Colchester

Chartered in 1763, Colchester sits on a broad peninsula jutting into Lake Champlain in Chittenden County. The town saw early settlement along the lakeshore and grew steadily through the nineteenth century as transportation links improved. Fort Ethan Allen, established as a U.S. Army cavalry post in 1894, brought federal investment and population growth; the fort remained active through World War II, and its grounds are now home to a mix of residential, commercial, and educational uses, including a campus of Saint Michael's College.

With over 17,000 residents, Colchester is one of Vermont's largest towns by population. It borders Burlington and sits along Interstate 89, making it a hub for both residential life and commercial activity. Malletts Bay, on the town's northern shore, is one of Lake Champlain's most popular boating areas. Despite its size, Colchester still governs itself as a town with a selectboard. The annual Town Meeting — now conducted partly by Australian ballot — reflects both the scale of a growing community and the persistence of Vermont's commitment to giving every citizen a direct voice in local government.