Passumpsic River
Encyclopedia
The Passumpsic River is a 22.7 miles (36.5 km) tributary of the Connecticut River
, in Vermont
. Though primarily a Caledonia County river, it is the only river to flow through all three counties of the Northeast Kingdom
.
. It flows southwest through Hartwellville in East Haven, then into East Burke
.
The West Branch starts as several small forks near Crystal Lake
, northeast of Sutton
. The Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway
lines follows the West Branch of the Passumpsic until it converges with the East Branch in Lyndonville
.
From Lyndonville, the river proceeds southerly through St. Johnsbury Center, St. Johnsbury
, Passumpsic, and Barnet
, and into the Connecticut River near Nine Island.
, in Essex County
. Route 114 nearly parallels it as it runs south-southeast. It soon enters Caledonia County
. It is joined by Jack Brook near Howard Brook Road in Newark
. It then turns south southwest.
Just before entering East Haven
, it is joined by Mill Brook/King Brook entering from the east. It is then joined by the confluence of Bean Brook and Whetstone Brook just inside the town of East Haven, back in Essex County. It goes through Hartwellville, in the town of East Haven, then crosses into Caledonia County for good.
In Burke
, a mile downstream, it is joined on the south by Flower Brook which flows mainly from the east. Duck Pond drains into it. It is followed by Route 5A and flows through East Burke. It converges with the west branch before 5A joins US Route 5.
. It flows briefly through Barton, back into Newark, then into Burke
.
drain into Dish Mill Brook, thence into the East Branch of the Passumpsic River. The southwest end of Burke Mountain drains into Mountain Brook, thence into the East Branch of the Passumpsic River. The south slopes and southeast side of Burke Mountain drain into Weir Mill Brook, thence into Bog Brook, the Moose River, and the Passumpsic River.
, which nearly parallels it from then on south. The river flows south from that point. After it crosses 5A going south southwest, another unnamed brook enters it from the east
Sutton River enters it from the southwest, near U.S. Route 5
at West Burke
. Route 5 now nearly parallels it southbound. The river then turns south-southeast. An unnamed brook, which Brook Road parallels for awhile, enters from the east.
intersects with US 5.
The Passumpsic River is a 22.7 miles (36.5 km) tributary of the Connecticut River
, in Vermont
. Though primarily a Caledonia County river, it is the only river to flow through all three counties of the Northeast Kingdom
.
. It flows southwest through Hartwellville in East Haven, then into East Burke
.
The West Branch starts as several small forks near Crystal Lake
, northeast of Sutton
. The Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway
lines follows the West Branch of the Passumpsic until it converges with the East Branch in Lyndonville
.
From Lyndonville, the river proceeds southerly through St. Johnsbury Center, St. Johnsbury
, Passumpsic, and Barnet
, and into the Connecticut River near Nine Island.
, in Essex County
. Route 114 nearly parallels it as it runs south-southeast. It soon enters Caledonia County
. It is joined by Jack Brook near Howard Brook Road in Newark
. It then turns south southwest.
Just before entering East Haven
, it is joined by Mill Brook/King Brook entering from the east. It is then joined by the confluence of Bean Brook and Whetstone Brook just inside the town of East Haven, back in Essex County. It goes through Hartwellville, in the town of East Haven, then crosses into Caledonia County for good.
In Burke
, a mile downstream, it is joined on the south by Flower Brook which flows mainly from the east. Duck Pond drains into it. It is followed by Route 5A and flows through East Burke. It converges with the west branch before 5A joins US Route 5.
. It flows briefly through Barton, back into Newark, then into Burke
.
drain into Dish Mill Brook, thence into the East Branch of the Passumpsic River. The southwest end of Burke Mountain drains into Mountain Brook, thence into the East Branch of the Passumpsic River. The south slopes and southeast side of Burke Mountain drain into Weir Mill Brook, thence into Bog Brook, the Moose River, and the Passumpsic River.
, which nearly parallels it from then on south. The river flows south from that point. After it crosses 5A going south southwest, another unnamed brook enters it from the east
Sutton River enters it from the southwest, near U.S. Route 5
at West Burke
. Route 5 now nearly parallels it southbound. The river then turns south-southeast. An unnamed brook, which Brook Road parallels for awhile, enters from the east.
intersects with US 5.
The joined river continues south. The river turns west, even west-northwest at times. An unnamed brook enters from the north. The river turns south. Miller Run enters from the west. Miller Run Valley is a sufficiently prominent feature to be followed by Interstate 91 instead of Route 5. South Wheelock Branch enters from the west southwest just south of Riverside Court. The river proceeds to the Route 5 bridge and from there to the Vail Hydro Dam. The river runs southeast, then takes a turn west northwest, as the Sheldon River
The Passumpsic River is a 22.7 miles (36.5 km) tributary of the Connecticut River
, in Vermont
. Though primarily a Caledonia County river, it is the only river to flow through all three counties of the Northeast Kingdom
.
. It flows southwest through Hartwellville in East Haven, then into East Burke
.
The West Branch starts as several small forks near Crystal Lake
, northeast of Sutton
. The Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway
lines follows the West Branch of the Passumpsic until it converges with the East Branch in Lyndonville
.
From Lyndonville, the river proceeds southerly through St. Johnsbury Center, St. Johnsbury
, Passumpsic, and Barnet
, and into the Connecticut River near Nine Island.
