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. Originally 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 find out more about Where is Vermont? See its map location and surrounding states to further appreciate this beautiful place.

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, sharing 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 its capital and Canada’s 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, they produce one of the most unique and artistic performances around.

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. This is where the Pilgrims landed in Plymouth in 1620. The first battles of the American Revolution in 1775 were fought here. The Boston Tea Party protested the British tax on tea in 1773, indeed, they made their point by dumping over 90,000 pounds of tea into the 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. Some of the most iconic and beautiful buildings in the country are in New York City, a financial center of the country and the world. New York is a statement in contrast from the skyscrapers of New York City, to 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 the world over.

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 which 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 with the intent to join the union. In the end, $30,000 was paid to New York to release its claim.

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 trademark of the state. 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. Popular farming equipment brand John Deere began in Rutland. The state is a leading producer of marble. And lastly, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream!

Local Flora and Fauna

Common trees in Vermont include birch, pine, spruce, fir, hemlock, and of course, 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 is filled with 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