Bill Wilson Landmarks

Walk Through the Landmarks of Bill Wilson's Life

Take a walk through East Dorset and the surrounding areas in Vermont to explore the significant landmarks that created the life of Bill Wilson. From his birthplace at The Wilson House to the peaceful East Dorset Cemetery, these locations offer a journey through the key moments and influences that shaped his legacy. As you visit each site, you'll connect with the history and inspiration behind a movement that has touched millions around the world.

Map Key

  • Wilson House: Birthplace of AA founder, William Griffith Wilson, in a small room behind the bar of his paternal grandmother’s inn, The Wilson House. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • Griffith Library: Home to Bill and Dorothy Wilson’s maternal grandparents Fayette and Ella Griffith and their childhood home, now a repository of 12 step and spiritual recovery materials.

  • St. Jerome’s Catholic Cemetery: Final resting place for John Mark Whalon, Bill’s mentor and friend, East Dorset postman and author.

  • Burr and Burton: Boarding and high school attended by Bill (1909-1913), Dorothy and Ebby Thacher.

  • Emerald Lake State Park: The Burnham family camp stood on the southwestern shore, where Bill would meet his future wife, Lois Burnham, cofounder of Al Anon. They would spend time at the “camp” in 1924 during their motorcycle trip (p.2,3 Bill’s Story, Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book).

  • East Dorset Cemetery: Final resting place of Bill and Lois, Dorothy Wilson Strong and her husband Dr. Leonard Strong who introduced Bill to Dr. Silkworth (p.7 Bill’s Story, Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book), Bill’s parents and grandparents from the Wilson and Griffith family and great grandparent Barrows.

  • Thacher House (ca.1925-): Bill’s sponsor, who carried the message to him (p.8 Bill’s Story, Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book).

  • Soldiers Monument: Bill’s paternal grandfather and namesake, William C. Wilson served during the Civil War.

  • Manchester Airport: Scene of Bill and Ebby’s infamous jag, landing in 1928 after charting a flight from nearby Albany, NY (p.9 Bill’s Story, Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book).

  • Factory Point Cemetery: resting place of Bill’s great-grandfather Gilman Wilson, successful business man in the marble industry.

  • Zion Episcopal Church: Bill’s first love and classmate, Bertha Bamford who died suddenly in 1912 is memorialized by a plaque on the pulpit, her father Rev. Walter Bamford served the church rector until 1922.

  • Freedley Quarry: Three generations of Wilson’s including Bill’s father Gilman worked or were partners of this marble quarry property.

  • Manchester Depot Station: Bill and Dorothy would take the weekly train to and from school.

  • Ekwanok Country Club: Had inspired awe in Bill as a lad and would play there as a successful broker in 1929 (p. 3,4 Bill’s Story, Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book).