, in Essex County
. Route 114 nearly parallels it as it runs south-southeast. It soon enters Caledonia County
. It is joined by Jack Brook near Howard Brook Road in Newark
. It then turns south southwest.
Just before entering East Haven
, it is joined by Mill Brook/King Brook entering from the east. It is then joined by the confluence of Bean Brook and Whetstone Brook just inside the town of East Haven, back in Essex County. It goes through Hartwellville, in the town of East Haven, then crosses into Caledonia County for good.
In Burke
, a mile downstream, it is joined on the south by Flower Brook which flows mainly from the east. Duck Pond drains into it. It is followed by Route 5A and flows through East Burke. It converges with the west branch before 5A joins US Route 5.
. It flows briefly through Barton, back into Newark, then into Burke
.
drain into Dish Mill Brook, thence into the East Branch of the Passumpsic River. The southwest end of Burke Mountain drains into Mountain Brook, thence into the East Branch of the Passumpsic River. The south slopes and southeast side of Burke Mountain drain into Weir Mill Brook, thence into Bog Brook, the Moose River, and the Passumpsic River.
, which nearly parallels it from then on south. The river flows south from that point. After it crosses 5A going south southwest, another unnamed brook enters it from the east
Sutton River enters it from the southwest, near U.S. Route 5
at West Burke
. Route 5 now nearly parallels it southbound. The river then turns south-southeast. An unnamed brook, which Brook Road parallels for awhile, enters from the east.
intersects with US 5.
The joined river continues south. The river turns west, even west-northwest at times. An unnamed brook enters from the north. The river turns south. Miller Run enters from the west. Miller Run Valley is a sufficiently prominent feature to be followed by Interstate 91 instead of Route 5. South Wheelock Branch enters from the west southwest just south of Riverside Court. The river proceeds to the Route 5 bridge and from there to the Vail Hydro Dam. The river runs southeast, then takes a turn west northwest, as the Sheldon River. The Little Falls, about a mile above the Great Falls, have about a 20 feet (6.1 m) descent. The river proceeds from the gravel pit and railroad tracks to the Great Falls Dam downstream. It briefly widens to pond size south of Murray Circle.
It encounters the Great Falls Dam and runs downstream to the St. Johnsbury Pierce Mills Dam. Roberts Brook enters from the east. Stark Brook enters from the north and west, north of St. Johnsbury Center. A second Roberts Brook enters from the east. A third Roberts Brook enters from the west.
It encounters the Pierce Mills Hydro Dam. It proceeds to the Rapids after a sharp bend downstream across from the Green Mountain Trailer Park above the mall at St. Johnsbury Center. Across from the Green Mountain Trailer Park, it flows downstream to the Price Chopper store on the corner where river and the railroad come close together.
From here it flows downstream to the confluence of the Moose River. It noticeably widens here after merging coming from the west. The river is often 100-200 wide as it runs south from here on. The Sleepers River runs into it. Next downstream is the Gage Hydro Dam.
It encounters Enerick Brook which comes from Danville and enters the Passumpsic about 1 miles (1.6 km) above the mouth of Joes Brook. Joes Brook comes from Joes Pond in Danville and flows in a southeasterly direction through the town, and enters the Passumpsic about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from its mouth. Next it encounters Pass Hydro.
Water Andric enters from the west and south just north of Kitchell Hill. Joes Brook flows into it. Next the river flows through East Barnet Hydro. Joes Brook enters it from the south and west just north of Barnet Center.
It flows through East Barnet Hydro downstream to where the Passumpsic enters the Connecticut River from Barnet, about 1 miles (1.6 km) west of the Comerford Dam
.
is the longest in Vermont and New Hampshire, if not in all of New England. It extends from St. Johnsbury northward past Lyndonville, where it splits into two branches, one extending up the valley of the Sutton River to West Burke and the other extending on up the Passumpsic River valley to East Haven. In some places it is over 150 feet (45.7 m) thick and two or three hundred feet wide.
Based on research by Edward Hitchcock
two or three basins can be identified based on a larger number of interconnected terraces in the Passumpsic River Valley.
The first extends from the mouth of the Passumpsic River in Barnet, to the northwest corner of the town of Waterford, on the railroad. It is about 4 miles (6.4 km) long. The river runs through a narrow valley in Barnet, a gorge with no terraces. Narrow terraces in the Town of Passumpsic expand and form a basin. The fourth terrace on the west side of the river is part of the next basin, which is in St. Johnsbury and Lyndon. St. Johnsbury Village is on this high terrace which is called "St. Johnsbury Plain". The base of the terraces at St. Johnsbury is composed of clay. The same terrace occurs on both sides of the river valley beyond Lyndon. There are lower terraces at intervals.
Lyndonville has a high terrace. This may have once extended across the valley to form the end of a basin. Its lower strata are clayey, and are folded and curved. West of this terrace the level is lower. There is the course of a former river bed which ran towards the east. At the upper village of Lyndon the first terrace is about 1 miles (1.6 km) wide. There is a lot of sand and fine gravel adjoining.
Every stream from either side of the valley has its large terraces to correspond with those of the Passumpsic River. It is a characteristic of these terraces that they are large while their quantity is small. The count never exceeds five which is unusual.
