Colorful Vermont
“Vermont” comes from the French words “vert,” meaning green, and “mont,” meaning mountain. Its nickname is the Green Mountain State.
Our 14th state, Vermont has long been famous for its independent spirit.
Native Americans, including Abenaki and Mohawk peoples, lived in the area for about 12,000 years. The first European to explore the region was French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1609. England took control after the French and Indian War ended in 1763.
Vermont did not become a state until 1791. Instead, it stayed an independent republic for about 10 years after the Revolutionary War. It was the first state to outlaw slavery, in 1777.
Vermont has the smallest percent of people living in cities of all the states. Only about one-third of the population lives in urban areas. Out of 50 states, Vermont is 49th in population, with about 650,000 people.
Natural Vermont
When Europeans arrived, Vermont was almost 100% forested. By the 1850s, only about one-fourth of the state had any forestland. Today, forests have recovered to fill almost 80% of the state. Maple trees give the state its extra-colorful fall foliage. Vermont produces about 2 1/2 million gallons of maple syrup each year, more than any other state. The sugar maple is the state tree.
The Connecticut River forms to Vermont’s eastern border. The state is also bordered by Canada, New York, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The Green Mountains, some of the oldest mountains in the world, run through the middle of the state, dividing the east and west.
Living in Vermont
Montpelier (mont-PEEL-yer), in the state’s center, is Vermont’s capital, but Burlington is the largest city. About 225,000 people live in Burlington’s metropolitan area.
Vermonters work in tourism and manufacturing, along with services such as real estate and government. Farming is also important to the state. Outdoor sports include cross-country and downhill skiing, hiking, snowboarding, snowshoeing, rock climbing, canoeing and rafting.