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Vermont is known as the “Green Mountain State” due to the French explorer Samuel de Champlain’s naming of the land as “vert mont” and the Green Mountain Boys’ fight for independence. The state is home to the Green Mountain Range, which is over 75% forested and includes Mount Mansfield. The name was first used in a sermon in 1761 and has since become widely popular, appearing on many Vermont accessories and license plates.
Vermont is widely known as the “Green Mountain State” for a couple of different reasons, but the biggest one usually has to do with the history of how the state was called “Vermont” in the first place. The land that makes up the northeastern state was explored and mapped by the French geographer Samuel de Champlain, who called the land “green mountain” or “vert mont” in French. The state is home to the Green Mountain Range, which is one of the most significant topological formations in the Northeast; the name also recalls a group of young foot soldiers led by Ethan Allen who fought for independence against the British and were known as the “Green Mountain Boys” thanks in part to their rugged hiding places. Many scholars think that the first time Vermont was formally referred to as the “Green Mountain State” was in a sermon given to a number of prominent patriots in the mid-1700s, but the name has become wildly popular today. While it has not been formally adopted by the state legislature as an “official” nickname, it is incorporated into many official state documents and is even stamped on most modern license plates issued there.
Original naming and discovery of the land
The state of Vermont is located in the extreme northeastern corner of the United States, bordering the Canadian province of Quebec to the north, New York to the west, Massachusetts to the south, and New Hampshire to the east. It is home to a range of mountains known predominantly as the Green Mountains, thanks in large part to their lush foliage; from a distance the rolling hills often appear covered with a turf or other soft green, although in most cases the color is due to dense groupings of evergreen trees and shrubs.
These green mountains are different from most European mountains, which tend to be much higher and typically have rockier, arid terrain. When the French explorer Samuel de Champlain visited the region in 1609, he recorded it on his maps and in his correspondence as “vert mond”, presumably referring to the mountain range; many of his documents note that he found the terrain and topography quite extraordinary.
The mountain range today
The Green Mountains are one of the best-known natural landmarks in the northeastern United States and are part of the larger Appalachian mountain range. Vermont’s borders are situated almost entirely within this mountainous land, and by some estimates, the state is over 75 percent forested; as a result, logging and paper milling are some of the major industries in the state. The highest point is Mount Mansfield, which rises 4,393 feet (1,339 m) above sea level. This peak, as well as much of the central Green Mountain range, is protected as a state park.
Green Mountain Boys
The range has long been a part of the state’s history. Vermont was one of the first colonies and was the 14th state to join the new United States. It has long been known for the independent and freedom-seeking character of its residents, and this perhaps originated from some of the original patriots here who helped the nation as a whole to reclaim its independence from the British. Some of the best known of these are called the “Green Mountain Boys”; led by statesman Ethan Allen, these men camped and fought in the woods to protect their land. They are an often reviled and much loved aspect of Vermont history.
Use in a popular sermon
A priest named Reverend Dr. Peters is widely credited with being the first to call Vermont the Green Mountain State during a public address in 1761. Peters is also believed to have been the first priest to visit the state, and while he was there , gave an address on top of a mountain. While he stood atop a large rock, he is said to have used the name Green Mountain State in front of several colonial leaders of the time. Most often the reference is remembered in relation to the lush natural beauty of the state.
Widespread modern use
The name quickly gained popularity as a nickname for Vermont and has stayed that way for years to come. It has appeared on a wide variety of Vermont accessories. In fact, the moniker is so well established that it has graced many Vermont license plate designs.