The third basin includes the east branch of the Passumpsic River which runs through the Town of Burke. In East Burke there are several terraces. Near the village there are four on the west side, and two on the east side. Above East Burke the valley rises so that its bottom appears like a terrace. Its steep slope crosses the valley at right angles. There are indistinct terraces on its sides. Since the valley seems to be too wide to correspond with the size of the river, the valley may have been formed by water from unknown sources in prehistoric times.
The Passumpsic River sustains several dams that produce hydroelectric power for the region. Central Vermont Public Service (CVPS), operates the Passumpsic, Pierce Mills, Arnold Falls, and Gage dams. Great Falls Dam and Vail Dam are locally owned by the town of Lyndonville, VT. In 2006, the Passumpsic Valley Land Trust was given a grant by the federal government to remove the East Burke Dam from the eastern branch of the Passumpsic.
led his rangers
to the mouth of the Passumpsic on their retreat from the attack on the Abenaki Indians at St. Francis, Quebec
in 1759. Coming south, they had split up into three groups with one following the Passumpsic River Valley south.
as a river in which unusual bodies were seen floating after the heavy Vermont floods of 1927.
One United States Navy
ship has been named for the river. USS Passumpsic (AO-107)
was an oiler
that served in commission in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1973. She then decommissioned, transferred to the Military Sealift Command
, was redesignated USNS Passumpsic (T-AO-107), and continued to serve in support of the U.S. Navy with a civilian crew as a United States Naval Ship
until 1991.
Connecticut River
The Connecticut River is the largest and longest river in New England, and also an American Heritage River. It flows roughly south, starting from the Fourth Connecticut Lake in New Hampshire. After flowing through the remaining Connecticut Lakes and Lake Francis, it defines the border between the...
, in Vermont
Vermont
Vermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area, , and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census, 630,337, is the second smallest in the country, larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England...
. Though primarily a Caledonia County river, it is the only river to flow through all three counties of the Northeast Kingdom
Northeast Kingdom
The Northeast Kingdom is a term used to describe the northeast corner of the U.S. state of Vermont, comprising Essex, Orleans and Caledonia Counties and having a population of 62,438. In Vermont, the written term "NEK" is often used. The term is attributed to the late George D. Aiken, former...
.
Course
The river arises in two branches, one east, the other west. The East Branch begins just north of East HavenEast Haven, Vermont
East Haven is a town in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The population was 301 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Berlin, NH–VT Micropolitan Statistical Area...
. It flows southwest through Hartwellville in East Haven, then into East Burke
Burke, Vermont
Burke is a town in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,571 at the 2000 census. The town contains the villages of East Burke, West Burke and Burke Hollow.-Geography:...
.
The West Branch starts as several small forks near Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake (Vermont)
Crystal Lake is near the village of Barton in Orleans County, Vermont. It is a glacial lake and deep in places. Route 5 runs along the lake's western shore. Crystal Lake is in the northeast section of the state of Vermont...
, northeast of Sutton
Sutton, Vermont
Sutton is a town in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,001 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 38.4 square miles , of which 38.3 square miles is land and 0.1 square mile is...
. The Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway
Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway
The Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway is a Class II freight railroad operating in the U.S. states of Maine and Vermont and the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec. Its Canadian subsidiary is the Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Canada Company. The entire system is owned by Rail World,...
lines follows the West Branch of the Passumpsic until it converges with the East Branch in Lyndonville
Lyndonville, Vermont
Lyndonville is a village in the town of Lyndon, in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. Lyndonville's population was 1,227 at the 2000 census.-History:...
.
From Lyndonville, the river proceeds southerly through St. Johnsbury Center, St. Johnsbury
St. Johnsbury, Vermont
St. Johnsbury is the shire town of Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 7,571 at the 2000 census. St. Johnsbury is located approximately northwest of the Connecticut River and south of the Canadian border.St...
, Passumpsic, and Barnet
Barnet, Vermont
Barnet is a town in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,690 at the 2000 census. Barnet contains the locations of Barnet Center, East Barnet, McIndoe Falls, Mosquitoville, Passumpsic and West Barnet.-Geography:...
, and into the Connecticut River near Nine Island.
East Branch
The East Branch originates about 1/2 mile southeast of Sukes Pond, BrightonBrighton, Vermont
Brighton is a town in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,260 at the 2000 census. The town was named Gilead in its original grant in 1780. The town was sold to a group consisting primarily of soldiers commanded by Colonel Joseph Nightingale and subsequently named Random. The...
, in Essex County
Essex County, Vermont
Essex County is the county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Vermont. As of 2010, the population was 6,306, making it the least-populous county in both Vermont and New England...
. Route 114 nearly parallels it as it runs south-southeast. It soon enters Caledonia County
Caledonia County, Vermont
Caledonia County is a county located in the U.S. state of Vermont. As of 2010, the population was 31,227. Its shire town is St. Johnsbury.The county was given the Latin name for Scotland, in honor of the many settlers who claimed ancestry there....
. It is joined by Jack Brook near Howard Brook Road in Newark
Newark, Vermont
Newark is a town in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 470 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 37.2 square miles , of which 36.8 square miles is land and 0.4 square mile is...
. It then turns south southwest.
Just before entering East Haven
East Haven, Vermont
East Haven is a town in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The population was 301 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Berlin, NH–VT Micropolitan Statistical Area...
, it is joined by Mill Brook/King Brook entering from the east. It is then joined by the confluence of Bean Brook and Whetstone Brook just inside the town of East Haven, back in Essex County. It goes through Hartwellville, in the town of East Haven, then crosses into Caledonia County for good.
