50 Fun Facts About Vermont

Which city serves as Vermont's state capital?

Montpelier is the capital of Vermont and holds the distinction of being the least populous state capital in the United States.

What is Vermont's official state nickname?

Vermont is widely known as 'The Green Mountain State,' a name derived from the French 'Verd Mont,' meaning green mountain.

What breed of horse is recognized as Vermont's official state animal?

The Morgan horse, a breed originally from Vermont, was designated as the state animal in 1961 and is known for its versatility and gentle temperament.

In what year did Vermont become the 14th state to join the United States?

Vermont joined the Union on March 4, 1791, becoming the first state admitted after the original 13 colonies.

What is the highest natural point in Vermont?

Mount Mansfield, standing at 4,393 feet (1,339 m), is the highest mountain in Vermont and is part of the Green Mountains.

Where does Vermont rank among U.S. states in terms of maple syrup production?

Vermont is the leading producer of maple syrup in the U.S., accounting for approximately 50% of the nation's total.

What is the popular name for the legendary creature said to inhabit Lake Champlain?

Champy is the affectionate name given to the cryptid believed to live in Lake Champlain, much like Scotland's Nessie.

Vermont was one of the first U.S. states to implement a statewide ban on what form of outdoor advertising?

In 1968, Vermont became one of the first states to ban billboards, aiming to preserve its scenic beauty.

What is the most populous city in Vermont?

Burlington, located on the shores of Lake Champlain, is Vermont's largest city by population.

What is the official state motto of Vermont?

Vermont's official state motto is 'Freedom and Unity,' which appears on the state seal, coat of arms, and flag.

Which bird is designated as Vermont's official state bird?

The Hermit Thrush, known for its distinctive song, was adopted as Vermont's state bird in 1941.

What is Vermont's official state flower?

The Red Clover was designated as Vermont's state flower in 1895, representing the state's agricultural landscape.

What type of tree is Vermont's official state tree?

The Sugar Maple, vital for the state's maple syrup industry and known for its vibrant fall foliage, became Vermont's state tree in 1949.

Which U.S. President was born in Plymouth Notch, Vermont?

Calvin Coolidge, the 30th U.S. President, was born in Plymouth Notch, Vermont.

What significant historical event in Vermont involved Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys?

Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys were instrumental in defending Vermont's land grants against claims from New York in the pre-Revolutionary era.

What is the name of the large lake that forms part of Vermont's western border?

Lake Champlain, the sixth-largest body of fresh water in the United States, separates Vermont from New York in the northwest portion of the state.

Which of these is NOT one of Vermont's official state rocks?

Vermont has three official state rocks: granite, marble, and slate, all of which have been historically significant to the state's economy.

What important agricultural product, besides maple syrup, is Vermont well-known for producing, often associated with its dairy farms?

Vermont is renowned for its dairy farms and is a significant producer of cheese, including artisanal varieties.

What is the official state insect of Vermont?

The Honey Bee was designated as Vermont's state insect in 1978, recognized for its agricultural benefits and representation of unity.

Which of these famous ice cream companies was founded in Burlington, Vermont?

Ben & Jerry's, a globally recognized ice cream brand, started in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont.

What major mountain range runs north-south through the middle of Vermont?

The Green Mountains form a significant north-south spine running through Vermont, giving the state its nickname.

The Battle of Bennington, a significant Revolutionary War engagement, largely took place in what present-day state, close to Vermont's border?

While named after Bennington, Vermont, the Battle of Bennington in August 1777 primarily occurred in Walloomsac, New York, just west of the Vermont border.

What is Vermont's official state beverage?

Milk is Vermont's official state beverage, reflecting the importance of its dairy industry.

Which of these prominent U.S. Presidents was born in Fairfield, Vermont?

Chester A. Arthur, the 21st U.S. President, was born in Fairfield, Vermont.

What is the official state fruit of Vermont?

The apple is recognized as Vermont's state fruit, and Vermont law even suggests serving apple pie with cheddar cheese, ice cream, or milk.

Vermont was the first U.S. entity to take what progressive stance in its 1777 constitution for those over 21?

