A Quick History of Vermont
The Green Mountain State—as Vermont is sometimes known—is an idyllic and beautiful place. It has amazing scenery, friendly people, and a fascinating history. If you’re thinking of taking a visit to Vermont, you may want to get to know a little bit more about its past.
How did this quaint little place become the state it is today? The history of Vermont is as intriguing as it is epic. Read on to find out everything you ever wanted to know about the state of Vermont and its origins.
Ancient Origins
As far back as 12,000 years ago. The area that is today known as Vermont was inhabited by indigenous peoples. Tribes such as the Abenaki and the Mowhawk people were active in this area.
This remained the case until around the time that Europeans began to come to America. When this happened, a different people began to lay claim on the state.
The French Connection
Do you know where the state of Vermont got its name? It actually has its roots in the French language. “Vert” is the French for green, while “mont” is the French word for mountain.
It’s believed the first French person to visit France did so way back in 1535. This area was consequently explored and claimed by France in 1609. The first official French settlement was established at Fort Sainte Anne in 1666.
The Green Mountain Boys
In 1754, the French and Indian War (part of the Seven Year’s War,) broke out. France ended up losing this war, which led to them to relinquish control of land east of the Mississippi River to the British.
After a disagreement over boundaries drawn between New York and New Hampshire, a militia from Vermont called The Green Mountain Boys was assembled to assist New Hampshire in its fight. The militia also had a prominent role in the American Revolutionary War when they assisted a force led by Benedict Arnold in capturing a British fort at Ticonderoga. The militia was later officially made a ranger regiment of the Continental Army.
Joining the Union
Vermont was the 14th state to join the Union in the US and did so on March 4, 1791. Before Vermont joined the Union, however, it had been granted independence and was recognized as a sovereign state.
Vermont had its own postal service, currency, and government. It even voted to abolish slavery, something its residents continued to oppose and fight against in the Civil war.
The Modern Day
Today, Vermont enjoys a booming tourism industry. It offers activities and amazing scenery in all four seasons, making it an amazing destination for spring, summer, fall, or winter getaways. Its rich history is another reason people love to visit.
A Brief History of Vermont
We hope you’ve enjoyed this history of Vermont and learned something new. If you’re planning a trip to Vermont soon, it can be a great idea to take a deeper dive into the history of the specific areas you’ll be visiting. If you’re looking for more historical information and vacation tips, check out the rest of our content now.