On the southern edge of the Canadian border, the state of Vermont draws visitors for its excellent ski facilities as well as fishing and those looking to enjoy a mountain vacation. People come from all over the globe to visit ski resorts such as the Killington Ski Resort, Sugarbush, Bromley and Mad River Glen for their world class skiing.

Originally claimed by the French, following the French and Indian War it become subject to British rule. While the surrounding colonies argued for control of the area and following 14 years as an independent nation, it became the 14th state to join the union. It is the only state in New England with no shoreline on the Atlantic Ocean. Vermont is one of five states or commonwealths that at one time during its history was declared as an independent nation. Others included California, Hawaii, Texas and parts of Louisiana.

In addition to its premier skiing resorts and spectacular views, Vermont is the country’s leading producer of maple syrup. Rutland and Barre are known for their quarry industry for marble and granite, bringing new industry to the state.

New Hampshire settlers had a major interest in the Vermont area and when the Connecticut governor started handing out land grants followed by New York Land Grants, the Green Mountain Boys were called in to help settle the dispute. The violence broke out in 1775 and is known as the Westminster Massacre. In 1777, the area declared its independence and became known as New Connecticut.

The state of Vermont contributed over 38,000 soldiers to the Civil War in its fight against slavery, and following the war the majority of Vermont’s political leaders were veterans. The state gave women the right to vote 1880, first in local elections and then on the state and federal level.

When people think of Vermont, they may conjure up images of snow-capped mountains, skiing and many other winter sports. And, while the state is known for its winter tourism for snowy activities, Lake Champlain, which separates the western border of Vermont and New York, offers a myriad of opportunities for summer tourist activities as well.

When the great plains proved too inviting to farmers from Vermont, the state’s agricultural industry took a major hit, and today dairy farming is the largest agricultural industry to survive. The state’s growing economy is highly aimed at state branded foods and novelty items such as Cabot Cheese and the Vermont Teddy Bear Company.

Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream as well as King Arthur Flour and Burton Snowboards are major international companies born and raised in Vermont. While these private businesses continue to grow they have drawn attention to the state and the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of State have no problem using them, along with many other Vermont-based businesses, as helping to build the Vermont brand.