50 States: Vermont

VERMONT

Vermont: VT

The name "Vermont" has its origin in the French words for green mountain: mont vert.

The capital, Montpelier, also comes from France. It seems the people of Vermont felt a camaraderie with the French because of their assistance in the Revolutionary War and named several of their towns (and their state) for French words or regions, that existed in France. Vermont was also claimed by the French in 1609 and settled by the French in 1666. England gained control in 1763, 12 years before the American Revolution began.

Vermont became the 14th state on March 4, 1791, after New York's claims to the land were settled and boundaries were created. It was not one of the original 13 colonies.

Vermont is 9,615 square miles, making it the 45th largest state. There are more than 625,000 people, Vermonters, living there as of 2013. There is only one state with fewer people. Can you name this other state?

Topping the list of famous people born in Vermont are Chester Alan Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, and Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States. Other notable figures include Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormons; John Deere, entrepreneur (what did he make?); Brigham Young; Elisha Otis, entrepreneur (what did he make? hint: you might see his name if you ride in one); Rudy Vallee, singer; Thaddeus Stevens, radical politician of the 1800s; Walter Granger, paleontologist; Duane Graveline, astronaut; Richard Morris Hunt, architect; Henry David Lee, inventor of Lee jeans; and Henry M. Leland, entrepreneur (he was responsible for Cadillacs and Lincolns).

There are many others who were born in Vermont. Consider reading through the list at worldatlas.com.

The economy of Vermont is supported by the production of maple syrup, dairy farming, tourism, paper production, and mining of granite and marble.

Vermont's nickname is the Green Mountain State, and its motto is "Freedom and Unity."

The other state symbols are:

Bird...Hermit thrush

Animal...Morgan horse

Butterfly...Monarch butterfly

Insect...Honeybee

Flower...Red clover

Tree...Sugar maple

After reading "sugar maple," I couldn't help myself. I had to find a website that provided sugar maple recipes. Here is one.

Vermont's flag was adopted in 1923. The coat of arms is depicted in the center with a stag's head above it and pine branches surrounding it, with "Vermont" and the motto written on the red ribbon.

Here are some interesting facts:

*Vermont is the leading producer of maple syrup.

*Ben & Jerry's is headquartered in Vermont.

Try your hand at some learning games.

The following items are available at christianbook.com. If you purchase through my blog, I will receive a commission as I am an affiliate.

Ethan Allen: The Green Mountain Boys and Vermont's Path to Statehood Unabridged Audiobook on CD By Napoleon Hill / Brilliance Audio

A History of the Tenth Regiment, Vermont Volunteers By Edwin Haynes / Applewood Books

Vermont By Mary Dyskstra & Catherine Gardner(Editor) / Gareth Stevens Publishing Bolster students' knowledge of the state they live in! Discover the history of the state, including Native American history, colonial history, and modern history, and learn about the current demographics of the state, the land itself, the economy, state government, and cultural attractions. "Fun Facts," "Famous people," and "In history" sidebars provide interesting tidbits of information. Full-color photographs, timeline, glossary, and index included. 32 pages, softcover. Grades 2-4.

John Deere By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International Correlated to state and national standards, this series teaches students about important people, places, and events in history. Broken down into short, easy-to-read passages reinforced by simple activities, each reader includes a glossary, interesting facts, reading, puzzles, highlights of achievements, sequencing of important events, and simple math activities. 12 pages each. Grades K-4.

John Deere - 6 In. Tractor and Dump Truck By Tomy Two-piece John Deere play set includes tractor and dump truck, each approximately 6"; child-friendly set just right for sandbox play for children 18 months and up. Popular John Deere colors, with moving dump truck and loader; durable plastic. Fun for indoors and outside play.

Young Inventors at Work!: Learning Science By Doing Science By Edwin Sobey / Social Studies School Service Engage students' problem-solving and critical thinking skills! 24 technology-based problems are included; kids work with everyday materials as they discover basic principles in science and engineering. The second half of the book features "stories for young inventors," which provides 26 original stories about inventors such as Thomas Edison and Elisha Otis. 120 reproducible pages. Non-consumable. Grades 4-8.

Native American Place Names of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont By R.A. Douglas-Lithgow / Applewood Books This dictionary of Native American places was originally published in 1909. Arranged alphabetically by Native American name, this reference work gives insight into the name origins of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont cities, towns, rivers, streams, lakes, and other locales. 116 pages, softcover.

Fodor's Maine, Vermont & New Hampshire - eBook By Fodor's / Fodor's

Vermont Off the Beaten Path, 9th Edition: A Guide to Unique Places By Barbara Radcliffe Rogers, Robert F. Wilson & Stillman Rogers / Globe Pequot

Vermont Curiosities By Globe Pequot

Cooking with Shelburne Farms: Food and Stories from Vermont By Melissa Pasanen, Rick Gencarelli & Lucia Watson / Penguin Putnam Inc.

Elegant Comfort Food from Dorset Inn: Traditional Cooking from Vermont's Oldest Continuously Operating Inn - eBook By Jane Stern, Michael Stern & Sissy Hicks / Thomas Nelson

Hello Vermont! By Martha Day Zschock / Applewood Books Tag along after a Bear and her cub as they explore Vermont! Cute illustrations and fun rhymes highlight the uniqueness of each state with kid-friendly examples. Great for reading before a trip, or for children already familiar with the state! 16 boardbook pages. Ages 2 & up. 6" x 6".