How to Research the History of Vermont

Vermont is known as the Green Mountain State and became the 14th state to join the Union on March 4, 1791. This state will be of interest to students of American history as the site of Fort Ticonderoga, which was captured from the British early in the Revolutionary War. The following steps will aid in your search for information about this state.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet
• Books about the states
• Books about American history

1. Search history websites and books to learn about the best-known aspect of Vermont--its status as a major producer of maple syrup. Make sure to look for facts about Vermont's history as a territory and state.
2. Read up on the origin of Vermont's name as derived from the French "vert mont," meaning "green mountain." Also make sure to look for facts about the first European contact by French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1609.
3. Look for information about the original inhabitants of Vermont. The state was inhabited by the Abenaki, Algonquin and Iroquois nations at the time of European exploration. Study how the first permanent European settlement was established by settlers from Massachusetts at Fort Dummer in 1724.
4. Study how England acquired Vermont from France in the Treaty of Paris in 1763. Vermont remained an independent republic until it joined he Union in 1791. Settlers were initially attracted to this area because both New York and New Hampshire issued land grants for Vermont from 1749 to 1763.
5. Research Vermont's economy to know that it is a major producer in granite, maple syrup, marble and talc. Fruit trees and dairy farming are major agricultural commodities. The most important industrial products include electrical equipment, metal products and paper products. Tourism is also a significant industry.