List of Vermont counties

In 1778, Vermont had only two counties:

Bennington County: formed in 1778 as one of two original counties, and comprised the western side of the state. County seat: Bennington
Orange County: formed in 1778 as Unity County -- one of two original counties, and comprised the eastern side of the state. Renamed Orange County in 1781. County seat: Chelsea

The two counties were split into five as of 1781:

Rutland County: formed in 1781 from the northern part of Bennington County. County seat: Rutland
Windham County: formed in 1781 from part of Unity (Orange) County. County seat: Newfane
Windsor County: formed in 1781 from part of Unity (Orange) County. County seat: Woodstock

Over time, more counties were carved out:

Addison County: formed in 1785 from part of Rutland County. County seat: Middlebury
Chittenden County: formed in 1787 from part of Addison County. County seat: Burlington
Franklin County: formed in 1791 from part of Chittenden County. County seat: St. Albans
Grand Isle County: formed in 1805 from part of Franklin County. County seat: North Hero
Washington County: formed in 1810 from parts of Addison County, Caledonia County, Chittenden County, and Orange County. County seat (and the state capital): Montpelier
Lamoille County: formed in 1835 from parts of Chittenden County, Franklin County, Orleans County. County seat: Hyde Park

Three remaining counties make up what has come to be known as the Northeast Kingdom:

Essex County: formed in 1791 from part of Orange County. County seat: Guildhall
Orleans County: formed in 1791 from part of Orange County. County seat: Newport
Caledonia County: formed in 1796 from part of Orange County. County seat: St. Johnsbury

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