St. Albans

On October 19, 1864, Confederate soldiers crossed the Canadian border and raided St. Albans, robbing three banks and attempting to burn the town — the northernmost land action of the Civil War. That event put this Franklin County city on the national map, but St. Albans had already established itself as a railroad hub. The Central Vermont Railway made the city its headquarters, and for decades the railroad shops and yards were the economic engine of northwestern Vermont.

Today St. Albans has a population of about 7,650 and serves as the shire town of Franklin County. Taylor Park anchors the downtown, surrounded by brick commercial buildings and churches. The city has invested in revitalizing its downtown core, with new restaurants and businesses joining longtime establishments. St. Albans operates under a city council and city manager form of government, and residents engage with local governance through regular council meetings and the annual budget process.