Gateway
 to the
 Silvio O. Conte National Fish
 and
 Wildlife Refuge Nulhegan Basin

Brighton Vermont is a rural town blessed with beauty in its clear rivers streams, lakes and ponds, abundant forests, and geological variety.

The Town of Brighton, Vermont, officially established in 1832, remained a small and isolated community because of the inaccessibility resulting from the rugged, harsh environment. That changed in 1853, when the Atlantic and St. Lawrence Railroad brought jobs including a U.S. customs office, and a tenfold population growth, playing a significant role in the community throughout the two world wars. The customs office officially moved out of Island Pond in 1973. Today the railroad is still in use, however, mainly for transportation of freight and perhaps once a summer, an excursion train passes through.

Today, Brighton is a community of over 1300 residents, the majority of whom live in Island Pond. The community is showing a slow economic growth and lack of employment opportunities. The 1990 census reported unemployment at 28.6%, with 19% of the population living below the poverty level. Also, many of those that belonged to the Church group in town left here to reside in other areas. The majority of the employed people of Island Pond are employed in retail and professional fields such as health and education or in manufacturing. At this point, employment in manufacturing decreased when in August of 2001, Ethan Allen closed the doors of its furniture factory here in Island Pond. Other significant sources of employment include transportation, construction, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and public administration. Of those employed, 41% must commute outside of the county to get to their jobs. Significant community employment exists in local businesses, enhanced by growing tourism.

Island Pond enjoys a rich diversity of natural resources. In addition to the well-known lake and island, Brighton is home to McConnell Pond, Spectacle Pond, Beecher Pond, and a few smaller ponds. Much of the land is covered by boreal forest and wetlands providing an amazing diversity of wildlife and vegetation. Bluff Mountain, the Clyde River and many other rivers and streams add to the unique resources of Brighton. Brighton State Park and an expansive trail system provide an opportunity for residents and tourists alike to enjoy camping, views, hiking, beaches, snowmobiling and cross country skiing. The landscape of historic buildings, mountains, open space and spectacular views provide Brighton with a unique rural character that must be preserved.