Vermont is a state with a rich history, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to preserving its natural beauty and unique character.
From its ban on billboards to its thriving craft beer scene, Vermont has a lot to offer visitors and residents alike. Whether you’re interested in history, food, or the great outdoors, Vermont is a state worth exploring.
- Vermont is the only state without a commercial billboard
Vermont is known for its breathtaking landscapes, and one of the reasons it remains so stunning is because the state has banned billboards since 1968.
This means that you won’t see any signs advertising McDonald’s or Coca-Cola when driving through Vermont. Instead, the state’s natural beauty remains front and center.
- Vermont has the most breweries per capita in the United States
Vermont is a beer lover’s paradise, boasting the most breweries per capita of any state in the nation. With over 100 breweries across the state, you’ll find everything from classic pilsners to hoppy IPAs to experimental sour ales.
And if you’re looking for something unique, Vermont is home to the world-renowned Hill Farmstead Brewery, which has been named the best brewery in the world multiple times.
- Vermont was an independent republic for 14 years
From 1777 to 1791, Vermont was an independent republic, separate from the United States. During this time, Vermont was known as the Vermont Republic and had its own constitution, currency, and even a postal system.
Today, museums, historical sites, and annual festivals celebrate the state’s unique history.
- Vermont is the leading producer of maple syrup in the United States
When you think of Vermont, you probably think of maple syrup – and for good reason. The state produces more than 1.9 million gallons of maple syrup every year, making it the leading producer in the United States. In fact, Vermont produces more maple syrup than the entire country of Canada.
- Vermont was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage through legislation
In 2009, Vermont became the first state in the United States to legalize same-sex marriage through legislation. This historic move paved the way for marriage equality across the country, and today, same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states.
- The von Trapp family, of “The Sound of Music” fame, settled in Vermont
If you’re a fan of “The Sound of Music,” you’ll be interested to know that the real-life von Trapp family settled in Vermont after fleeing Austria during World War II.
Today, the von Trapp family still runs a resort in Stowe, Vermont, where visitors can stay in rooms named after the famous von Trapp children.
- Vermont is home to the world’s tallest filing cabinet
In Burlington, Vermont, you’ll find the world’s tallest filing cabinet – a 38-foot-tall structure made of 38 filing cabinets stacked on top of each other. The filing cabinet has become a beloved landmark in the city and is a testament to Vermont’s quirky spirit.
- Vermont was the first state to abolish slavery in its constitution
In 1777, Vermont became the first state in the United States to abolish slavery in its constitution.
This move was significant because it meant that any slave who entered the state was automatically granted their freedom. Vermont is still known for its progressive values and commitment to social justice.
- Vermont has a law that requires maple syrup to be served in every restaurant
In Vermont, maple syrup isn’t just a condiment – it’s a way of life. That’s why the state has a law that requires every restaurant to serve maple syrup with their breakfast dishes.
And suppose you’re looking for something truly unique. In that case, you can visit the Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks in Montpelier, Vermont, where you can sample maple creemees (soft-serve ice cream made with maple syrup) and take a tour of the sugarbush.
- Vermont is the only state with a state capital without a McDonald’s
If you’re looking for fast food in Montpelier, Vermont, you won’t find a McDonald’s – or any other chain restaurant, for that matter. That’s because the city has a zoning law that prohibits any chain restaurant or store from opening within city limits.
Instead, Montpelier is home to a variety of locally owned and operated businesses, including coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants.
- Vermont is the largest producer of marble in the United States
Vermont is home to some of the most beautiful marble in the world, and it’s also the largest producer of marble in the United States.
The state’s marble industry dates back to the early 1800s, and today, you can visit the Vermont Marble Museum in Proctor, Vermont, to learn more about the history of this unique industry.
- Vermont was the birthplace of President Calvin Coolidge
Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, was born in Plymouth Notch, Vermont 1872.
Today, visitors can visit the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site to learn more about his life and presidency and see the house where he was born and the church where he was sworn in as president.
- Vermont is home to the largest underground quarry in the world
The E. L. Smith Quarry in Barre, Vermont, is the largest underground quarry in the world, stretching over 600 feet deep and covering more than 50 acres.
