A Town Built on Industry, Innovation, and Community
Nestled in the heart of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, St. Johnsbury is more than just a scenic New England town — it’s a place shaped by innovation, hard work, and deep community pride.
At St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we’re proud to call this historic town home. Here’s a look at how it all began.
Early Settlement and Growth
St. Johnsbury was chartered in 1760 by New Hampshire Governor Benning Wentworth, but it wasn’t until the late 1700s that settlers began establishing farms and small mills along the Passumpsic River.
The town’s real transformation came in the 19th century when industry and railroads turned St. Johnsbury into one of Vermont’s most important economic centers.
The Fairbanks Legacy
No conversation about St. Johnsbury history is complete without mentioning the Fairbanks family.
In the early 1800s, Thaddeus Fairbanks developed and manufactured the platform scale — an invention that revolutionized commerce across America. The success of Fairbanks Scales brought national attention and economic growth to the region.
The family’s impact extended far beyond manufacturing. They funded schools, libraries, and cultural institutions — most notably the world-renowned Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, which still stands as one of Vermont’s most treasured attractions.
The Railroad Era
By the mid-1800s, St. Johnsbury became known as the “Railroad Center of Northern New England.”
With multiple rail lines intersecting in town, goods moved efficiently throughout the Northeast. This railroad expansion fueled business growth, population increases, and positioned St. Johnsbury as a commercial powerhouse in Vermont.
Even today, the town’s layout and infrastructure reflect its railroad roots.
Education and Culture
St. Johnsbury has long valued education and community enrichment. St. Johnsbury Academy, founded in 1842, remains one of the most respected independent schools in New England.
The Academy, along with the Athenaeum and the Fairbanks Museum, helped shape St. Johnsbury into a cultural hub that balanced industry with intellectual growth.
St. Johnsbury Today
While the railroads no longer dominate the economy, St. Johnsbury remains a vibrant town known for:
- Strong local businesses
- Community events and festivals
- Scenic Northeast Kingdom beauty
- A deep sense of neighbor helping neighbor
From historic Main Street to Memorial Drive — just over the railroad tracks — St. J continues to blend tradition with progress.
Why We’re Proud to Be Here
At St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we don’t just sell vehicles here — we’re part of this community’s story.
Just like the generations before us who built, farmed, innovated, and led this town forward, we believe in:
- Hard work
- Integrity
- Long-term relationships
- Investing in our local community
St. Johnsbury isn’t just where we do business. It’s home.