The Vermont Republic's 1777 constitution was the first in North America to abolish slavery for men over 21 and women over 18.

Vermont has the highest percentage of what type of electricity generation in the U.S. at 99.9%?

Vermont boasts the highest proportion of renewable electricity generation among U.S. states, at 99.9%.

What is Vermont's official state reptile?

The Painted Turtle was designated as Vermont's state reptile in 1994, known for its vibrant colors and resilience.

What is the official state pie of Vermont?

Apple pie is Vermont's official state pie, with a unique law suggesting it be served with cheddar cheese, ice cream, or milk if possible.

Which historical militia group, led by Ethan Allen, played a crucial role in Vermont's early history and the American Revolution?

The Green Mountain Boys, under the leadership of Ethan Allen, were a significant militia that defended Vermont's interests and participated in the American Revolutionary War.

What is Vermont's ranking in terms of total land area among U.S. states?

Vermont ranks as the 43rd largest state in terms of land area.

What is Vermont's ranking in terms of total population among U.S. states?

Vermont is the second-least populated of all U.S. states, ranking 49th in population.

What is the official state cold-water fish of Vermont?

The Brook Trout is one of Vermont's two official state fish, specifically designated as the cold-water fish.

What is the official state warm-water fish of Vermont?

The Walleye is Vermont's official warm-water fish, complementing the Brook Trout as a state symbol.

What is the official state gem of Vermont?

The Grossular Garnet was adopted as Vermont's state gem in 1991, with specimens from the Belvidere Mine being particularly notable.

The Vermont State House dome is covered in what precious material?

The dome of the Vermont State House is notably covered in real gold leaf.

What French explorer is sometimes credited with coining the name 'Vermont' (though it officially appeared later)?

While the name 'Vermont' (from 'Verd Mont') didn't officially appear until 1777, French explorer Samuel de Champlain is sometimes credited with the inspiration.

The Vermont Republic issued its own currency and operated its own postal service between what years?

The independent state of Vermont issued its own coinage from 1785 to 1788 and operated a national postal service.

What is the official state song of Vermont?

Vermont's official state song is 'These Green Mountains,' composed by Diane Martin and arranged by Rita Buglass Gluck, adopted in 2000.

Which major river forms much of Vermont's eastern border with New Hampshire?

The Connecticut River defines much of Vermont's eastern border with New Hampshire.

What is the official state vegetable of Vermont?

The Gilfeather Turnip, a unique heirloom variety, was designated as Vermont's state vegetable.

What is the average elevation of Vermont above sea level?

The average elevation of Vermont is approximately 1,000 feet above sea level.

Which county in Vermont is home to the state capital, Montpelier?

Montpelier, Vermont's capital, is located in Washington County.

What unique geological feature can be found in the floors of the Vermont State House, consisting of ancient marine fossils?

Visitors to the Vermont State House can discover real fossils from Vermont's own Chazy Reef at Isle La Motte embedded in its floors.

What is the Latin motto adopted by Vermont in 2015, meaning 'May the fourteenth star shine bright'?

In 2015, Vermont adopted a Latin motto, 'Stella quarta decima fulgeat,' meaning 'May the 14th star shine bright,' in reference to its status as the 14th state.

What percentage of Vermont's land area is covered by forests?

More than 70% of Vermont's land area is forested, contributing to its scenic beauty.

What is the official state fossil of Vermont, a skeleton found near Lake Champlain?

The beluga whale skeleton, discovered near Lake Champlain, is Vermont's official state marine fossil.

Vermont is the only New England state that is what in terms of its geographical boundaries?

Vermont is unique among New England states as it is the only one that is landlocked.

Which ski resort in Vermont is known as the 'Beast of the East' for its challenging terrain and extensive trail network?

Killington Resort is famously known as the 'Beast of the East' due to its large size, vertical drop, and diverse terrain.

What is the name of the historic pass that separates Mount Mansfield from Spruce Peak, known for its scenic beauty and past use for smuggling?

Smugglers' Notch, a breathtaking mountain pass, separates Mount Mansfield from Spruce Peak and gained its name from its use for illegal trade.