The quarry is known for its high-quality granite, used in some of the world’s most famous buildings, including the New York Public Library and the United Nations headquarters.
- Vermont is the largest producer of quince in the United States
While many people might not be familiar with quince, this fruit is a staple in many traditional Vermont dishes.
Vermont is the largest producer of quince in the United States, and you can find it in everything from jams and jellies to pies and tarts.
- Vermont has the highest ratio of dairy cows to people in the United States
Vermont is known for its thriving dairy industry, and with good reason – the state has the highest ratio of dairy cows to people in the United States. Vermont has approximately 135,000 dairy cows, which is more than one cow for every two people in the state.
- Vermont is the only state in the United States that does not have a commercial airport with jet service
Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, Vermont is the only state in the United States that does not have a commercial airport with jet service. Instead, the state has several smaller regional airports and relies on neighboring states like New York and Massachusetts for access to major airports.
- Vermont is home to the world’s largest rotating globe
In Yarmouth, Vermont, you’ll find the world’s largest rotating globe, which measures 41 feet in diameter and weighs over 5,000 pounds.
The globe is an impressive sight to behold and is a testament to Vermont’s creativity and ingenuity.
- Vermont has the highest percentage of covered bridges of any state in the United States
Covered bridges are an iconic symbol of Vermont, and the state has the highest percentage of covered bridges in the United States. There are over 100 covered bridges in Vermont, each with unique history and character.
- Vermont is home to the oldest continually operating inn in the United States
The Swift House Inn in Middlebury, Vermont, is the oldest continually operating inn in the United States, dating back to 1814.
The inn has a rich history and has hosted many notable guests over the years, including President Theodore Roosevelt and writer Robert Frost.
- The state of Vermont has only 14 incorporated cities
Despite its small size, Vermont has a unique political structure that includes only 14 incorporated cities. The majority of the state’s population lives in towns or villages that are governed by select boards, making Vermont one of the most rural and small-town-oriented states in the country.
- Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream was founded in Vermont
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream is a beloved brand sold worldwide, but it got its start in the state of Vermont.
The company was founded in Burlington, Vermont, in 1978 by childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, who wanted to create high-quality ice cream using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
- Vermont is home to the only floating post office in the United States
North Hero, Vermont, is home to a unique attraction – the only floating post office in the United States. The post office is a repurposed ferry boat converted into a mobile post office in 1915 and has served the local community ever since.
- The state of Vermont has a law requiring that all telephone books be recycled
Vermont has a long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability, and one unique law on the books requires that all telephone books be recycled. This law helps to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly practices in the state.
- A statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture tops the Vermont State House
The Vermont State House is a beautiful building that is steeped in history and tradition, and a unique statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture tops it.
The statue was added to the building in 1938 and serves as a symbol of Vermont’s deep agricultural roots and commitment to sustainable farming practices.
- The Vermont Teddy Bear Company creates handmade, customizable teddy bears
The Vermont Teddy Bear Company, founded in 1981, creates handmade, customizable teddy bears that have become beloved worldwide.
The company offers a wide range of bears, including ones designed for special occasions like birthdays and holidays, as well as bears that can be personalized with unique clothing and accessories.
- The Vermont Lake Monsters are a minor league baseball team with a unique mascot
The Vermont Lake Monsters, a minor league baseball team based in Burlington, have a unique mascot – a friendly monster named Champ, who is said to inhabit nearby Lake Champlain.
The team plays in a stadium overlooking the lake, providing a picturesque game backdrop.
- Vermont’s state flag is the only state flag in the United States to feature a portrait of a woman
Vermont’s state flag is unique in that it is the only state flag in the United States to feature a portrait of a woman.
The portrait is of Vermont native and pioneer suffragette Ann Story, who is depicted holding a flag with the state’s coat of arms.
In this article, we covered 27 amazing facts on Vermont. Keep learning!
I’m a former teacher (and mother of Two Childs) with a background in child development. Here to help you with play-based learning activities for kids. ( Check my Next startup Cledemy.Com)
