Montpelier

What makes the capitol special

The Vermont State House was finished in 1859 in the Greek Revival style. It features a dome covered in gold leaf and topped by a statue of Ceres, the goddess of agriculture. Inside, the House and Senate rooms still use their original furniture from the 1800s. This makes them the oldest active legislative halls in the U.S. that have kept their original interior design.

Three places to visit

1. Hubbard Park & Tower – Hike through a large wooded park and climb a stone tower to see wide, panoramic views of the area.
2. Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks – Visit this working farm to taste pure Vermont maple syrup and try treats like “maple creemees” (soft-serve ice cream).
3. Downtown Montpelier (Main & State Streets) – Take a walk through the charming downtown area of America’s smallest state capital, which is filled with local shops and restaurants.

How the city got its name

Montpelier was named in 1787 after the city of Montpellier in France. This name was likely chosen to thank the French people for their support during the American Revolution.

Why this city became the capital

Montpelier became Vermont’s capital in 1805. Before this, Windsor served as the capital of the Vermont Republic until Vermont became a state in 1791. For the next fourteen years, the state legislature met in many different towns, including Windsor and Rutland. Montpelier was finally chosen because it was near the center of the state, and local residents helped secure the decision by donating land for the new government buildings.