In Burke
Burke, Vermont
Burke is a town in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,571 at the 2000 census. The town contains the villages of East Burke, West Burke and Burke Hollow.-Geography:...
, a mile downstream, it is joined on the south by Flower Brook which flows mainly from the east. Duck Pond drains into it. It is followed by Route 5A and flows through East Burke. It converges with the west branch before 5A joins US Route 5.
West Branch
The West Branch first exits out the west side of Newark Pond in NewarkNewark, Vermont
Newark is a town in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 470 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 37.2 square miles , of which 36.8 square miles is land and 0.4 square mile is...
. It flows briefly through Barton, back into Newark, then into Burke
Burke, Vermont
Burke is a town in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,571 at the 2000 census. The town contains the villages of East Burke, West Burke and Burke Hollow.-Geography:...
.
Burke Mountain
The northeast and northwest sides of Burke MountainBurke Mountain (Vermont)
Burke Mountain is a mountain located in the "Northeast Kingdom" of Vermont. The bulk of the mountain is in Caledonia County, but its southeast side is in Essex County. Like the town of Burke, the mountain is probably named after the British statesman, Edmund Burke . It is flanked to the east by...
drain into Dish Mill Brook, thence into the East Branch of the Passumpsic River. The southwest end of Burke Mountain drains into Mountain Brook, thence into the East Branch of the Passumpsic River. The south slopes and southeast side of Burke Mountain drain into Weir Mill Brook, thence into Bog Brook, the Moose River, and the Passumpsic River.
Burke
It proceeds south-southwest. Arcadia Brook flows into it from the north near Arcadia Lane. West Brook flows into it from the northwest near VT 5AVermont Route 5A
Vermont Route 5A is a state highway in northeastern Vermont, United States. It is an alternate route of U.S. Route 5 that passes along the east shore of Lake Willoughby...
, which nearly parallels it from then on south. The river flows south from that point. After it crosses 5A going south southwest, another unnamed brook enters it from the east
Sutton River enters it from the southwest, near U.S. Route 5
U.S. Route 5
U.S. Route 5 is a north–south United States highway running through the New England states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Significant cities along the route include New Haven, Connecticut; Hartford, Connecticut; and Springfield, Massachusetts. From Hartford northward to St...
at West Burke
West Burke, Vermont
West Burke is a village in the town of Burke, Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 364 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
. Route 5 now nearly parallels it southbound. The river then turns south-southeast. An unnamed brook, which Brook Road parallels for awhile, enters from the east.
Lyndon (west branch only)
In Lyndon it passes through Folsom Village. Quimby and Calendar brooks enter from the west. The river turns south, near the Calendar Brook Road intersection with Route 5. The two branches merge near East Burke road just north east of where VT 114Vermont Route 114
Vermont Route 114 is a state highway in northeastern Vermont in the United States. It runs northward from U.S. Route 5 in Lyndon until nearing the Canadian border in the town of Norton; thereafter, the road continues east to the New Hampshire state line in Canaan...
intersects with US 5.
Lyndon (after two branches merge)
The joined river continues south. The river turns west, even west-northwest at times. An unnamed brook enters from the north. The river turns south. Miller Run enters from the west. Miller Run Valley is a sufficiently prominent feature to be followed by Interstate 91 instead of Route 5. South Wheelock Branch enters from the west southwest just south of Riverside Court. The river proceeds to the Route 5 bridge and from there to the Vail Hydro Dam. The river runs southeast, then takes a turn west northwest, as the Sheldon RiverThe Passumpsic River is a 22.7 miles (36.5 km) tributary of the Connecticut River
Connecticut River
The Connecticut River is the largest and longest river in New England, and also an American Heritage River. It flows roughly south, starting from the Fourth Connecticut Lake in New Hampshire. After flowing through the remaining Connecticut Lakes and Lake Francis, it defines the border between the...
, in Vermont
Vermont
Vermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area, , and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census, 630,337, is the second smallest in the country, larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England...
. Though primarily a Caledonia County river, it is the only river to flow through all three counties of the Northeast Kingdom
Northeast Kingdom
The Northeast Kingdom is a term used to describe the northeast corner of the U.S. state of Vermont, comprising Essex, Orleans and Caledonia Counties and having a population of 62,438. In Vermont, the written term "NEK" is often used. The term is attributed to the late George D. Aiken, former...
.
Course
The river arises in two branches, one east, the other west. The East Branch begins just north of East HavenEast Haven, Vermont
East Haven is a town in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The population was 301 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Berlin, NH–VT Micropolitan Statistical Area...
. It flows southwest through Hartwellville in East Haven, then into East Burke
Burke, Vermont
Burke is a town in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,571 at the 2000 census. The town contains the villages of East Burke, West Burke and Burke Hollow.-Geography:...
.
The West Branch starts as several small forks near Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake (Vermont)
Crystal Lake is near the village of Barton in Orleans County, Vermont. It is a glacial lake and deep in places. Route 5 runs along the lake's western shore. Crystal Lake is in the northeast section of the state of Vermont...
, northeast of Sutton
Sutton, Vermont
Sutton is a town in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,001 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 38.4 square miles , of which 38.3 square miles is land and 0.1 square mile is...
