South Hero History

 South Hero was  established in Oct, 1779 as part of the "Two Heroes", a land grant to the Green Mountain Boys for their service in protecting Vermont  landowners from New York and New Hampshire claims.  The original grant was both islands.  The first settlers came in fall of 1779.  Ebenezer Allen settled in the south portion of the southern island.  Alexander Gordon settled in the northern part of the southern island (now Ladd's Landing).   Lamberton Allen took up residence in the middle of the west shore of what is now Grand Isle.

Few of the original grantees actually settled their claims.  Many sold them and many left the grant unimproved and thus the land reverted back to the town or republic, sometimes for back taxes.  Some people bought a number of lots in speculation.

The islands were heavily wooded. The first winters for these settlers were difficult and they often had to ration food.  

About 1788  , the two islands were split into to towns:  North Hero and South Hero as the distance between was too far for people to attend town meetings, etc.

The 1790 census reports  95 families, 164 males over 16,  128 males under 16, and  245 females  

This was about 537 total, but note it was what is now considered both South Hero and Grand Isle.

It was the second most populous town in Chittenden County after Charlotte.

The Grand List for 1793 gives 146 properties.  

 In 1798 , the south island was split into two towns - South Hero and Middle Hero (name changed to Grand Isle  in 1810).

For more information, visit the museum and/or attend a Historical Society Presentation.

Also , the excellent books by Allen Stratton,   History of the South Heroe Island  being the towns of South Hero and Grand Isle.   These are avaialble in the local libraries and can be found for sale through the Grand Isle HIstorical Society,