Where is Vermont? See its Map Location and Surrounding States

Vermont is one of six New England states in the northeastern region of the United States. Initially, it was part of New France, a North American French territory. Its tranquil mountains and verdant valleys traverse the length of the Green Mountain State. American history abounds here, where significant landmarks dot the landscape and tell the story of this symbolic state. Vermont covers an area of 9,616 mi2 with a population of 647,464 as of 2023. It is a popular winter destination with tourism as its second biggest industry. Read on to learn more about Vermont, including its history, location, and the surrounding states.

Where is Vermont Located on a Map?

Which States Border Vermont?

Quebec, Canada, is to the north, New Hampshire to the east, Massachusetts to the south, and New York to the west. These states contribute to the character of Vermont as they share lakes, rivers, and mountains and are but a short journey away. To visit any of them is, in fact, easy to do because the state is only 157 miles long, 90 miles at its widest point in the north, and 41 miles at its narrowest point in the south.

Quebec, Canada

This beautiful province in eastern Canada covers about a sixth of the country’s area. As a result, it is the largest of the 10 provinces. Quebec City, founded in 1608 by French explorer Samuel de Champlain, is Canada’s capital and oldest city. As a result, their official language is French, but residents also speak English. One of their more famous entertainment groups is Cirque du Soleil. It is the largest contemporary circus group in the world, and indeed, it produces one of the most unique and artistic performances.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire covers an area of 9,304 mi² with about 1,300 lakes and ponds, nearly 40 rivers, and 6,288-foot Mount Washington in the White Mountains. One of the original 13 colonies, it was the first to declare independence from Great Britain. The “Granite State” derived its name from granite quarrying during the 1800s. Also, it is home to several prestigious universities, such as Dartmouth College, one of eight Ivy League schools in the country.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is the most populous of the six New England states, with 7,001,399 as of 2023. It is a historically significant state in America as the site of several historic events. It’s where the Pilgrims landed in Plymouth in 1620 and where the Boston Tea Party held their protest on British tea taxes in 1773, an event where they dumped over 92,000 pounds of tea into the Boston Harbor! Cape Cod peninsula, a popular tourist destination, is where the Hyannis Port Kennedy family compound resides. In addition, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket islands off the mainland are popular resort destinations.

New York

One of the 13 original colonies, New York, is one of the most populous states in the union, with 19,571,216 residents. Known for Broadway, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty, New York City is one of the most-visited cities in the world. New York is a statement in contrast to the skyscrapers of New York City, the shores and estates of Long Island, and the country of upstate New York. Niagara Falls, in northernmost New York, is one of its most magnificent geographic wonders. Additionally, it is a source of hydroelectric power and a major attraction for travelers worldwide.

When Did Vermont Join the United States?

Admission to the union occurred on March 4, 1791, making Vermont the 14^th state. It was not one of the original 13 states because it declared independence during the American Revolution and became the Vermont Republic. It arose from the confusion created by the land grants issued by King George III of Great Britain to nobles in the colonies. New Hampshire and New York were the recipients of the grants, but their claims were to the same land, Vermont. Ethan Allen, leader of the Green Mountain Boys Militia and a holder of a land grant from New Hampshire, founded Vermont in 1777 to join the union. In the end, it took $30,000 for New York to release its claim on the land.

Is Vermont a Good Place to Live?

The state is reportedly one of the best places to live in the country based on factors such as the environment, job opportunities, the quality of healthcare and education, and affordable housing. They have great schools, low crime rates, and a strong sense of community. Some drawbacks, however, include an above-average cost of living contrasted to the rest of the country, cold and long winters, and high taxes.

What is the Climate Like?

The climate here is a wet continental type meaning cool winters and warm summers with precipitation year-round. Vermonters enjoy four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Temperatures warm in the spring, summer is short, and in the fall temperatures begin to drop. Winter snowfall averages between 70 to 80 inches in the valleys and about 110 inches in the mountains, with temperatures ranging from 0 degrees to the low 30s Fahrenheit (-12 to 0 degrees Celsius.) As a result, Vermont is a winter sports haven that hosts tourism throughout the season. Winter activities include snowshoeing, sledding, snowboarding, dog sledding, sleigh rides, ice skating, skiing, and ice fishing.

What is Vermont Famous For?

Vermont’s rolling hills are a famous landmark. The Green Mountain range is part of the northern Appalachian Mountain range, which runs about 35 miles through the state. It begins in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and ends in north-central Alabama. Farming is a popular enterprise, and locally-produced organic food is a state trademark. The cow-to-person ratio is about 1:4. Indeed, the terrain is ideal for raising livestock that dot the countryside. Other industries include maple syrup production, a major crop often incorporated into many of the local foods such as maple creemees, a soft-serve ice cream. Major brands such as Ben & Jerry’s and John Deere both have roots in Vermont.

Local Flora and Fauna

Common trees in Vermont include birch, pine, spruce, fir, hemlock, and maple, which accounts for their maple syrup crop and spectacular fall foliage that draws annual “leaf peepers.” They host a large deer population, and as a result, deer hunting is a popular fall activity. Black bears are often seen here, as well as an increased moose presence. The official state animal is the Morgan horse (Equus cabullus morganensis), one of the earliest breeds in the United States. Additionally, the ponds are home to the common loon, a symbol of wilderness with its unmistakable call.

In Conclusion

This interesting and varied state boasts history, charm, and a progressive attitude where many inventions were born and continue to flourish. It is a winter wonderland to many and a great place to relax and enjoy the simple life.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Oleksii Liskonih