Vermont's History
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"Our state is steeped in history. By learning about and respecting our past, we can move forward to meet the challenges of today, and work to make a better tomorrow. To achieve this we must support the efforts of our dedicated teachers and encourage parents to be involved with their child's education. Teaching our children is important to me because while we may study and apply the lessons from our history, it is our children who hold the keys to our future." |
Vermont History
The State of Vermont, tucked in the Northeast corner of the United States, is the second smallest state in the nation with a population of less than 1 million people. Vermont was originally populated by various indigenous peoples of the Algonquin, Iroquois, and Abenaki nations. Europeans came to Vermont in the early 1600's, when in 1609, the French explorer Samuel de Champlain sailed into what is now known as Lake Champlain. Vermont was first called "Verde Mont," French for "Green Mountains." Samuel de Champlain claimed this land in the name of France, who eventually swapped Vermont to the British. In 1763, England was granted the land now known as Vermont via the Treaty of Paris. That Treaty ended the French and Indian war. The land was claimed by both New Hampshire and New York. With the help of Vermont patriot Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys, Vermont achieved independence in 1777.
Vermont remained an independent republic until 1791 when it became the 14th member of the United States.
Fiscal Facts is a product of the Vermont Legislative Joint Fiscal Office. It provides a wealth of statistical information about Vermont. It is very useful for comparisons with other states, historical perspective, and understanding of state finances. Of particular interest to students of Vermont will be the chronological History of Vermont Taxes from 1882 to present.
The University of Vermont provides multiple links of interest regarding various historical, geographical, and environmental facts about Vermont in the Wilbur Collection of Electronic Vermontiana. The Wilbur Collection includes historical and contemporary print documents and electronic documents about Vermont and Vermont institutions.
The Vermont Historical Society is the only institution in Vermont that collects artifacts, books, and documents that reflect the entire history of the state, every geographical area, and every chronological period. Their web-site will help you learn more about Vermont's past. Exhibits, teaching materials, library books, archival resources, and publications are all available.
Genealogical Research in Vermont
Provides sources and links to help you identify research resources in Vermont family history and genealogy. Includes information on published state and local history, genealogy, and periodicals; published military service records and pension lists; cemetery inscriptions, and graves index for soldiers buried in Vermont.
Teaching resources for parents and teachers to include the Vermont Declaration of Independence, Vermont's State Symbols, Song, and Seal; as well as a directory of all the Vermont School web sites.