Vermont’s history is rooted in both Indigenous heritage and colonial contest. Originally inhabited by the Abenaki people, the region was later explored by the French in the early 17th century and became part of the contested frontier between French and British interests. After the French and Indian War, settlers from New England moved in, sparking land disputes between New York and New Hampshire. In 1777, Vermont declared itself an independent republic—the Vermont Republic—adopting its own constitution that notably abolished adult slavery. It remained independent until 1791, when Vermont became the 14th state and the first to join the original 13 colonies. During the 19th century, Vermont played a key role in the abolitionist movement and sent many soldiers to the Union Army during the Civil War. Its economy historically centered on agriculture, dairy farming, and later manufacturing, evolving into today’s mix of tourism, forestry, and specialty food production.
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Lake Champlain – A scenic lake perfect for boating, fishing, and waterfront activities.
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Stowe – A popular mountain town known for skiing, hiking, and the Stowe Recreation Path.
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Smugglers’ Notch – A scenic mountain pass with hiking trails, rock formations, and fall foliage views.
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Green Mountain National Forest – Offers hiking, camping, and stunning natural beauty year-round.
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Shelburne Museum – A unique collection of Americana, art, and historic buildings near Burlington.
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Ben & Jerry’s Factory (Waterbury) – Tour the famous ice cream factory and sample flavors.
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Killington Resort – Vermont’s largest ski area, also popular for mountain biking and summer events.
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Montpelier – The smallest U.S. state capital, featuring historic architecture and cultural sites.
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Hildene (Manchester) – The historic estate of Robert Todd Lincoln, with gardens and exhibits.
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Quechee Gorge – Known as “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon,” with scenic overlooks and hiking.
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Covered Bridges – Vermont is famous for its picturesque covered bridges, especially in towns like Woodstock.
