Vermont (population 608,827) is bordered by New York State to the west, Canada to the north, New Hampshire to the east, and Massachusetts to the south. It is known for its rugged mountains, clear rivers and lakes, and dairy farms.

The state has been modernized dramatically over the past 25 years. Cities and towns have grown and become more cosmopolitan, although Vermont remains the most rural state in the United States. The Native Americans in Vermont were mainly Abenaki, part of the Algonquian Nation, known as “People of the Dawn.” The state was first named when French explorer Samuel de Champlain explored the area in 1609—the name “Vermont” comes from the French words vert mont, referring to the green mountains he saw. British settlers came up from Massachusetts and Connecticut after the French and Indian Wars were resolved in 1760. Both Massachusetts and New Hampshire claimed the land. The Green Mountain Boys, a local militia, grew from settlers fighting these land claims in 1775. In 1777,Vermont was declared a republic and it kept its independence until March 4, 1791, when it was the first to join the Union after the original 13 states.

The Green Mountains run vertically up the center of the state. Mt Mansfield is the tallest at 4,393 feet, and there are many peaks over 3,600 feet. The Connecticut River runs along the border with New Hampshire. The Long Trail (also known as the Appalachian Trail) runs the full length of the state from Massachusetts in the south to Canada in the north. Ferry travel is a relaxing way to cross over to New York State. Boat cruises leave from Burlington, giving spectacular views, particularly at sunset.

Vermont’s interstate highways are always kept well plowed and in good repair, so travel is interrupted as little as possible through the long, snowy winter. Vermont Transit buses have regular routes, and Burlington, Montpelier, and Bennington all have airports.