Vermont Facts

vermont

Introduction

Vermont is a state located in the northeastern United States, known for its naturally forested landscape. This region of New England boasts more than 100 19th-century covered wooden bridges, as well as being a major maple syrup producer. There are hiking trails and ski slopes that cross thousands of acres of mountain terrain.


QUICK FACTS ABOUT VERMONT
  • Capital City: Montpelier
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  • Largest City: Burlington
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  • Nickname: The Green Mountain State
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  • Statehood: 1791; 14th state
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  • Population (as of 2020): 643,503
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  • Abbreviation: VT
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  • State bird: hermit thrush
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  • State flower: red clover
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  • Total Size Of The State: 9,616 sq mi (24,923 km2)
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    Vermont

    Historical Background

    About 13,000 years ago, people lived in the land we now call Vermont. Throughout history, Native American tribes such as the Abenaki, the Mohican, the Pennacook, the Pocomtuc, and the Massachusett have lived on the land; today, there are still Abenakis living in Vermont.

    Samuel de Champlain claimed part of the region for France in 1609. In 1724, the British established the first permanent settlement in the area. Nine years of war broke out between the two European powers in 1754, until Britain emerged victorious. In 1777, Vermont declared independence from New York after King George III merged the area into part of New York. In the Revolutionary War, Vermont fought for the American cause. However, the Green Mountain State remained separate from the United States for 14 years, which meant it had its own currency, postal service, constitution, and president. Vermont became the 14th state in 1791.

    Vermont fought on the Union side during the Civil War (1861-1865).


    Why Does It Have That Name?

  • Its name is derived from two French words: vert, which means "green," and mont, which means "mountain."

  • Originally engaged in protecting Vermont's land from New York, the Green Mountain Boys were later reconstituted to fight in the American Revolution, the American Civil War, and the Spanish American War.


    • Geographic Features and Landforms

  • As one of the New England states (states that were first settled by Puritans from England), Vermont is part of the New England region. Canada lies to the north, New Hampshire to the east, Massachusetts to the south, and New York to the west. Mountains and forests cover much of the state.

  • Its most famous range is the Green Mountains, located in the center of the state. The rocks are believed to have formed over 400 million years ago, making them some of the oldest in the world. Mount Mansfield lies at the top of this range.

  • Granite peaks are divided by streams in the rugged Northeast Highlands, which can be found in the northeast part of the state. Vermont Piedmont is the largest geographic region, running north to south from the east. A fertile valley of the Connecticut River runs through the region. Piedmont is dotted with lakes.

  • Southwestern Vermont is home to the Taconic Mountains, which feature high peaks, streams, and lakes. Vermont Valley is located between the Taconic and the Green Mountains in the western part of the state. Valleys and rivers are its main features.

  • On the edge of Lake Champlain lies the Champlain Valley, also known as the Vermont Lowland. Air blown off the lake cools the fertile farming region in the summer; in the winter, the lake absorbs heat and warms the area.


    • The Natural World

    Vermont's mammals include black bears, moose, white-tailed deer, red foxes, fishers, and martens. A few of Vermont's winged residents include barred owls, ospreys, peregrine falcons, ruffed grouse, American robins, and eastern bluebirds.

    Among the state's reptiles are snapping turtles, five-lined skinks, and red-bellied snakes. The amphibians include mudpuppies (a kind of salamander), American bullfrogs, and Jefferson salamanders.

    Sugar maple sap is the source of Vermont's famous maple syrup. Besides yellow birch, pine, spruce, and cedar, other common trees include yellow birch, pine, and spruce. As well as its wildflowers, the Green Mountain State is known for its wild bleeding hearts, bulbous buttercups, pink fairies, and sweet white violets.


    Natural Resources

    Forests cover about 78 percent of Vermont's territory, generating about 1.5 billion dollars in revenue each year. The state produces almost two million gallons of maple syrup every year - enough to fill about 40,000 bathtubs.

    In addition to granite, marble, and slate, Vermont is also famous for its mining industry.


    Some Fun Facts About Vermont

  • Vermont gave birth to President Calvin Coolidge, Mormon leader Brigham Young, and inventor and farm equipment leader John Deere.

  • Vermont visitors can enjoy maple sugar candy, maple lollipops, and maple ice cream.

  • The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park offers hiking trails and gardens to inspire conservation and teach history.

  • Nearby is the Billings Farm and Museum, which features an 1890 farmhouse, Jersey dairy cows, draft horses, and sheep. Cheese tastings are available.

  • A tour and tasting of Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory are available in Waterbury.

  • Lake Champlain, which straddles the border between Vermont and New York, is said to be home to a lake monster named Champ.