Jericho, Vermont, New England USA
About Jericho, Vermont
Chittenden County
Chartered: June 7, 1763 (New Hampshire Grant)
Area: 22,760 Acres = 35.56 Square Miles [ Size Rank: 178* ]
Coordinates (Geographic Center): N 44° 30′ W 73°00′
Altitude: 560 feet ASL
Population (US Census, 2010): 5,009 [ Population Rank: 26* ]
Population Density (persons per square mile): 140.9 [ Density Rank: 28* ]
Full Census Info: Town County State
*Area, Population and Density rankings refer to Jericho’s relative position among Vermont’s 255 civic entities (9 cities, 242 towns, 4 gores and grants). Complete rankings are here.
Jericho and Corinth are the only towns in the New Hampshire Grants not to succumb to Benning Wentworth’s relentless efforts to impress the wealthy and politically powerful. While classical and Biblical names were popular in other colonies, Wentworth opted to name towns for the peerage and the English towns in which they lived (or, at the very least, one of the town’s principal grantees). It would appear that Tom Chittenden, one such principal grantee of this town, prevailed upon Wentworth to depart from habit: an impressive name from antiquity would surely attract buyers.
The modern (Biblical) Jericho, about four times the size of this one, is thought to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, with archaeological evidence dating back over 11,000 years. The name may be derived from the Hebrew/Canaanite word meaning “moon,” as the Palestinian city was an early center for worship of lunar deities.
On the Underhill-Jericho town line is Underhill Flats, one of the few villages in the state which lie in two towns.
In what could be called an early variant of gerrymandering, the story is told of Jedediah Lane, who moved here from Connecticut, eventually to become the town’s representative in the Legislature. When a land survey was completed, it was discovered that Lane actually lived in Underhill. Not wanting to lose his job, Lane had his house moved a few feet west, over the line into Jericho.
Jericho was home to “Snowflake” Bentley.
Activities & Points of Interest
Goings-on in and near Jericho
Calendar of Events provided by the Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing.
Chittenden County Historical Society
Jericho Historical Society
Chittenden Mills (“The Old Red Mill”) is the home of the Society, housing not only a milling museum but also the Snowflake Bentley Exhibit. The mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contact Info
Emergency Services (Statewide): 911
Hospital: University of Vermont Medical Center (Burlington) 802-847-0000
Town Clerk: Jessica Alexander PO Box 67 Jericho, VT 05465
802-899-4936
M-Th 8-4; F 8-3; Sat by appt.
Churches, Ministries, Charitables
United Methodist : Jericho UMC 802-899-4288
United Methodist : Westford Federated Church 802-899-4006
Schools
Chittenden East Supervisory Union 802-434-2128
Browns River Middle School 802-899-3711
Jericho Elementary School 802-899-2272
Mt. Mansfield Union High School 802-899-4690
Underhill ID School 802-899-4680
Neighboring Towns
This is a basic geographic reference, intended to show relative location of adjacent towns. Directional accuracy is limited to 16 compass points. There isn’t even the slightest suggestion that one can necessarily travel directly from one town to the next (as in “You can’t get there from here”).
Jericho
Businesses & Services
Rocheleau Appraisal
Fast Friendly Service for Northwestern Vermont
Utilities
Notes about utilities:
- One electric or phone company indicates that company serves the entire town. More than one of either indicates each serves different areas of town.
- A listed cable company MIGHT mean the entire town is covered, but not necessarily. More than one listed indicates each serves different areas of town.
- Unless your area is one served by Vermont’s only gas utility, your only option is bottled gas (any dealer).
Cable Comcast 800-266-2278
Electric Green Mountain Power 888-835-4672
Electric Vermont Electric Co-op 800-832-2667
Telephone Fairpoint 866-984-2001