. The Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway
Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway
The Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway is a Class II freight railroad operating in the U.S. states of Maine and Vermont and the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec. Its Canadian subsidiary is the Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Canada Company. The entire system is owned by Rail World,...
lines follows the West Branch of the Passumpsic until it converges with the East Branch in Lyndonville
Lyndonville, Vermont
Lyndonville is a village in the town of Lyndon, in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. Lyndonville's population was 1,227 at the 2000 census.-History:...
.
From Lyndonville, the river proceeds southerly through St. Johnsbury Center, St. Johnsbury
St. Johnsbury, Vermont
St. Johnsbury is the shire town of Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 7,571 at the 2000 census. St. Johnsbury is located approximately northwest of the Connecticut River and south of the Canadian border.St...
, Passumpsic, and Barnet
Barnet, Vermont
Barnet is a town in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,690 at the 2000 census. Barnet contains the locations of Barnet Center, East Barnet, McIndoe Falls, Mosquitoville, Passumpsic and West Barnet.-Geography:...
, and into the Connecticut River near Nine Island.
East Branch
The East Branch originates about 1/2 mile southeast of Sukes Pond, BrightonBrighton, Vermont
Brighton is a town in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,260 at the 2000 census. The town was named Gilead in its original grant in 1780. The town was sold to a group consisting primarily of soldiers commanded by Colonel Joseph Nightingale and subsequently named Random. The...
, in Essex County
Essex County, Vermont
Essex County is the county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Vermont. As of 2010, the population was 6,306, making it the least-populous county in both Vermont and New England...
. Route 114 nearly parallels it as it runs south-southeast. It soon enters Caledonia County
Caledonia County, Vermont
Caledonia County is a county located in the U.S. state of Vermont. As of 2010, the population was 31,227. Its shire town is St. Johnsbury.The county was given the Latin name for Scotland, in honor of the many settlers who claimed ancestry there....
. It is joined by Jack Brook near Howard Brook Road in Newark
Newark, Vermont
Newark is a town in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 470 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 37.2 square miles , of which 36.8 square miles is land and 0.4 square mile is...
. It then turns south southwest.
Just before entering East Haven
East Haven, Vermont
East Haven is a town in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The population was 301 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Berlin, NH–VT Micropolitan Statistical Area...
, it is joined by Mill Brook/King Brook entering from the east. It is then joined by the confluence of Bean Brook and Whetstone Brook just inside the town of East Haven, back in Essex County. It goes through Hartwellville, in the town of East Haven, then crosses into Caledonia County for good.
In Burke
Burke, Vermont
Burke is a town in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,571 at the 2000 census. The town contains the villages of East Burke, West Burke and Burke Hollow.-Geography:...
, a mile downstream, it is joined on the south by Flower Brook which flows mainly from the east. Duck Pond drains into it. It is followed by Route 5A and flows through East Burke. It converges with the west branch before 5A joins US Route 5.
West Branch
The West Branch first exits out the west side of Newark Pond in NewarkNewark, Vermont
Newark is a town in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 470 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 37.2 square miles , of which 36.8 square miles is land and 0.4 square mile is...
. It flows briefly through Barton, back into Newark, then into Burke
Burke, Vermont
Burke is a town in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,571 at the 2000 census. The town contains the villages of East Burke, West Burke and Burke Hollow.-Geography:...
.
Burke Mountain
The northeast and northwest sides of Burke MountainBurke Mountain (Vermont)
Burke Mountain is a mountain located in the "Northeast Kingdom" of Vermont. The bulk of the mountain is in Caledonia County, but its southeast side is in Essex County. Like the town of Burke, the mountain is probably named after the British statesman, Edmund Burke . It is flanked to the east by...
drain into Dish Mill Brook, thence into the East Branch of the Passumpsic River. The southwest end of Burke Mountain drains into Mountain Brook, thence into the East Branch of the Passumpsic River. The south slopes and southeast side of Burke Mountain drain into Weir Mill Brook, thence into Bog Brook, the Moose River, and the Passumpsic River.
Burke
It proceeds south-southwest. Arcadia Brook flows into it from the north near Arcadia Lane. West Brook flows into it from the northwest near VT 5AVermont Route 5A
Vermont Route 5A is a state highway in northeastern Vermont, United States. It is an alternate route of U.S. Route 5 that passes along the east shore of Lake Willoughby...
, which nearly parallels it from then on south. The river flows south from that point. After it crosses 5A going south southwest, another unnamed brook enters it from the east
Sutton River enters it from the southwest, near U.S. Route 5
U.S. Route 5
U.S. Route 5 is a north–south United States highway running through the New England states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Significant cities along the route include New Haven, Connecticut; Hartford, Connecticut; and Springfield, Massachusetts. From Hartford northward to St...
at West Burke
West Burke, Vermont
West Burke is a village in the town of Burke, Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 364 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
. Route 5 now nearly parallels it southbound. The river then turns south-southeast. An unnamed brook, which Brook Road parallels for awhile, enters from the east.
Lyndon (west branch only)
In Lyndon it passes through Folsom Village. Quimby and Calendar brooks enter from the west. The river turns south, near the Calendar Brook Road intersection with Route 5. The two branches merge near East Burke road just north east of where VT 114Vermont Route 114
Vermont Route 114 is a state highway in northeastern Vermont in the United States. It runs northward from U.S. Route 5 in Lyndon until nearing the Canadian border in the town of Norton; thereafter, the road continues east to the New Hampshire state line in Canaan...
intersects with US 5.
