Vermont has been called a piece of America's past. In no other state has natural beauty been so untouched by modern development. In no other state has the small-town atmosphere of more than a century ago been so well preserved. Often chosen as a comfortable second home by city dwellers, Vermont seemingly has escaped the ugly urban sprawl that pollutes so many parts of the nation.
Vermont has long been noted for its hardy, independent people. Their rugged New England character was probably ordained by the inhospitable terrain--the granite spine of the dense Green Mountains. Except for Lake Champlain, Vermont's many rivers and lakes lack harbors for commerce. Nonetheless, its scenic splendor provides both resort and refuge for visitors and, more importantly, sustains the people who live there year-round. The mountains, a skier's paradise, provide a foundation for the foremost marble and granite quarries in the United States.
One of the smallest states in the Union, Vermont ranks only 43rd in area and 48th in population. Despite its small size, the state has made vital contributions to the growth of the nation. Among the famous people born in Vermont were two presidents of the United States--Chester A. Arthur and Calvin Coolidge. An unsuccessful presidential candidate was Stephen A. Douglas of Brandon. In the Spanish- American War, Admiral George Dewey of Montpelier won fame at Manila Bay. John Dewey of Burlington, a noted educator, changed many of the nation's school practices. Thaddeus Stevens of Danville was an influential legislator during the Reconstruction era.
The early name of the region was New Hampshire Grants. In 1777 it was named New Connecticut. This was later changed at the suggestion of Dr. Thomas Young of Philadelphia. He wanted to perpetuate the nickname of Ethan Allen's militia, the Green Mountain Boys, who were heroes of the American Revolution. The name Vermont originates in two French words that mean green and mountain. On the map of Champlain's discoveries, the explorer had labeled the dense evergreen slopes Verd Mont. The range is also the source of the nickname Green Mountain State.
Vermont lies in the New England region of the United States. It is bordered on the north by the Canadian province of Quebec. To the east the Connecticut River forms the boundary with New Hampshire. On the south is Massachusetts and on the west is New York, separated from Vermont for about 100 miles (160 kilometers) by Lake Champlain. The state's greatest length from north to south is 159 miles (256 kilometers). Its greatest width is 89 miles (143 kilometers) from east to west. Its narrowest width is 37 miles (60 kilometers). Vermont's total area is 9,614 square miles (24,900 square kilometers), including 341 square miles (883 square kilometers) of inland water surface.
