, which has never had electricity, was donated in 1970 to the State of Vermont, through the efforts of Consuelo Northrop Bailey, by the Vermont Baptist State Convention. The Brick Church is built on a ledgy knoll from which is seen a panoramic view of a classic Vermont mountain range. The Brick Church is often used for memorial services and weddings and is open to the public for viewing during the hours the Historic Site is open.
To reach the site from the east, take Route 108 and approximately 4 miles from either Bakersfield or Enosburg go west on a gravel road for approximately two miles to the Historic Site.
If you're planning a visit to the President Chester A. Arthur State Historic Sites, consider staying in one of the hotels nearby for a comfortable and convenient experience. Vermont offers a range of accommodation options, including cozy bed and breakfasts, charming inns, and modern hotels. Enjoy the rich history and natural beauty of the state while enjoying a relaxing stay at one of Vermont's finest hotels.
Burlington
- Hotel Vermont
- Green Mountain Suites
- Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain
- Holiday Inn Burlington South Burlington Vt 05403
- Fairfield Inn Burlington Vt
- Hotel Best Western Burlington Vermont
- Hotel Marriott Burlington Vermont
- Sonesta Suites Burlington Vt
- Garden Inn Burlington Vt
- Anchorage Inn Burlington Vt
Jeffersonville
Stowe
- Trapp Family Lodge
- Field Guide Lodge
- The Lodge At Spruce Peak
- Stowe Village Inn
- Stoweflake Hotel
- Sun & Ski Inn And Suites Stowe
- Grey Fox Inn Stowe Vt
- Commodores Inn Stowe Vt
- Green Mountain Inn Stowe Vermont
- Bluebird Talta Lodge