Nestled along the shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington, Vermont, is often celebrated for its picturesque landscapes and progressive politics. But beneath its postcard-perfect facade lies a complex history that mirrors many of today’s global challenges—climate change, social justice, and economic inequality. Let’s dive into the layers of Burlington’s past and see how they resonate with the present.
From Indigenous Land to Colonial Outpost
The Abenaki Legacy
Long before European settlers arrived, the Abenaki people called this region Ndakinna (“our land”). Their sustainable practices—fishing in Lake Champlain, cultivating the Three Sisters (corn, beans, and squash), and trading along waterways—offer lessons in environmental stewardship that contrast sharply with today’s extractive economies. Yet, their story is often sidelined in mainstream narratives.
The Arrival of Europeans
In the 17th century, French explorers like Samuel de Champlain claimed the area, followed by British colonists. Burlington’s strategic location made it a battleground during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. The Ethan Allen Homestead, now a museum, stands as a reminder of Vermont’s rebellious spirit—a theme that still defines the state today.
The Industrial Boom and Its Shadows
Timber, Textiles, and Trade
By the 19th century, Burlington thrived as a lumber and shipping hub. The Champlain Canal (1823) connected the city to New York’s markets, fueling wealth—and inequality. Factory workers, including Irish and French-Canadian immigrants, faced grueling conditions, echoing today’s debates over labor rights and fair wages.
The Railroad Divide
The arrival of railroads in the 1850s brought prosperity but also displacement. Wealthy industrialists built mansions on Battery Street, while working-class families crowded into tenements near the railyards. Sound familiar? It’s a precursor to modern gentrification debates.
Progressive Roots and Modern Struggles
Bernie Sanders and the “People’s Republic of Burlington”
In the 1980s, Burlington made headlines when democratic socialist Bernie Sanders was elected mayor. His tenure—focusing on affordable housing, public transit, and environmentalism—set the stage for Vermont’s progressive identity. Yet, even here, tensions persist. The city’s housing crisis, driven by Airbnb and second-home buyers, mirrors global urban affordability struggles.
Climate Change on the Shores of Lake Champlain
Burlington prides itself on being America’s first city to run on 100% renewable electricity. But climate change is hitting home: rising lake levels threaten the waterfront, and warmer winters disrupt maple sugaring—a cultural and economic staple. The city’s response could be a model for coastal communities worldwide.
Social Justice: Unfinished Business
The Fight for Indigenous Recognition
While Burlington celebrates its progressive values, the Abenaki still fight for federal recognition and land rights. The recent removal of a controversial “pioneer” statue highlights ongoing reckoning with colonial history—a microcosm of global Indigenous movements.
Black Lives Matter in a Whitest State
Vermont is 94% white, but Burlington isn’t immune to racial injustice. The 2020 protests for George Floyd saw solidarity marches, yet disparities in policing and housing remain. The city’s efforts to address systemic racism—like reparations for urban renewal’s victims—are watched closely.
Burlington Today: A Beacon or a Bubble?
With its farm-to-table restaurants, thriving arts scene, and eco-conscious policies, Burlington feels like a liberal utopia. But soaring rents, homelessness, and tensions between longtime residents and newcomers reveal cracks in the facade. As the world grapples with inequality and sustainability, Burlington’s story—past and present—offers both inspiration and caution.
So next time you stroll down Church Street Marketplace or kayak on Lake Champlain, remember: this small city’s history is anything but small. It’s a reflection of America’s struggles, triumphs, and unresolved questions. And in that, it’s more relevant than ever.