Travel New England: Jamaica, Vermont

The town of Jamaica is located along Route 100 in the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont. It has just over 1,000 residents and consists of the villages of Jamaica Center, East Jamaica, and Rawsonville.

Jamaica Memorial Library

The community is not named after the Caribbean Island but the Natick/Algonquian for "beaver." Both the West River and the Ball Mountain Brook run through Jamaica.

One of the many historic homes in Jamaica. (Doug Kerr - May 2012)

Since its charter in 1780, Jamaica has transitioned from a colonial timber industry community to an industrial wool industry in the mid-19th century, to a community driven by outdoor recreation (skiing, fishing, golf, etc.) Nearby Jamaica State Park is a popular fishing, hiking, camping, and mountain biking destination.

Jamaica Town Hall - In addition to the annual town meeting - Jamaica Town Hall hosts community activities and events.

Jamaica continues the New England tradition of an annual town meeting. Held the first Tuesday of every March, the town's budget, town officers (Selectperson), ordinances, and other items are discussed and voted on. The town officers are nominated from the floor and elected that day.

All photos taken by post author - May 2012 unless otherwise noted.

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