From Historical Rutland : an illustrated history of Rutland, Vermont, from the granting of the charter in 1761 to 1911 by Rev. F. E. Davison, Rutland, Vt.: P.H. Brehmer, 1911, page 4:
Historical Rutland
IN ORDER TO GET the proper perspective for a history of Rutland, it is necessary to go back to the earliest records and trace events which have followed in succession the discovery of Lake Champlain, July 4, 1609. The discovery of that body of water was also the disclosure of the territory now comprised in Rutland County, of which the City of Rutland is so important a part.