"The Green Mountain State"

Welcome to Vermont

Vermont/New Hampshire border on I-89
August 9, 2009

Since its creation, Vermont has been doing things its own way. It was founded around the same time as the rest of the colonies, yet was not part of the original 13 to ratify the Constitution. In fact, it was an independent republic until it became the 14th state to join the union in 1791. That independent mentality has remained over 200 years later, as there is feeling you get that Vermonters don't like to be told how things should be done. For example, most people in Vermont shy away from big cities. In fact, no other state has a largest city as small as Burlington. Not only that, it has some beautiful scenery that is worthy of its nickname of "Green Mountain State." And all that greenery sure makes for some tasty syrup, which I found out is a lot more expensive than the "syrup" you buy at the store.

I have mentioned before that I prefer to take pictures of welcome signs along interstates, as they tend to be bigger, higher quality and more esthetically pleasing. This was not the case with Vermont; their borders have equal opportunity signage. I first passed a sign that was identical to this along U.S. 4 on the New York border, but didn't take a picture, believing it to be an inferior version for a minor border crossing. So I held out until I passed into New Hampshire, then doubled-back to get the sign on I-89. This sign was exactly the same: same size (which is small along the interstate), same mountain graphic, same inclusion of the nickname, same lack of everything else.

Welcome to Montpelier

August 8, 2009

Montpelier is tiny. Let me say that again: Montpelier is tiny. It is the smallest state capital in the country, just barely topping 8,000 residents in the last census. Not only that, there isn't much nearby either. The neighboring town of Barre weighs in at a hefty 9,200, and after that, there aren't any other major settlements for about 10 miles. Montpelier consists of two primary roads: Main Street and State Street. Most of the businesses in "downtown" were located near their intersection, but State Street did have some nice brick storefronts that lined both sides of the street. It has the quaint little charm of a small New England town, but it seemed like a poor choice as the seat of state government. But I will give it props for not allowing the major chains to infiltrate the town square.

When I was attempting to locate the capitol on my first trip down State St., I passed it, not realizing it was out my right side window. Most capitols have been built in a location that makes it stand out from the other buildings around it, whether it has a sprawling plaza or park around it, sometimes it has statues or monuments, or even a location that allows motorists to drive around and view it from all sides. The Vermont capitol had none of the features, making it easy to miss. It is literally placed between two state office buildings, with a small plot of land in between. The building itself is average for a New England state house, which are typically smaller than states to the west. The golden dome is nice, but given its small size, not as impressive as Boston's. But I still couldn't believe its location, as the approach looked like this out my window: office building, office building, capitol, office building.

Miscellaneous Vermont Symbols

State Route Sign

License Plate

Seal

Quarter