Lyndon (after two branches merge)
The joined river continues south. The river turns west, even west-northwest at times. An unnamed brook enters from the north. The river turns south. Miller Run enters from the west. Miller Run Valley is a sufficiently prominent feature to be followed by Interstate 91 instead of Route 5. South Wheelock Branch enters from the west southwest just south of Riverside Court. The river proceeds to the Route 5 bridge and from there to the Vail Hydro Dam. The river runs southeast, then takes a turn west northwest, as the Sheldon River
The Passumpsic River is a 22.7 miles (36.5 km) tributary of the Connecticut River
Connecticut River
The Connecticut River is the largest and longest river in New England, and also an American Heritage River. It flows roughly south, starting from the Fourth Connecticut Lake in New Hampshire. After flowing through the remaining Connecticut Lakes and Lake Francis, it defines the border between the...
, in Vermont
Vermont
Vermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area, , and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census, 630,337, is the second smallest in the country, larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England...
. Though primarily a Caledonia County river, it is the only river to flow through all three counties of the Northeast Kingdom
Northeast Kingdom
The Northeast Kingdom is a term used to describe the northeast corner of the U.S. state of Vermont, comprising Essex, Orleans and Caledonia Counties and having a population of 62,438. In Vermont, the written term "NEK" is often used. The term is attributed to the late George D. Aiken, former...
.
Course
The river arises in two branches, one east, the other west. The East Branch begins just north of East HavenEast Haven, Vermont
East Haven is a town in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The population was 301 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Berlin, NH–VT Micropolitan Statistical Area...
. It flows southwest through Hartwellville in East Haven, then into East Burke
Burke, Vermont
Burke is a town in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,571 at the 2000 census. The town contains the villages of East Burke, West Burke and Burke Hollow.-Geography:...
.
The West Branch starts as several small forks near Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake (Vermont)
Crystal Lake is near the village of Barton in Orleans County, Vermont. It is a glacial lake and deep in places. Route 5 runs along the lake's western shore. Crystal Lake is in the northeast section of the state of Vermont...
, northeast of Sutton
Sutton, Vermont
Sutton is a town in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,001 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 38.4 square miles , of which 38.3 square miles is land and 0.1 square mile is...
. The Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway
Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway
The Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway is a Class II freight railroad operating in the U.S. states of Maine and Vermont and the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec. Its Canadian subsidiary is the Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Canada Company. The entire system is owned by Rail World,...
lines follows the West Branch of the Passumpsic until it converges with the East Branch in Lyndonville
Lyndonville, Vermont
Lyndonville is a village in the town of Lyndon, in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. Lyndonville's population was 1,227 at the 2000 census.-History:...
.
From Lyndonville, the river proceeds southerly through St. Johnsbury Center, St. Johnsbury
St. Johnsbury, Vermont
St. Johnsbury is the shire town of Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 7,571 at the 2000 census. St. Johnsbury is located approximately northwest of the Connecticut River and south of the Canadian border.St...
, Passumpsic, and Barnet
Barnet, Vermont
Barnet is a town in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,690 at the 2000 census. Barnet contains the locations of Barnet Center, East Barnet, McIndoe Falls, Mosquitoville, Passumpsic and West Barnet.-Geography:...
, and into the Connecticut River near Nine Island.
East Branch
The East Branch originates about 1/2 mile southeast of Sukes Pond, BrightonBrighton, Vermont
Brighton is a town in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,260 at the 2000 census. The town was named Gilead in its original grant in 1780. The town was sold to a group consisting primarily of soldiers commanded by Colonel Joseph Nightingale and subsequently named Random. The...
, in Essex County
Essex County, Vermont
Essex County is the county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Vermont. As of 2010, the population was 6,306, making it the least-populous county in both Vermont and New England...
. Route 114 nearly parallels it as it runs south-southeast. It soon enters Caledonia County
Caledonia County, Vermont
Caledonia County is a county located in the U.S. state of Vermont. As of 2010, the population was 31,227. Its shire town is St. Johnsbury.The county was given the Latin name for Scotland, in honor of the many settlers who claimed ancestry there....
. It is joined by Jack Brook near Howard Brook Road in Newark
Newark, Vermont
Newark is a town in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 470 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 37.2 square miles , of which 36.8 square miles is land and 0.4 square mile is...
. It then turns south southwest.
Just before entering East Haven
East Haven, Vermont
East Haven is a town in Essex County, Vermont, United States. The population was 301 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Berlin, NH–VT Micropolitan Statistical Area...
, it is joined by Mill Brook/King Brook entering from the east. It is then joined by the confluence of Bean Brook and Whetstone Brook just inside the town of East Haven, back in Essex County. It goes through Hartwellville, in the town of East Haven, then crosses into Caledonia County for good.
In Burke
Burke, Vermont
Burke is a town in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,571 at the 2000 census. The town contains the villages of East Burke, West Burke and Burke Hollow.-Geography:...
, a mile downstream, it is joined on the south by Flower Brook which flows mainly from the east. Duck Pond drains into it. It is followed by Route 5A and flows through East Burke. It converges with the west branch before 5A joins US Route 5.
West Branch
The West Branch first exits out the west side of Newark Pond in NewarkNewark, Vermont
Newark is a town in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 470 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 37.2 square miles , of which 36.8 square miles is land and 0.4 square mile is...
