Charleston

Granted in 1780 and first settled around 1803, Charleston lies in the lake country of Orleans County, bordered by two of Vermont's most scenic bodies of water: Echo Lake and Island Pond (the northern portion of which touches the town). The area was slow to develop — deep woods and harsh winters kept early population low — but by the mid-1800s a farming community had taken root on the upland clearings between the lakes.

Charleston today is home to about 1,000 residents. The town's character is defined by its ponds and forests, with Echo Lake serving as a summer gathering spot for swimming, fishing, and canoeing. NorthWoods Stewardship Center, based nearby, reflects the region's commitment to sustainable forestry and environmental education. The town maintains its own elementary school and a volunteer fire department. Like most Orleans County towns, Charleston governs itself through a selectboard and holds annual Town Meeting each March, where residents debate everything from road salt budgets to school funding in the time-honored Vermont fashion.