NATIONAL VERMONT DAY
On October 12th, The Green Mountain State is recognized on National Vermont Day. It is the 14th state to join the United States. The state derives its name from French words vert for green and mont for mountain.
Populated primarily by Abenaki tribes before French and English settlers arrived, Vermont is a densely forested mountain state. Claimed by the French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1609 for France, Vermont’s first European settlement was established in 1666 at Fort Ste. Anne. The first English settlement was built in 1724.
Vermont Official Symbols
State Capital – Montpellier
Nickname – Green Mountain State
State Motto – Freedom and Unity
State Bird – Hermit Thrush
State Flower – Red Clover
State Animal – Morgan Horse
State Reptile – Painted Turtle
State Fish – Brook Trout, Walleye
State Drink – Milk
State Fruit – Apple
State Mineral – Talc
State Rock – Granite, Marble, Slate
State Tree – Sugar Maple
State Song – These Green Mountains
State Gemstone – Grossular Garnet
State Insect – Western Honeybee
It should come as no surprise that Vermont produces more maple syrup than any other state. While Pennsylvania has more covered bridges than any other state, Vermont has more per square mile.
Vermont Flavor
- Fried Dough
- Fiddleheads
- Venison
- Bison Burgers
- Lake Champlain Chocolates
- Cider Donuts
- Sugar on Snow
- Maple Creemee
- Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Movie makers love Vermont for its beautiful backdrops. Whether it’s for eerie thrillers (What Lies Beneath), a good drama (The Cider House Rules) or a comedy (Me, Myself and Irene), we can’t resist the stunning views. Such stunning landscapes lured the Von Trapp family of Sound of Music story to settle in Stowe, Vermont because of the similarities to their Alpine home.
Along with these majestic views come excellent skiing, hiking and the most beautiful bursts of autumn color.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalVermontDay
Join us as we recognize Vermont’s magnificent nature and history. Uncover hidden treasures and find all Vermont has to offer! Use #NationalVermontDay to share on social media.
History, Nature, Art
For a complete list of Vermont State and National Parks & Historic Sites visit www.vtstateparks.com and www.nps.gov. Check out a few of the featured sites around the state below.
Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Park – Woodstock
Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests
Boulder Beach State Park – Groton
Burton Island State Park – St. Albans
Camel’s Hump State Park – Waterbury
Green River Reservoir State Park – Hyde Park
Half Moon Pond State Park – Hubbardton
Molly Stark State Park – Wilmington, VT
Mount Philo State Park – Charlotte
MUSEUMS
Shelburne Museum – Shelburne
Montshire Museum of Science – Norwich
Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium – St. Johnsbury
Bennington Museum – Bennington
ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center – Burlington
Vermont Ski Museum – Stowe
Old Stone House Museum – Brownington
Norman Rockwell Museum of Vermont – Rutland
Bread and Puppet Theater – Glover
Park-McCullough Historic House – Bennington
Wilson Castle – Proctor
Famous People
Samuel Hopkins – Inventor – (December 9, 1743 – 1818)
John Deere – Inventor – (February 7, 1804 – May 17, 1886)
by Randy Leffingwell (Author)
Joseph Smith – religious leader – (December 23, 1805 – June 27, 1844)
by Dan Vogel (Author)
Chester A. Arthur – President – (October 5, 1829 – November 18, 1886)
by Zachary Karabell (Author), Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. (Editor)
Caroline Ardelia Yale – Educator – (September 29, 1848 – July 2, 1933)
Calvin Coolidge – President – (July 4, 1872 – January 5, 1933)
by David Greenberg (Author), Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. (Editor)
Robert Holbrook Smith – Physician – (August 8, 1879 – November 16, 1950)
Consuelo Northrop Bailey – Lieutenant Governor – (October 9, 1899 – September 9, 1976)
by Consuelo Northrop Bailey (Author)
Patty Sheehan – Professional Golfer – (October 27, 1956 -)
Hidden Treasures
Rock of Ages Granite Quarry – Barre