. It flows briefly through Barton, back into Newark, then into Burke
Burke, Vermont
Burke is a town in Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 1,571 at the 2000 census. The town contains the villages of East Burke, West Burke and Burke Hollow.-Geography:...
.
Burke Mountain
The northeast and northwest sides of Burke MountainBurke Mountain (Vermont)
Burke Mountain is a mountain located in the "Northeast Kingdom" of Vermont. The bulk of the mountain is in Caledonia County, but its southeast side is in Essex County. Like the town of Burke, the mountain is probably named after the British statesman, Edmund Burke . It is flanked to the east by...
drain into Dish Mill Brook, thence into the East Branch of the Passumpsic River. The southwest end of Burke Mountain drains into Mountain Brook, thence into the East Branch of the Passumpsic River. The south slopes and southeast side of Burke Mountain drain into Weir Mill Brook, thence into Bog Brook, the Moose River, and the Passumpsic River.
Burke
It proceeds south-southwest. Arcadia Brook flows into it from the north near Arcadia Lane. West Brook flows into it from the northwest near VT 5AVermont Route 5A
Vermont Route 5A is a state highway in northeastern Vermont, United States. It is an alternate route of U.S. Route 5 that passes along the east shore of Lake Willoughby...
, which nearly parallels it from then on south. The river flows south from that point. After it crosses 5A going south southwest, another unnamed brook enters it from the east
Sutton River enters it from the southwest, near U.S. Route 5
U.S. Route 5
U.S. Route 5 is a north–south United States highway running through the New England states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Significant cities along the route include New Haven, Connecticut; Hartford, Connecticut; and Springfield, Massachusetts. From Hartford northward to St...
at West Burke
West Burke, Vermont
West Burke is a village in the town of Burke, Caledonia County, Vermont, United States. The population was 364 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
. Route 5 now nearly parallels it southbound. The river then turns south-southeast. An unnamed brook, which Brook Road parallels for awhile, enters from the east.
Lyndon (west branch only)
In Lyndon it passes through Folsom Village. Quimby and Calendar brooks enter from the west. The river turns south, near the Calendar Brook Road intersection with Route 5. The two branches merge near East Burke road just north east of where VT 114Vermont Route 114
Vermont Route 114 is a state highway in northeastern Vermont in the United States. It runs northward from U.S. Route 5 in Lyndon until nearing the Canadian border in the town of Norton; thereafter, the road continues east to the New Hampshire state line in Canaan...
intersects with US 5.
Lyndon (after two branches merge)
The joined river continues south. The river turns west, even west-northwest at times. An unnamed brook enters from the north. The river turns south. Miller Run enters from the west. Miller Run Valley is a sufficiently prominent feature to be followed by Interstate 91 instead of Route 5. South Wheelock Branch enters from the west southwest just south of Riverside Court. The river proceeds to the Route 5 bridge and from there to the Vail Hydro Dam. The river runs southeast, then takes a turn west northwest, as the Sheldon River. The Little Falls, about a mile above the Great Falls, have about a 20 feet (6.1 m) descent. The river proceeds from the gravel pit and railroad tracks to the Great Falls Dam downstream. It briefly widens to pond size south of Murray Circle.
It encounters the Great Falls Dam and runs downstream to the St. Johnsbury Pierce Mills Dam. Roberts Brook enters from the east. Stark Brook enters from the north and west, north of St. Johnsbury Center. A second Roberts Brook enters from the east. A third Roberts Brook enters from the west.
St. Johnsbury
The river proceeds through the center of St. Johnsbury from north to south. From its valley the higher lands rise on either side to the east and west. In the southern part of the town it is joined by the Moose River at St. Johnsbury, a large stream from the east, and the Sleepers River, a smaller tributary, from the northwest.It encounters the Pierce Mills Hydro Dam. It proceeds to the Rapids after a sharp bend downstream across from the Green Mountain Trailer Park above the mall at St. Johnsbury Center. Across from the Green Mountain Trailer Park, it flows downstream to the Price Chopper store on the corner where river and the railroad come close together.
From here it flows downstream to the confluence of the Moose River. It noticeably widens here after merging coming from the west. The river is often 100-200 wide as it runs south from here on. The Sleepers River runs into it. Next downstream is the Gage Hydro Dam.
Waterford
The Passumpsic flows through the western corner of the town from the Gage Hydro Dam downstream to the Passumpsic Hydro Dam.Barnet
The river enters from St. Johnsbury through the corner of Waterford, in the northeastern part, and gradually turns and flows south, emptying into the Connecticut about 2.5 miles (4 km) from the northeastern corner of the town.It encounters Enerick Brook which comes from Danville and enters the Passumpsic about 1 miles (1.6 km) above the mouth of Joes Brook. Joes Brook comes from Joes Pond in Danville and flows in a southeasterly direction through the town, and enters the Passumpsic about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from its mouth. Next it encounters Pass Hydro.
Water Andric enters from the west and south just north of Kitchell Hill. Joes Brook flows into it. Next the river flows through East Barnet Hydro. Joes Brook enters it from the south and west just north of Barnet Center.
It flows through East Barnet Hydro downstream to where the Passumpsic enters the Connecticut River from Barnet, about 1 miles (1.6 km) west of the Comerford Dam
Frank D. Comerford Dam
Frank D Comerford Dam is an International Style concrete dam in the Fifteen Mile Falls of the Connecticut River, on the border between the U.S. states of New Hampshire and Vermont. The dam, located next to Monroe, New Hampshire, is named after Frank D. Comerford, who played an instrumental role in...
