The area developed because of the rich agricultural possibilities afforded by broad oxbows in the river.

The village developed in the 19th century as a local market center and as a stagecoach stop.

[6] Boston University, one of New England's largest universities, traces its roots to the establishment of the Newbury Biblical Institute, a Methodist school founded in Newbury, Vermont in 1839.

The racial makeup of the village was 99.24% White, 0.51% Native American, and 0.25% from two or more races.

30.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.