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| Click on image to enlarge July 4th, 1900 |
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Canaan is located in the extreme northeast corner of Vermont. It shares borders with New Hampshire and the Canadian province of Quebec, encompassing approximately 21,376 acres of land. The state of Vermont granted a charter for Canaan to John Wheeler and forty-three associates on February 25, 1782. Early settlers included John Hugh in 1785, Samuel Beach in 1796, John Dunning in 1799, Nathan Beecher in 1802, and Samuel Weeks in 1804.
Throughout the 1800s, people began migrating to Canaan due to its strategic location along the borders of Canada and New Hampshire. The boundary line between Vermont and New Hampshire was not officially established until 1934, while the boundary with Canada was finalized in 1925. Prior to these definitive borders, several skirmishes occurred in the region.
In 1880, Canaan's population was recorded at 637. The early settlers faced difficult lives, as items not sourced from the wilderness, soil, or local lakes and rivers had to be transported from distant seaports. Many residents relied on family farms and lived "off the land." They depended on one another for moral support, social interactions, and economic assistance, a community spirit that we continue to value today.
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Long before the first settlers arrived in Canaan, the vibrant Native American communities thrived in the area, utilizing the land for hunting, fishing, and travel. The early settlers recognized the value of coexistence, and while there were occasional skirmishes, they mostly learned to appreciate the wisdom and traditions of the Native Americans. With abundant natural resources surrounding them, farming and logging soon became the backbone of many settlers' livelihoods, fostering a spirit of resilience and community.
In the 1900s, Canaan welcomed an influx of immigrants from Quebec, Canada, infusing the area with lively French-Canadian culture. Today, these wonderful families continue to enrich our community, and French is often heard at social gatherings, celebrating our diverse heritage. This strong “French connection” not only enhances our cultural mosaic but also bolsters local trade and commerce with our friendly neighbors to the north.
Canaan is a tapestry of charming vernacular regions, such as Beecher Falls, just two miles north; Wallace Pond (also known as Lake Wallis) five miles west; South Canaan, four miles southeast; and Canaan Hill, five miles south. Established in the late 1800s, these communities created their own schools, churches, and post offices, and while the infrastructure may have changed, their legacy remains alive in our hearts. You’ll often hear residents proudly identify as Wallace or South Canaan locals, showcasing their deep-rooted connections.
Don’t forget to visit Fletcher Park in the village center, a cherished space gifted to our town by Charles Fletcher in the late 1800s, where community spirit thrives!
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The iron fence, in the photo, was removed around 1918 due to the frequency of automobiles hitting it after failing to negotiate the turn from Route 114 onto Route 102. The fountain continues to occupy a place of prominence in the park.
Monuments in honor of soldiers from Canaan who served in the Civil War, World War I & II, Korean War, and Vietnam War are located in Fletcher Park. Many events are held in this park, which remains a gathering place for our residents.
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The Alice M. Ward Memorial Library (reputed to be the oldest building in Canaan) was home of Dr. Artemus Ward from 1885 into the 1930s when it was given to the town to be used as library. It is rumored that the building was part of the underground railroad and served as a refuge for slaves during the Civil War.
Over the years, Canaan has endured a number of fires and the great hurricane of 1938, which did much damage to woodlands and blew down elm trees along Gale Street. Fires destroyed the school in 1944 and the great fire of 1936 destroyed a number of buildings, including the New Canaan House.
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During the 1900s until the present, the town of Canaan has undergone a number of changes. Family farms have disappeared, logging jobs have decreased and tourism is now one of the major engines that drives the local economy.
The Beecher Falls furniture factory, a division of Ethan Allen, closed its manufacturing unit in August 2009, leaving over 250 people out of work. Started in 1895, the factory at one time was the largest furniture manufacturer east of Michigan.
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In recent years, competition from overseas has had an adverse impact on operations and only a few people are now employed in the rough mill. Although most of the factory is now closed, people in the community have a positive attitude and are confident the overall economic climate will improve in the future.
Being a border community with ports of entry in Canaan and Beecher Falls, provides a number of federal government jobs in the area. The Official Register of the United States first mentions a Customs Officer in Canaan in 1835.
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Customs and Border Protection Inspectors (Formerly Customs and Immigration Inspectors) and Border Patrol Agents over the years have been actively involved in protecting our borders. The prohibition years presented many challenges and to this day, cases of smuggling contraband, drugs and people are fairly common.
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What an exciting journey the Canaan School system has taken! Back in 1884, there were six charming schools spread across the community, including Beecher Falls, Wallace Pond, Canaan Hill, and South Canaan. The school year was a short 18 weeks, all supported by a budget of just over $300.
Fast forward to the 1900s, when these schools merged into a vibrant new building in the village, opened in 1905, serving grades 1 through 12. Unfortunately, a fire in 1944, destroyed the school and challenged the community, but their resilience shone through as classes were held in various local buildings until the current school was completed in 1946.
The high school, built with a $105,000 investment, initially catered to all grades until a new elementary was added in 1961. In 1977, a fantastic new gym was added, enhancing the student experience! Today, the Canaan school system proudly serves 184 enthusiastic students and stands as a vital employer in the area, thriving with a budget of over five million dollars. What a remarkable tale of growth and commitment to education!
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The land for the athletic field adjacent to the current elementary school was purchased in 1946. Since then a softball field with lights and a baseball diamond has been constructed on this property.
As a result of a grant from the federal government in 1989, the town created a recreation park behind the Alice M. Ward library across the road from the above baseball diamond. This property contains a walking trail, tennis courts, playground, fitness stations, basketball court, two soccer fields and two baseball fields.
The first high school basketball team was in 1915. Over the years, basketball, baseball and soccer teams from Canaan have successfully competed with other teams in Vermont, New Hampshire and Quebec. Many state championships have been won and town members take great pride in the accomplishments of their student athletes.
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Sports remain an integral part of the community as evidenced by the adult bowling and softball leagues that exist. For over forty years, Canaan has hosted a major softball tournament the first weekend in August with over 25 teams from New Hampshire, Vermont and Quebec participating. This event is a fine example of the “can do”, positive attitude that exists in the town of Canaan.
For a more detailed, in-depth of the history of Canaan, please see “History of Canaan, Vermont” by Beatrice Schoff Holmes and “A Tale of Canaan People” by Perley E. Fearon. Information contained in this document was obtained from these sources.
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Canaan Historical Society
27 Park Street (Second Floor of the Alice Ward Library)
Canaan, VT 05903
802-266-3989
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