Vermont

History: Native Americans have been in Vermont for at least 12,000 years, and developed into the Abenaki, Mohawk, and Pennacook tribes. French explorer Jacques Cartier visited in 1535 and claimed the area for France. However, it was lost to Great Britain after the French and Indian War in 1763. American settlers later declared the area to be the independent Vermont Republic in 1777. Although it was not one of the 13 original colonies, it supported the American Revolution. Vermont joined the U.S. as the 14^th state on March 4, 1791. It is one of only four states that were independent countries before joining the Union.

Economy: Dairy farming is the primary agricultural industry, producing 2/3 of all milk for the New England area. Forestry is one of Vermont’s original industries, producing lumber and firewood, with most of the processing done in-state. More recently, tourism and recreation is important, with Vermont have the 2^nd highest percentage of vacation homes in the U.S. The artisan and craft industry is increasing, producing ‘Vermont Brand’ products such as cheese, teddy bears, butter, microbreweries, snowboards, and ice cream. The most well-known Vermont product is probably maple syrup, over 40% of the entire U.S. supply.

Climate: Vermont has a humid continental climate, with a wet spring, hot summer, and cold snowy winters. Annual snowfall is usually from 60 to 100 inches over the state. There is only 4-6 months that are frost-free for agriculture. Climate change, however, is causing increased rainfall (with more storms and flooding) and warmer, shorter winters.

Geography: The Green Mountains run almost the entire length of the state, from south to north. This makes Vermont mostly hilly and mountainous. However, near Lake Champlain in the northwest, there is the fertile Champlain Valley. The eastern border is defined by the Connecticut River, dividing it from New Hampshire. The largely forested area results in the ‘wave of color’ descending south every autumn.

Fun Facts:

Vermont is land-locked, the only New England state that does not touch the Atlantic Ocean.
The Green Mountain Boys militia played an important role in the Revolutionary War.
Vermont does not have any buildings taller than 124 ft (about 10 stories).
The first marble quarry in the U.S. was on Mt. Aeolus near East Dorset.
The ratio of cows to people is the highest of any state.
Montpelier, the capitol of Vermont, has the smallest population of any state capitol.

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