Aboriginal Occupancy

Taken from the Gazetteer and Business Directory of Windham County, Vt. 1724-1884

Compiled and published by Hamilton Child

Of the aboriginal inhabitants of that part of Vermont which borders the banks of the Connecticut, very little is known. The Iroquois Indians whose hunting-ground comprehended the whole of what is now the western portion of the State, seldom extended their wanderings across the mountains, and have left few vestiges of their presence, even in the places which were most frequented by them. The country in the neighborhood of Lunenburg and Newbury, and on the side of the river opposite the latter place, was called by the Indians "Coos", which word, in the Abenaqui language, is said to signify "The Pines". At these localities, and at other points on the upper Connecticut, there formerly resided a branch of the Abenaqui tribe of Indians.

In Windham county are left picture writings by the Indians that prove that this section was at one time frequented by them, even though they may not have been permanent residents. At the foot of Bellows Falls, on the west side of the channel of the Connecticut, are situated two rocks, on which are inscribed figures, the meaning of which it is difficult to determine. The larger rock presents a group of variously ornamented heads. The surface which these heads occupy is about six feet in height and fifteen feet in breadth. Prominent among the rest is a figure occupying nearly a central position in the group. From its head, which is supported by a neck and shoulders, six rays or feathers extend, which may be regarded as emblems of excellence or power. Four of the other heads are adorned each with a pair of similar projections.

On a separate rock, situated a short distance from the main group, a single head is sculptured, which is finished with rays or feathers, and was probably intended to designate an Indian chief. The length of the head, exclusive of the rays, is fourteen inches, and its breadth across the forehead in its widest part is ten inches. These sculpturings seem to have been intended to commemorate some event in which a chief and a number of his tribe performed some noted exploit, or met with some sad disaster. The former supposition, is, however, undoubtedly correct, as it is well known that the Indians were usually careful to conceal the traces of their misfortunes, and eager to publish the evidence of their successes.

On the south bank of West river, in Brattleboro, about one hundred rods west of its confluence with the Connecticut, is situated another "Indian rock". Nearly the whole surface of the rock, measuring ten feet in width and eight feet in height, is covered with hieroglyphics, representing birds, dogs, reptiles, etc. The chiseling of these sculptures is deeper and more easily traced than that of the inscriptions at Bellows Falls. There are also some other sculptures in this vicinity. But no positive evidence exists that Windham county was ever the permanent home of the red men. Still, for many years the settlers here were annoyed and harassed by Indian attacks and depredations, and not a few tragedies were enacted by the rapacious savages. The principal of these sanguinary events occurred in the towns of Brattleboro, Vernon, Jamaica, and other towns, and will be found noted in connection with the sketches of the several townships, to which we refer the reader.

This page was last updated on 01/02/24