Milestones 2015
“The Crown Point Road was not a static, fixed-in-place road, but more like the creek which it often followed, was constantly changing and evolving …”
(CPRA Explorer Al Ransom)
It seems that almost every hike suggests new directions with the discovery of some long-forgotten cellar hole, stone wall or overgrown trail, prompting speculation and a need for further research.
It is this sense of curiosity and the pursuit of early Vermont history that has kept the CPRA active over the past fifty-five plus years. It also seems that an average of five hikes per year is not adequate when there is still so much to be learned!
Hike leaders and members are always gratified when landowners on the route join in with enthusiasm to help us learn the history of their property.
The Crown Point Road has many known branches and deviations from the 1759 road as planned by the British under General Jeffrey Amherst. As soon as 1760 the road was undergoing alterations and by the time of the American Revolution numerous changes had been made.
Other historic roads may receive more recognition but the Crown Point Road retains its mystery and offers exciting opportunities for on-site exploration.
Review of 2014 Events
It was a very active year for the CPRA with eleven events scheduled in the calendar. Highlights of the year included the following:
Perhaps most noteworthy, was the conclusion of the car tour series that was led by CPRA President, Jim Rowe. The tour series started eight years ago and was originally suggested by CPRA Historian Elaine Purdy. The tour series developed into a popular annual event and, if you attended one of the events, then please send us feedback as we are considering whether or not to repeat the series again in the near future.
Three events focused on the Hubbardton Military Road. The old road is of continuing interest to the CPRA and the exploration has raised many good discussions about its possible location and historical significance.
On August 17th, CPRA treasurer Jim Moore led an archeology dig in Proctor. The weather was not great, but participants were spared from the expected onslaught of mosquitoes. During the exploration, a shaped stone artifact, most likely used as a hammer stone, was discovered.
Starting September 13th, an End-to-End hike was led by Becky Tucker. Due to low participation, only half of the distance was hiked, but all those who joined Becky enjoyed their journey.
On October 11th, Vice President Barry Griffith shared his extensive research into Hawkes Encampment and he led a group to the site during the course of the day. Barry is notorious for his attention to detail as an amateur historian and the results of his research have been posted on the CPRA Blog. A must read!
Outreach
The Crown Point Road Association has several venues for keeping its members and others informed about its activities along with offering opportunities for participation.
A listing of the CPR historical database archives in the Vermont Collection at Middlebury College may be seen at: Crown Point Road Asociation Archives . Available for viewing are videos produced by Marita Johnson. These include the 2009 End -End hike and the auto tours which have been shown on Public TV. The programs may be booked by emailing info@crownpointroad.org or by contacting a CPRA officer.
The CPRA website and CPRA Blog continue to be the most popular and accessible resources for Association information and inquiries. We welcome all posts related to the old military road, settlement history, and all the great stories to be told. Submit your post to Blog Administrator Jim Purdy and he will assist you as required to format your post, pictures, captions … Jim welcomes your input. Give it a try!
The fifth edition of the Historical Markers on the Crown Point Road was printed in 2011 and may be ordered from Treasurer, Jim Moore by completing the online order form at www.crownpointroad.org/bookform.htm .
The CPRA is supporting a group of Association Members who are researching a Revolutionary War branch known as the Mount Independence – Hubbardton 1776 Military Road. This road joined the 1759 and 1776 Crown Point Roads at Center Rutland. The history of this road is full of mystery and offers exciting opportunities for on-site exploration. For those looking to learn more about this military road branch, there is now a website devoted to its research and history www.hubbardtonmilitaryroad.org . The only known publication on the road written by Joseph Wheeler in 1968, titled: The Mount Independence-Hubbardton 1776 Military Road is now in the public domain. A high quality scan of the publication has been prepared by Historian Bill Powers and the scanned document is available for free download here: The Mount Independence-Hubbardton 1776 Military Road .
Plans for 2015 include more exploration, replacement of “lost” original roadway signs, and more research. A Wikipedia page has been created and, for those who wish to contribute, it can be found here: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubbardton_Military_Road .
Membership Incentives
CPR Marker Photo Contest
The contest rules are quite simple, the 1st person to submit a photo of each of the CPR markers will get their name published in next year’s brochure (optional), and the contest winner may select one of the following awards:
(1) Copy of the 2011 CPR Marker Book, or
A Free (1) Year Membership to the CPRA
The photos will be utilized to add up to date information to our Google Maps Project and the contest winner will be given photo credit for each image used.
Historical Markers Book Challenge
Answer this question to win a Free (1) Year Membership to the CPRA:
Who was credited for killing a deer on the river at Bradford in 1759, thus providing food for his starving companions on their return from Robert Rogers’ raid on the St Francis Indians?
Contestants should email their answer to this question to info@crownpointroad.org . You must be a current member of the CPRA to participate. The award will be issued to the first member to respond with the correct answer to this question. Start reading now!