The state's oldest continuously published newspaper, the Rutland Herald, was founded in 1794. Rutland also was the birthplace of John Deere, a journeyman blacksmith who developed the first commercially successful, self-scouring steel plow and began a plow-building business that became today's well-known manufacturer of agricultural machinery and equipment.
The Chaffee Art Center, 16 S. Main St., occupies an elegant Victorian-era mansion and offers eight galleries displaying works by Vermont artists; phone (802) 775-0356.
If you like exhibits, fair food and carnival midways, the Vermont State Fair won’t disappoint. Highlights of one of the oldest state fairs in the country include top-name entertainers, demolition derbies, harness racing, racing pigs, death-defying stunt performances and truck pulls. Held in mid-August, the fair closes with the Governor’s Day Benefit Event.
Visitor Centers
Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce 50 Merchants Row Rutland, VT 05701. Phone:(802)773-2747 or (800)756-8880