Considered one of the smallest cities in the United States (just under 1,200 acres), was never orginally chartered as a town or independent village, and is believed to be the third oldest city in the United States; only the Connecticut cities of Hartford and New Haven are older.

Named after Charles Gravier, Comte de Vergennes who is most known for negoatiating the 1783 Treat of Paris that ended the Revolutionary War.

Historically, Thomas Macdonough built and armed the fleet at Otter Creek that would defeat the British on Lake Champlain.