.
Geology
The Passumpsic Valley eskerEsker
An esker is a long winding ridge of stratified sand and gravel, examples of which occur in glaciated and formerly glaciated regions of Europe and North America...
is the longest in Vermont and New Hampshire, if not in all of New England. It extends from St. Johnsbury northward past Lyndonville, where it splits into two branches, one extending up the valley of the Sutton River to West Burke and the other extending on up the Passumpsic River valley to East Haven. In some places it is over 150 feet (45.7 m) thick and two or three hundred feet wide.
Based on research by Edward Hitchcock
Edward Hitchcock
Edward Hitchcock was a noted American geologist and the third President of Amherst College .-Life:...
two or three basins can be identified based on a larger number of interconnected terraces in the Passumpsic River Valley.
The first extends from the mouth of the Passumpsic River in Barnet, to the northwest corner of the town of Waterford, on the railroad. It is about 4 miles (6.4 km) long. The river runs through a narrow valley in Barnet, a gorge with no terraces. Narrow terraces in the Town of Passumpsic expand and form a basin. The fourth terrace on the west side of the river is part of the next basin, which is in St. Johnsbury and Lyndon. St. Johnsbury Village is on this high terrace which is called "St. Johnsbury Plain". The base of the terraces at St. Johnsbury is composed of clay. The same terrace occurs on both sides of the river valley beyond Lyndon. There are lower terraces at intervals.
Lyndonville has a high terrace. This may have once extended across the valley to form the end of a basin. Its lower strata are clayey, and are folded and curved. West of this terrace the level is lower. There is the course of a former river bed which ran towards the east. At the upper village of Lyndon the first terrace is about 1 miles (1.6 km) wide. There is a lot of sand and fine gravel adjoining.
Every stream from either side of the valley has its large terraces to correspond with those of the Passumpsic River. It is a characteristic of these terraces that they are large while their quantity is small. The count never exceeds five which is unusual.
The third basin includes the east branch of the Passumpsic River which runs through the Town of Burke. In East Burke there are several terraces. Near the village there are four on the west side, and two on the east side. Above East Burke the valley rises so that its bottom appears like a terrace. Its steep slope crosses the valley at right angles. There are indistinct terraces on its sides. Since the valley seems to be too wide to correspond with the size of the river, the valley may have been formed by water from unknown sources in prehistoric times.
Hydroelectric power
The Passumpsic River sustains several dams that produce hydroelectric power for the region. Central Vermont Public Service (CVPS), operates the Passumpsic, Pierce Mills, Arnold Falls, and Gage dams. Great Falls Dam and Vail Dam are locally owned by the town of Lyndonville, VT. In 2006, the Passumpsic Valley Land Trust was given a grant by the federal government to remove the East Burke Dam from the eastern branch of the Passumpsic.
History
Major RogersRobert Rogers (soldier)
Robert Rogers was an American colonial frontiersman. Rogers served in the British army during both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution...
led his rangers
Rogers' Rangers
Rogers' Rangers was an independent company of colonial militia, attached to the British Army during the Seven Years War . The unit was informally trained by Major Robert Rogers as a rapidly deployable light infantry force tasked with reconnaissance and conducting special operations against distant...
to the mouth of the Passumpsic on their retreat from the attack on the Abenaki Indians at St. Francis, Quebec
Saint-François-du-Lac, Quebec
Saint-François-du-Lac is a community in the Nicolet-Yamaska Regional County Municipality of Quebec, Canada. The population as of the Canada 2006 Census was 2,002...
in 1759. Coming south, they had split up into three groups with one following the Passumpsic River Valley south.
Popular and official references
H.P. Lovecraft refers to the river in his horror short story The Whisperer in DarknessThe Whisperer in Darkness
"The Whisperer in Darkness" is a short story by H. P. Lovecraft. Written February–September 1930, it was first published in Weird Tales, August 1931. Similar to "The Colour Out of Space" , it is a blend of horror and science fiction...
as a river in which unusual bodies were seen floating after the heavy Vermont floods of 1927.
One United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
ship has been named for the river. USS Passumpsic (AO-107)
USS Passumpsic (AO-107)
USS Passumpsic , the only United States Navy ship to bear the name, was an Ashtabula class fleet replenishment oiler that served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1973, then transferred to the Military Sealift Command to continue service as United States Naval Ship USNS Passumpsic . She was the only U.S...
was an oiler
Replenishment Oiler
A replenishment oiler or fleet tanker is a naval auxiliary ship with fuel tanks and dry cargo holds, which can replenish other ships while underway in the high seas. Such ships are used by several countries around the world....
that served in commission in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1973. She then decommissioned, transferred to the Military Sealift Command
Military Sealift Command
The Military Sealift Command is a United States Navy organization that controls most of the replenishment and military transport ships of the Navy. It first came into existence on 9 July 1949 when the Military Sea Transportation Service became solely responsible for the Department of Defense's...
, was redesignated USNS Passumpsic (T-AO-107), and continued to serve in support of the U.S. Navy with a civilian crew as a United States Naval Ship
United States Naval Ship
United States Naval Ship or USNS is the prefix designation given to non-commissioned ships that are property of the United States Navy.-Overview:...
until 1991.