Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, Vermont | |
---|---|
Country | United States |
State | Vermont |
County | Lamoille |
Area | |
• Total | 72.7 sq mi (188.4 km2) |
• Land | 72.7 sq mi (188.2 km2) |
• Water | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km2) |
Elevation | 968 ft (295 m) |
Population (2000) | |
• Total | 4,339 |
• Density | 59.7/sq mi (23.1/km2) |
Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
ZIP code | 05672 |
Area code | 802 |
FIPS code | 50-70525Template:GR |
GNIS feature ID | 1462219Template:GR |
Stowe is a town in Lamoille County, Vermont, United States. The population was 4,339 at the 2000 census. Tourism is a significant industry.
History
The 2007 Fed Cup Semifinals between the United States team (coached by Zina Garrison) and Russia took place in Stowe on hard courts in July. Vania King, Lisa Raymond, Meilen Tu and Venus Williams made up the team for the U.S. A 4100 capacity stadium was built at Topnotch Resort, a high-end resort located in Stowe.[1]
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 72.7 square miles (188.4 km2), of which, 72.7 square miles (188.2 km2) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km2) of it (0.10%) is water. By area, it is the second-largest town in the state of Vermont (after Chittenden in Rutland County).
Stowe lies in a broad, fertile valley between Mt. Mansfield and other peaks of the Green Mountains on the west, and the Worcester Range or "Hogback" Mountains on the east. The Waterbury River (or Little River, as it is presently known) with its main East and West branches and various tributaries, flows southward and, above Waterbury Center, empties into the large reservoir created by the flood control dam. From there the "Little River" flows southward and eventually empties into the westward flowing Winooski River west of the Village of Waterbury.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 4,339 people, 1,905 households, and 1,129 families residing in the town. The population density was 59.7 people per square mile (23.1/km2). There were 2,728 housing units at an average density of 37.5/sq mi (14.5/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.51% White, 0.28% African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.44% Asian, 0.23% from other races, and 1.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.06% of the population.
There were 1,905 households out of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.7% were non-families. 29.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.83.
In the town the population was spread out with 21.1% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 30.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 103.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.2 males.
Economy
Personal income
The median income for a household in the town was $52,378, and the median income for a family was $64,700. Males had a median income of $37,788 versus $31,689 for females. The per capita income for the town was $35,474. About 3.7% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.8% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.
Stowe's economy is almost entirely tourism based. Numerous lodges, shops and restaurants serve the many visitors to this area. The Trapp Family Lodge, in particular, is a major draw, and serves as one of the principal concert sites for the Vermont Mozart Festival. In the winter, Stowe Mountain Resort ski area is the community's largest employer. Although most famous for its skiing, Stowe's summer and fall seasons are also popular with visitors. Historically there has been some manufacturing in Stowe, such as the Tubbs Snowshoe factory, but they recently closed up shop and moved their manufacturing overseas to China.
Tourism
Skiing
At 4,393 feet (1,339 m), Mount Mansfield is Vermont's highest mountain and is a ski area with terrain suitable for intermediate to expert skiers. The famous "Front Four" trails (National, Lift Line, Starr and Goat) are the most challenging. The lower altitude Spruce Peak is suitable for beginners and intermediates. Stowe has infamously been known as "the ski capital of The East."[citation needed]
Points of Interest
Other activities
Stowe has many hiking facilities on and around Mount Mansfield, and Smuggler's Notch State Park such as the long trail, of which are operated by the Green Mountain Club. Rock Climbing and Ice Climbing are popular activities.
Stowe Recreation Path
The Stowe Recreation Path, is a recreation trail[2] that runs 5.3 miles (8.5 km), and was completed in 1989 at a total cost of $680,000. The Stowe Recreation Path has received several awards and honors, and many people consider it a great improvement to the town.[3]
Education
The town supports Stowe Elementary School, Stowe Middle School, and Stowe High School.
Stowe Land Trust
Stowe Land Trust has conserved 25 properties and over 3,000 acres (12 km2), many of which are available to the public. One is Wiessner Woods, conserved by the trust in 1992 through a donation from the Wiessner family.[4]
Media
Radio station WCVT; is licensed to Stowe, and programs a classical music format.
Notable residents
- Douglas Casey, investor and financial author.
- William "Billy" Kidd, alpine skier who became the first American man to earn an Olympic medal in the sport.
- Joe Kirkwood, Sr., professional golfer.
- Graham Mink, professional hockey player.
- Joseph Skinger, artisan.
- Ken Squier, former NASCAR Lap-by-Lap commentator
- Maria von Trapp, matriarch of the Trapp Family Singers.
- Fritz Wiessner, pioneer of free climbing.
Gallery
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Stowe Community Church
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Opposite the Town Hall is Shaw's General Store
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Stowe's main ski resort is located on Mount Mansfield.
References
- ^ Official site for the Fed Cup in Stowe
- ^ Map of Path, SuperPages.com
- ^ "History of the Stowe Recreation Path", Town of Stowe
- ^ Stowe Land Trust: Wiessner Woods