# Vermont

> state of the United States of America

**Wikidata**: [Q16551](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16551)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermont)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vermont

## Summary

Vermont is a northeastern U.S. state and the 14th state admitted to the United States on March 4, 1791, following the dissolution of the independent Vermont Republic (1777–1791). Known as "The Green Mountain State," Vermont is renowned for its mountainous terrain, being home to the Green Mountains subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, its historic capital Montpelier, and its distinctive area code 802. The state borders Canada to the north and features significant geographic features including Lake Champlain, the Connecticut River, and the Northeast Kingdom region.

## Key Facts

- **Official Name:** State of Vermont
- **Inception as U.S. State:** March 4, 1791 (14th state admitted to the Union)
- **Predecessor Entity:** Vermont Republic (January 15, 1777 – 1791)
- **Capital City:** Montpelier (inception: 1787), seat of Washington County
- **Population:** 625,741 (most recent figure provided)
- **Coordinates:** Latitude 44°, Longitude -72.7°
- **Area Code:** 802 (covers entire state)
- **Region:** New England; contiguous United States
- **State Website:** https://www.vermont.gov/
- **Wikidata Description:** state of the United States of America
- **Sitelink Count:** 218
- **Aliases:** VT, Vt., The Green Mountain State, US-VT

## FAQs

**What region is Vermont located in?**
Vermont is part of New England, the northeasternmost region of the United States, and also falls within the contiguous United States (the 48 connected states).

**What is Vermont's relationship to the Green Mountains?**
Vermont contains the Green Mountains, a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains that extends from Quebec, Canada into Vermont. The Green Mountains give Vermont its nickname, "The Green Mountain State."

**What counties does Vermont contain?**
Vermont has 14 counties: Addison County (inception: October 18, 1785), Caledonia County (1792), Essex County (1800), Franklin County (November 5, 1792), Grand Isle County (1805), Lamoille County (1836), Rutland County (1781), Washington County (1811), Windham County (1781), Windsor County (1781), and others.

**What major highways serve Vermont?**
Vermont is served by Interstate 89 (inception: 1967), Interstate 91, Interstate 93 (inception: 1957), U.S. Route 7, and U.S. Route 4 (inception: 1926).

**What bodies of water are significant in Vermont?**
Major waterways include Lake Champlain (shared with New York and Quebec), the Connecticut River, Winooski River, Otter Creek (tributary of Lake Champlain), Lamoille River, Passumpsic River, and Black River. Lake Memphremagog and Missisquoi Bay extend from Quebec into Vermont.

**What is the Northeast Kingdom?**
The Northeast Kingdom refers to the northeast corner of Vermont, a region known for its rural character and mountainous terrain.

**What notable trains serve Vermont?**
The Vermonter is an Amtrak passenger train service (inception: April 1, 1995) operating in the northeast United States. The Ethan Allen Express (inception: December 2, 1996) provides service from New York City to Rutland, Vermont.

**What military vessels have been named USS Vermont?**
Two U.S. Navy vessels have borne the name USS Vermont: a 1905 Connecticut-class battleship and a 2019 Virginia-class submarine.

**What is the Second Vermont Republic?**
The Second Vermont Republic is a U.S. secessionist group (inception: 2003) that seeks to restore the formerly independent status of the Vermont Republic (1777–1791).

**What is Vermont's judicial system?**
Vermont's highest court is the Vermont Supreme Court, established in 1782.

**What universities serve Vermont?**
Vermont State University is a public university in Vermont that officially opened in 2023, formed from the merger of existing state colleges.

## Why It Matters

Vermont holds a unique place in American history as the only state to have been an independent republic before joining the United States. The Vermont Republic existed from 1777 to 1791, making it a rare example of a functioning democratic state that voluntarily chose to join the Union. This historical legacy continues to influence Vermont's distinct identity, evidenced by periodic movements like the Second Vermont Republic.

Vermont's geography makes it significant as a mountainous state that serves as a gateway between the United States and Canada. The Green Mountains not only provide recreational opportunities but also play a crucial role in the region's ecology and economy. The state's position in New England places it at the heart of a culturally distinct region with shared historical, economic, and social characteristics.

Vermont's small population and rural character have allowed it to serve as a testing ground for progressive policies, particularly in environmental protection, renewable energy, and social welfare. The state's 802 area code has become a point of pride and identity, with merchandise and cultural references celebrating its exclusivity.

The state's transportation infrastructure, including its interstate highways and Amtrak service, connects it to the broader Northeast corridor while maintaining its independent character. Vermont's blend of historical significance, geographic importance, and cultural distinctiveness makes it a noteworthy entity in American statehood.

## Notable For

- **Only independent U.S. republic to become a state:** Vermont was an independent republic from 1777 to 1791 before voluntarily joining the United States
- **Only state with area code 802:** Vermont is the only U.S. state with a single area code covering the entire state
- **Smallest state by population in New England:** Though not the smallest by area, Vermont has the smallest population among the six New England states
- **Birthplace of Ben & Jerry's:** The iconic ice cream company was founded in Burlington in 1978
- **First state to legalize same-sex civil unions:** Vermont enacted civil unions law in 2000
- **Unique architectural feature:** The "witch window" — a window rotated 45° from vertical — is found primarily on 19th-century farmhouses in Vermont
- **Amtrak Vermonter service:** One of the few Amtrak routes named after a state
- **Historic capital:** Montpelier is the smallest U.S. state capital by population
- **Green Mountain National Forest:** Federal forest land preserving Vermont's mountainous terrain

## Body

### History and Political Development

Vermont's history as an independent entity predates its admission to the United States. The Vermont Republic was established on January 15, 1777, making it one of the few instances of a North American republic existing independently before becoming part of the United States. This republic operated for approximately 14 years before Vermont was admitted to the Union on March 4, 1791, as the 14th state.

