Welcome to the Official Website of the Town of Bethel, Vermont Town Charter: The State of Vermont declared its independence on July 4, 1777 and on March 3, 1778 set up an organized government with sovereign powers, calling it New Connecticut.  Before 1778 all town charters had been granted by either New Hampshire or New York, both claiming ownership of the land.  Bethel was chartered December 23, 1779 by the Republic of Vermont.  For additional information regarding the history of Bethel, click here.