IntroductionVermont is a small, beautiful state nestled between Canada (Quebec) to the north, New Hampshire to the east, Massachusetts to the south and New York to the west and comprises approximately 9,250 square miles of land mass. The US Census Bureau estimates Vermont’s population at 619,107 (2003), growing approximately .05% per year or about _ the national average. Famous for its natural beauty, Vermont’s Green Mountains contain four distinct groups (Green Mountains, Taconic Mountains, Granite Hills and Red Sandrock Hills) including the Green Mountains proper which traverse the entire length of the state north to south. Vermont differs from its neighbors in that it is the only inland state: all the other New England States, New York and Quebec have Atlantic Ocean coastlines.
That doesn’t mean though that Vermont doesn’t enjoy water recreation! Vermont and New York share Lake Champlain as their common border for 120 miles north to south, which has 587 miles of shoreline and a water surface area of approximately 435 miles.
Vermont has significant granite & marble deposits and is well known for the lake, its mountains, fall foliage, diary products, maple syrup and summer & winter recreation, including hiking and skiing. Large ski areas include Bromley, Mad River Glen, Stratton and Stowe, and the latter is also a popular four season destination. Burlington (pop 39,824 in 2000) is the state’s largest city and Montpelier (pop. 8,026 in 2000) is the state’s capitol. Among others, Vermont is home to Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, The Vermont Teddy Bear Company, Cabot Creamery, and the Morgan Horse.
Quick Facts:
Admission to Statehood: March 4, 1791 (14th)
Agriculture: Dairy products, maple products
Animal: Morgan Horse
Area: 9,615 sq.mi total, including water (45th)
Area Code: 802
Bird: Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus)
Border States: New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and the Province of Quebec
Butterfly: Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Fish: Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and Walleye Pike (Stizosedion vitreum vitreum)
Flag: The State Coat of Arms on solid dark blue.
Flower: Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.)
Fossil: White Whale (Delphinapterus leucas)
Fruit: Apple
Gem: Grossular garnet (Ca3Al2Si3O12)
Geographic Center: In Washington County, 3 mi. east of Roxbury
Governor: Jim Douglas (R)
Highest Point: Mt. Mansfield 4,393 ft/1,339 m
Industry: Electrical equipment, fabricated metal, printing & publishing, and paper products and tourism.
Insect: Honeybee (Apis mellifera)
Largest Cities: Burlington, Essex, Colchester, Rutland, South Burlington, Bennington, Brattleboro, Hartford, Milton & Barre
Lowest Point: Lake Champlain, 95 ft (29 m)
Mineral: Talc (Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide)
Motto: Freedom and Unity
Nickname: Green Mountain State
Pie: Apple Pie
Population: 619,107 12/00
Song: These Green Mountains
Tree: Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
Early History:
When the French explorer Samuel de Champlain arrived in Vermont in 1609, he discovered only indigenous peoples, particularly the Algonquin, Iroquois, and Abenaki nations. Claiming the area for France he called it "Verde Mont," French for "Green Mountains." Vermont remained under French control until the Treaty of Paris which ended the French and Indian War and seceded Vermont to the British in 1763. The territory was promptly claimed by both New Hampshire and New York and was in dispute until Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys displaced the British. Although the Green Mountain Boys continued to fight in the Revolutionary War, Vermont existed as an independent nation from 1777 until 1791 when it became the 14th state.
Travel
Tip:Vermont has numerous quality destinations, but arguably the most loved is Stowe. Adjacent to the state’s highest peak, Mt. Mansfield, the home of Stowe Mountain Resort. Stowe offers the incomparable beauty and serenity of a quaint old New England Village commingled with all the modern conveniences of a world-class hospitality community. Residents are proud that their home is largely untainted by America’s nationally branded chains. Each storefront, restaurant and lodging property are unique and virtually all tastes are accommodated within the surrounding area.
You may have the opportunity to participate in mini golfing or golfing, shopping, hiking, fishing or skiing while in town, and depending on the season, more adventurous souls can easily schedule bicycle, scenic, snowshoe or snowmobile tours, go horseback or sleigh riding, dog sledding, ice fishing or even learn to pilot a glider. The town has over 5 miles of recreational walking trails and everyone will want to visit the Trapp Family Gift Shop, located at the famous Trapp Family Lodge. Just a few minutes south of town is the plant and world headquarters of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream. Many other attractions are just a half hour or so away including the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, Shelburne Museum, and the Echo Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Cabot Creamery, among others.
The
state’s largest city, Burlington, is approximately a 35 minute drive
and is one of the state’s largest retail centers. Folks seeking accommodations
in Stowe should visit the Stowe Area Association’s website or the Commodore’s
Inn. The Commodore’s Inn is the perfect family retreat, with an
on site restaurant, lounge, heated indoor and outdoor pools, 3 Jacuzzis,
2 saunas, a game room with an arcade, ping pong and pool tables, a three
acre trout stocked lake with canoes, kayaks, row boats & paddle boats,
a spacious living room with a large fieldstone fireplace, and your pets
are welcome.
Helpful
Links: Center For Rural Studies -- A nonprofit, fee-for-service research organization that addresses social, economic, and resource-based problems of rural Vermont people and communities.
GORP: Vermont -- A very useful outdoor guide to Vermont
Lake Champlain Basin Program -- A federal, state and local initiative to restore and protect Lake Champlain and its surrounding watershed for future generations.
Vermont Chambers Of Commerce -- A list compiled by VtLiving.com
Vermont.com -- Part yellow pages with commentary, part travel guide, this site is useful for finding many things in Vermont and typically includes merchant email links and web site links wherever available.
Vermont.gov -- The Official State of Vermont portal, useful for connecting to various departments and doing resident and commercial business with the state.
Vermont State Data Center -- U.S. Census Bureau information and data
VermontVacation.com – The Official state tourism site.
VirtualVermont.com -- An eclectic assortment of brief articles, links and other helpful information.
VTLiving.com – Hundreds of pages of up to date Vermont information with an emphasis on retail and hospitality.
Vermont Historical Societies -- A simple list from the Vermont Historical Society.
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