About Guilford

We are thankful to the students of the Guilford Central School who have created and continue to maintain the “About Guilford” section of this website.

About Guilford 
By Nelly, 6th Grader

Tucked back in the Connecticut River Valley, Guilford, Vermont is a small town filled with life, yet quiet enough to settle back. Relax. The calm days and cool nights give you room to breathe and a comfortable climate to take in the natural splendor, the history and culture of our colorful town.

Relative Location

Guilford is located in the southeastern corner of the state of Vermont. It is nestled between the Connecticut River and the Deerfield Valley, south of Brattleboro, Vermont and directly north of the Massachusetts border. We are about 20 miles west of Keene, NH, approximately 200 miles north-northeast of New York City, and 100 miles northwest of Boston.

Exact Location • 42.817º N, 72.567º W

Land

The land in Guilford is hilly and green. The northern reaches of the Appalachian Mountains are a protecting shield around us. Warm, lush summers are countered by harsh, cold winters with lots of snow, providing a great place to cross county ski. 

Several rivers, streams, and ponds within Guilford are good for a number of things such as swimming, skating, and taking pictures while sightseeing. The Green River and Broad Brook are our main rivers. The Green River Dam, Weatherhead Hollow Pond and Sweet Pond are all prime swimming, skating and fishing spots. 

The highest point in Guilford is Governor’s Mountain, which stands 1823 feet, and the lowest point is to the northeast, near Vernon, at 250 feet, where the Broad Brook meets the Connecticut River. The land of Guilford is home to several kinds of wild animals: deer, moose, bear, wild turkeys, and coyotes. Another major animal in Guilford, though not wild, is the cow. Some people say there are more cows than people! You can see them grazing in grassy fields and on our gently sloping hillsides.

Of Special Interest

Besides these natural features, there are many interesting man-made signs in Guilford. Many old churches still stand, and there are 14 one-room schoolhouses. One of these is owned by the Guilford Historical Society and is maintained as a museum. Other cool sights include the covered bridge and crib dam in Green River Village, and our many slate cemeteries. As a resident or visitor of Guilford, there are many activities open to you. These traditions like maple sugaring, sugar-on-snow suppers, the Guilford Fair on Labor Day Weekend, and even our friendliness are part of our heritage.