Vermont: The Green Mountain State

Top 10 Most Interesting Facts About Vermont

1. State Motto: "Freedom and Unity."
2. State Bird: Hermit Thrush.
3. State Flower: Red Clover.
4. Vermont is the only New England state without a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean.
5. It was the first state to join the Union after the original 13 colonies.
6. Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the U.S. and the only one without a McDonald's.
7. Vermont is the largest producer of maple syrup in the United States.
8. The Green Mountain Boys, a militia group, played a key role in the American Revolutionary War.
9. Vermont was the first state to abolish slavery in its constitution in 1777.
10. Ben & Jerry's, the iconic ice cream company, was founded in Vermont in 1978.

Geography of Vermont

Vermont's geography is defined by its rolling mountains, lush forests, and picturesque valleys:

• Highest Point: Mount Mansfield (4,395 feet).
• Lowest Point: Lake Champlain (95 feet).
• Major Rivers: Connecticut River, Otter Creek, and Winooski River.

A Brief History of Vermont

Vermont's history is deeply tied to its role in the American Revolution and its independent spirit:

• Originally inhabited by the Abenaki people, Vermont's name comes from the French "Vert Mont" (Green Mountain).
• Vermont was an independent republic from 1777 to 1791 before joining the U.S. as the 14th state.
• The state played a key role in the Revolutionary War, with the Green Mountain Boys fighting for independence.
• Vermont's agricultural heritage has shaped its economy, especially its dairy and maple syrup industries.

Top 20 Things to Do in Vermont

1. Explore Lake Champlain and its waterfront in Burlington.
2. Hit the slopes at Stowe Mountain Resort.
3. Visit the Shelburne Museum for a taste of American history and art.
4. Tour the Vermont State House in Montpelier.
5. Enjoy ice cream at the Ben & Jerry's Factory in Waterbury.
6. Hike the trails at Smugglers' Notch State Park.
7. Tour Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home in Manchester.
8. Discover the Green Mountain National Forest.
9. Ski or snowboard at Killington Ski Resort.
10. Marvel at the views of Quechee Gorge.
11. Stroll along Church Street Marketplace in Burlington.
12. Visit the charming town of Woodstock.
13. Ski the legendary terrain at Mad River Glen.
14. Tour the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory.
15. Hike to Moss Glen Falls near Stowe.
16. Shop local at the Brattleboro Farmers' Market.
17. Explore Middlebury's historic sites and college campus.
18. Visit the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site in Plymouth Notch.
19. Ski or hike at Sugarbush Resort.
20. Relax by the shores of Lake Willoughby.

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Vermont, visit the state's official tourism site: Vermont Vacation