The site of the Preston-Lafreniere Farm contains many natural and man made elements which made it a prime piece of farming property. Alongside the southern banks of the Winooski River is a large tract of open meadows (+/- 40 acres), rich in natural nutrients from river flooding, for the use of pasture, hay fields and cropland for wheat, corn, oats, beans, peas, and potatoes. Since the land was a prime farming location for Colonial settlers, Native Americans and possibly pre-historic populations may have inhabited the site. The open farm land meets the barns and the farmstead at the junction of Duxbury Road and the Preston Brook where the land begins a rugged climb up Camel's Hump Mountain to the south. Here the forests provided a bountiful supply of wood for potash, building lumber, and fire wood, while the dramatic pools and waterfalls became a prime location for the c. 1870 Preston saw mill. Remains of the saw mill's foundation can be found along the western edge of the Preston Brook. A 30' x 50' (approximate dimensions) U-shaped, field stones and mortar foundation rises from the brook's edge, turns perpendicularly along a deep gorge in a northerly direction, and is attached to a c. 1920 concrete wall as the foundation returns to the steep embankment. Looking to the north from the farmstead, the Vermont Central Railroad meanders alongside the Winooski River with Interstate 89 and the foothills of Mount Mansfield located beyond.

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