The transition from republic to U.S. state marked a significant moment in early American history. Vermont's unique position between New York and New Hampshire, both of which claimed the territory, allowed it to negotiate its independence before ultimately choosing to join the Union. This historical precedent of independent governance has left a lasting legacy on Vermont's political culture.

The Vermont Supreme Court was established in 1782, serving as the highest court in the state and continuing Vermont's tradition of self-governance that began during the republic era. The Vermont House of Representatives functions as the Lower House of the Vermont State Legislature, headquartered in Montpelier.

### Geography and Natural Features

Vermont's defining geographic feature is the Green Mountains, a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains that runs north-south through the state. The Green Mountains extend from Quebec, Canada into Vermont, giving the state its nickname "The Green Mountain State." This mountain range includes Lincoln Peak and Big Jay among notable summits.

The state shares Lake Champlain with New York and Quebec, a significant body of water that has played important roles in transportation, trade, and recreation. Lake Memphremagog extends from Quebec into Vermont, while Missisquoi Bay is an extension of Lake Champlain reaching into both Vermont and Quebec.

Vermont's river systems include the Winooski River, Otter Creek (tributary of Lake Champlain), Lamoille River, Passumpsic River, Black River, and Batten Kill (which flows through New York and Vermont). The Connecticut River forms part of Vermont's eastern border. The Champlain Valley encompasses the area around Lake Champlain in Vermont and New York, extending slightly into Quebec.

The Appalachian Trail, a 2,198.4-mile (3,538 km) trail managed by the National Park Service, passes through Vermont as it traverses fourteen U.S. states. The Green Mountain National Forest preserves significant forestland within the state.

### Administrative Divisions

Vermont is divided into 14 counties, each with specific inception dates:

- Addison County (October 18, 1785)
- Caledonia County (1792)
- Essex County (1800)
- Franklin County (November 5, 1792)
- Grand Isle County (1805)
- Lamoille County (1836)
- Rutland County (1781)
- Washington County (1811)
- Windham County (1781)
- Windsor County (1781)

The capital and seat of Washington County is Montpelier, which has served as the capital since 1787. Other significant settlements include St. Johnsbury (census-designated place), Poultney, East Dorset, West Rutland, North Pownal, Highgate Springs, Glover, Waterbury Center, and Harmonyville.

### Transportation Infrastructure

Vermont's highway system includes three major interstate highways: Interstate 89 (serving Vermont and New Hampshire, inception: 1967), Interstate 91 (running through Connecticut, western Massachusetts, and eastern Vermont), and Interstate 93 (connecting Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, inception: 1957). U.S. Route 7 traverses Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont, while U.S. Route 4 connects New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

Rail service includes the Vermonter Amtrak passenger train (inception: April 1, 1995), which operates in the northeast United States, and the Ethan Allen Express (inception: December 2, 1996), providing service from New York City to Rutland, Vermont.

### Cultural and Social Aspects

Vermont's area code 802 is unique in that it covers the entire state, making Vermont the only U.S. state with a single area code. This has become a point of cultural identity, with "802" appearing on merchandise and in local references.

The state has been associated with various cultural phenomena. Sir Chloe, a music group that began in 2018 at Bennington College in southern Vermont, has since relocated to Brooklyn, New York. The band Witch is an American stoner metal band that formed in 2005.

Architecturally, Vermont is known for "witch windows" — windows rotated 45° from vertical, found primarily on 19th-century farmhouses in the state. This distinctive feature is unique to Vermont's architectural heritage.

The Bennington Triangle is a noted area in Vermont, associated with various local legends and phenomena.

### Educational and Media Institutions

Vermont State University officially opened in 2023 as a public university, formed through the merger of existing state higher education institutions. This represents a significant development in Vermont's educational infrastructure.

Media outlets include VTDigger (a journalism platform based in Vermont), the Barre Montpelier Times Argus (newspaper in Barre, Vermont, inception: 1897), and the St. Albans Messenger (newspaper published in St. Albans, inception: 1833).

### Notable Incidents and Contemporary Events

In 2023, a shooting of Palestinian students occurred in Burlington, Vermont, drawing national attention. This event highlighted Vermont's position in contemporary social and political discourse.

### Economic and Institutional Entities

Merchants Bank is a financial institution based in Vermont. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington was established in 1853, serving the Catholic community in the state.

The International Quadball Association, the governing body for the sport of quadball, has its headquarters in Vermont (specifically in the town that serves as its headquarters location).

### Relationship to Other Entities

Vermont is part of the contiguous United States (the 48 connected states excluding Alaska and Hawaii) and the New England region. The state shares the Green Mountains with Quebec, Canada, and the Appalachian Mountains extend through Vermont into Canada.

The Rokon motorcycle manufacturer, while based in Rochester, New Hampshire, is mentioned in relation to Vermont's industrial history. Various unincorporated communities in other states share the name Vermont, including one in Howard County, Indiana (inception: 1848).

## References

1. archINFORM
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25. [2020 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Populations%20and%20People&g=0100000US,%241600000&y=2020)
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37. [Source](https://www.minimum-wage.org/wage-by-state)
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39. [National Centers for Environmental Information](https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/extremes/scec/records)
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