Chartered in 1781, Northfield is nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountains, with highlands to the east and west and the Dog River running through the center of town. It was once home to primarily farms, sawmills, and gristmills. With Elijah Paine building the first mills on Mill Hill, Northfield grew into a town comprising four villages. The community began to thrive with the coming of the railroad in the mid-1800s. Large granite sheds brought stonecutters and artisans from Italy, Spain, and Scotland. With woolen mills and a slate industry, Northfield changed from a largely agricultural town to an industrial one. In 1866, it became home to Norwich University. A vital part of the community, Norwich offers a wide variety of athletic and cultural events. Northfield captures the history of a community that still celebrates its heritage today.