The earliest history of Waterford is under its original name, which was Littleton (Vt.). According to the Vermont State Archives & Records Administration (VSARA), "Littleton was created by a Vermont charter in 1780. The town name changed to Waterford in 1797."
VSARA offers through its website a selection of "lotting plans" of Vermont's earliest years, as investors and potential settlers divided up land that had been by custom held by the Abenakis. (There was no agreement from the tribe for this, so the lands today are called "unceded" -- that is, never actually "given up.")
This map of the town's lots shows many familiar names. When I (BK) find a good explanation of the "divisions" referred to, I will add it to this post. Meanwhile, here is the fascinating map!
For comparison, here is the 1875 Beers Atlas map of the town (can be purchased today from www.old-maps.com):
