Woodford is a town in Bennington County, in the U.S. state of Vermont. According to the 2020 United States Census, the town had a population of 337 residents.
History
Woodford was chartered on September 10, 1761 by Governor Benning Wentworth of the Province of New Hampshire as part of the New Hampshire Grants. Settlement began in the late 18th century, and the town was officially organized in 1795. The community’s early economy was based on agriculture, small-scale manufacturing, and timber extraction, typical of rural southwestern Vermont.
Geography
The town lies in the southwestern portion of Vermont, within the Green Mountains region. It is bordered by the towns of Bennington to the north, Arlington to the east, and Stamford to the south. According to the United States Census Bureau, Woodford has a total area of 43.7 square miles (113.1 km²), of which 43.6 square miles (112.9 km²) is land and 0.1 square mile (0.2 km²) (0.23 %) is water. The town’s terrain consists of rolling hills, forested areas, and several small streams, including the White River watershed.
Demographics
- 2020 census population: 337
- Population density: approximately 7.7 persons per square mile (3.0 persons per km²)
- Racial composition (2020): Predominantly White; other racial groups each comprise less than 1 % of the population.
- Household information (2010 data, the most recent detailed breakdown): 150 households, with an average household size of 2.3 persons.
Government
Woodford is governed by a selectboard consisting of elected officials who oversee municipal functions, budgeting, and local ordinances. The town participates in Bennington County’s governmental structures for broader services such as law enforcement and public health.
Education
The town is served by the Bennington School District. Public school students attend elementary, middle, and high schools located in the nearby city of Bennington.
Infrastructure
Vermont Route 9 (the “Molly Stark Trail”) passes through the southern portion of Woodford, providing primary road access. The town does not have a public transit system; nearest rail service is located in Bennington.
Notable People
No individuals widely recognized at the state or national level have been documented as originating from Woodford, Vermont.
References
- United States Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census.
- Vermont State Archives, Town Charters.
- Bennington County Historical Society publications.
This entry reflects information available from publicly released governmental and historical sources up to the knowledge cutoff date of June 2024.
