Montpelier, VT Summary

Montpelier is on the shores of the Winooski River in the Green Mountains, in north-central Vermont.

Montpelier is surprisingly alternative and surprisingly small for a state capital. There is a mix of old tradition and a conservative outlook combined with progressive political ideas. It is 38 miles southeast of Burlington. It is the smallest state capital in the United States, with a population of fewer than 10,000. It is the only state capital without a McDonald’s restaurant.

It was named as the state capital in 1805. Pick-up trucks with gun racks in the back window are frequently seen parked next to the latest Saabs and Volvos.

The current State Capitol was built in 1859, and after two previous versions in wood, was built from Barre Granite in the Greek Revival style, with a shiny gold dome that gives a dramatic shape to the skyline. Its towering columns are 6 feet in diameter. The dome is topped with a sculpture of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture. A second sculpture, of Ethan Allen, is on the steps. There are regular tours of the interior.

Visitors can take a walk along State Street to the offices of the Vermont Historical Society. On the ground floor is the Vermont Museum, with historical exhibits on everything from covered bridges to panthers, costumes, and rural life. Nearby is the famous Vermont Culinary Institute and its two teaching restaurants. The tourist information center offers walking tours of the city.

Not far from Montpelier is the Rock of Ages Granite Quarry in Barre. This is the largest quarrier of granite in North America as well as the largest manufacturer of granite memorials. (The rock walls were used as a backdrop in one of the Batman films.) This massive quarry is an interesting find in this small town. It covers 50 acres with a seam of granite that is 500 feet deep. The logistics of cutting, drilling and lifting the rock up to the surface are quite impressive. Curbstones for cities all over New England, gravestones, monuments, columns, and cornerstones are cut and carved out of this enduring material. George Barron Milne, from Aberdeen, Scotland, founded the quarry. He came to the United States when he was 26 years old, and started the business in 1885. It now has more than 1,000 employees.

The quarry is open to visitors between June and October and there is a shuttle tour around the quarry. There is also a gift shop.

During the tour visitors get a real sense of the vastness of the quarry and get to watch master stone sculptors at work in the manufacturing facility.

The Edward F. Knapp Airport is in Montpelier and trains and buses service the area.