VERMONT

The people of the territory now called the state of Vermont, having been connected with New York and having experienced great dissatisfaction with their connexion with that state, assembled in convention and on the 15th of January, 1777, declared themselves independent, and organized a government for themselves.

The hardy mountaineers, who had become impatient under their connexion with and dependence on the great state of New York, in pursuance of their own peculiar views of the rights and duties of a free and independent people, adopted many singular and peculiar provisions in their constitution.

The state is bounded N. by Lower Canada, E. by Connecticut river, S. by Massachusetts, and W. by New York. Situated between 42°44' and 45°N. Latitude, and 73°16' and 71°20'W. Longitude.

Vermont is divided into 14 counties, to wit: Bennington, Windham, Rutland, Windsor, Addison, Orange, Chittenden, Washington, Caledonia, Franklin, Orleans, Lamoille, Essex and Grand Isle. The population of the state in 1790, was 85,539; 1800, 154,465; 1810, 217,895; 1820, 235,764; 1830, 280,657. This state contains an area of about 10,212 square miles. Population to a square mile, in 1830, was 27 4/10. The number of sheep in the state, in 1837, was 1,099,011.

The important enterprise of a rail road from Boston to the outlet of the great lakes, on St. Lawrence river, will doubtless be accomplished. An enterprise of this kind, well worthy the consideration of the intelligent citizens and capitalists of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont, will greatly benefit those states, and make the capital of New England a powerful competitor with New York, for a large portion of the immense northern and western trade.

Although the fourteenth state was not admitted into the union until after the revolutionary contest was over, yet she vigorously resisted British oppression. A range of mountains covered with spruce, hemlock and other evergreens divides this state nearly in its centre; hence its name; and hence the epithet "Green Mountain Boys," celebrated for their bravery in the war of independence.

From these mountains many rivers take their rise; the most important are, Otter Creek, Onion, Lamoille and Missisque, which empty into Lake Champlain, on the west; and West, White and Passumpsic, which pass to the Connecticut on the east. This state is very fertile and produces all sorts of grain in great abundance. Cattle of various kinds are raised here with great facility. Wool is an important staple. Manufactures flourish on many of the delightful streams of Vermont, and its hills produce marble, granite and iron ore of superior excellence. The scenery of this state is very romantic and beautiful; the air is pure and healthful; the people industrious, intelligent, hospitable.

The trade of this state, to the west, passes to New York by lake Champlain, the northern canal and Hudson river; that on the east, to Connecticut river. Some of the trade of this state reaches Boston, and some goes to Montreal.

Hayward's New England Gazetteer (1839)

Vermont Counties

Vermont Towns and Landmarks

New England > Vermont

VERMONT

Vermont Counties

Vermont Towns and Landmarks