This article is about the U.S. state of Vermont. For other uses see Vermont (disambiguation). State of Vermont Flag Seal Nickname(s): The Green Mountain State Motto(s): Freedom and Unity Official language(s) English Demonym Vermonter Capital Montpelier Largest city Burlington Area  Ranked 45th in the U.S.  - Total 9620 sq mi (24923 km2)  - Width 80 miles (130 km)  - Length 160 miles (260 km)  - % water 4.1  - Latitude 4244 N to 451 N  - Longitude 7128 W to 7326 W Population  Ranked 49th in the U.S.  - Total (2010) 625741 - Density 65.8/sq mi  (25.9/km2) Ranked 30th in the U.S.  - Median income  $52104 (20th) Elevation    - Highest point Mt. Mansfield1 4395 ft  (1340 m)  - Mean 1000 ft  (300 m)  - Lowest point 95 ft  (29 m) Before statehood Vermont Republic Admission to Union  March 4 1791 (14th) Governor Peter Shumlin (D) Lieutenant Governor Phillip Scott (R) Legislature General Assembly  - Upper house Senate  - Lower house House of Representatives U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy (D) Bernie Sanders (I) U.S. House delegation Peter Welch (D) (list) Time zone Eastern: UTC5/4 Abbreviations US-VT Website vermont.gov Much of the business of local government in Vermont towns takes place each March at a town meeting held at a meetinghouse such as this one in Marlboro Vermont.

Vermont (i /vrmnt/) is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area 9250 square miles (24000 km2) and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census 6303372 is the second smallest in the country larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England state not bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the only landlocked state in the northeast. Lake Champlain forms half of Vermont's western border which it shares with the state of New York. The Green Mountains are within the state. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south New Hampshire to the east New York to the west and the Canadian province of Qubec to the north.

Originally inhabited by two major Native American tribes (the Algonquian-speaking Abenaki and the Iroquois) much of the territory that is now Vermont was claimed by France in the early colonial period. France ceded the territory to the Kingdom of Great Britain after being defeated in 1763 in the Seven Years' War (also called the French and Indian War). For many years the nearby colonies especially New Hampshire and New York disputed control of the area (then called the New Hampshire Grants). Settlers who held land titles granted by these colonies were opposed by the Green Mountain Boys militia which eventually prevailed in creating an independent state the Vermont Republic. Founded in 1776 during the Revolutionary War it lasted for fourteen years. While independent it abolished slavery. When it joined the Union it was the first state to have abolished slavery. Vermont is one of seventeen U.S. states (along with Texas Hawaii the brief California Republic and each of the original Thirteen Colonies) that each once had a sovereign government. In 1791 Vermont joined the United States as the fourteenth state and the first outside the original Thirteen Colonies.

Vermont is the leading producer of maple syrup in the United States.3 The state capital is Montpelier which with 7705 people is the least-populated state capital in the country.4 Its most populous city is Burlington which has 42417 residents. Contents 1 Geography 1.1 Cities 1.2 Largest towns 1.3 Climate 1.4 Geology 1.5 Natural history 2 History 2.1 Pre-Columbian 2.2 Colonial 2.3 Independence and statehood 2.4 Revolutionary War 2.5 Statehood and the antebellum era 2.6 The Civil War 2.7 Postbellum era and beyond 3 Demographics 3.1 Population 3.2 Race and gender 3.3 Ethnicity and language 3.4 Religion 4 Economy 4.1 Personal income 4.2 Agriculture 4.3 Manufacturing 4.4 Health 4.5 Housing 4.6 Labor 4.7 Insurance 4.8 Tourism 4.9 Quarrying 4.10 Non-profits and volunteerism 5 Transportation 5.1 Major routes 5.1.1 Northsouth routes 5.1.2 Eastwest routes 5.2 Rail 5.3 Local community public and private transportation 5.4 Airports 6 Media 6.1 Newspapers of record 6.2 Broadcast media 7 Utilities 7.1 Electricity 7.2 Communication 8 Law and government 8.1 Finances 8.1.1 Taxes 8.1.2 Property taxes 8.2 Politics 8.2.1 National politics 8.2.2 State politics 9 Public health 10 Education 10.1 Higher education 11 Sports 12 Cultural pursuits 13 State symbols 14 Notable Vermonters 14.1 Notable fictional Vermonters 15 See also 16 References 17 Bibliography 18 External links 19 Related information Geography See also: List of counties in Vermont List of towns in Vermont and List of mountains in Vermont

Vermont is located in the New England region in the eastern United States and comprises 9614 square miles (24900 km2) making it the 45th-largest state. Land comprises 9250 square miles (24000 km2) and water comprises 365 square miles (950 km2) making it the 43rd-largest in land area and the 47th in water area. In total area it is larger than El Salvador and smaller than Haiti. Map of Vermont showing cities roads and rivers

The west bank of the Connecticut River marks the eastern (New Hampshire) border of the state (the river is part of New Hampshire).5 Lake Champlain the major lake in Vermont is the sixth-largest body of fresh water in the United States and separates Vermont from New York in the northwest portion of the state. From north to south Vermont is 159 miles (256 km) long. Its greatest width from east to west is 89 miles (143 km) at the Canadian border; the narrowest width is 37 miles (60 km) at the Massachusetts line. The state's geographic center is Washington three miles (5 km) east of Roxbury. There are fifteen US federal border crossings between Vermont and Canada.

The origin of the name "Vermont" is uncertain but likely comes from the French les Verts Monts meaning "the Green Mountains".6 Thomas Young introduced it in 1777.7 Some authorities say that the mountains were called green because they were more forested than the higher White Mountains of New Hampshire and Adirondacks of New York; others say that the predominance of mica-quartz-chlorite schist a green-hued metamorphosed shale is the reason. The Green Mountain range forms a northsouth spine running most of the length of the state slightly west of its center. In the southwest portion of the state are the Taconic Mountains; the Granitic Mountains are in the northeast.8 In the northwest near Lake Champlain is the fertile Champlain Valley. In the south of the valley is Lake Bomoseen. Vermont has 14 counties. Only twoLamoille and Washingtonare entirely surrounded by Vermont territory.

Several mountains have timberlines with delicate year-round alpine ecosystems including Mount Mansfield the highest mountain in the state; Killington Peak the second-highest; Camel's Hump the state's third-highest; and Mount Abraham the fifth-highest peak. About 77 percent of the state is covered by forest; the rest is covered in meadow uplands lakes ponds and swampy wetlands.

Areas in Vermont administered by the National Park Service include the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park (in Woodstock) and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.9

Cities Burlington Vermont's largest city Rutland Montpelier Vermont's capital city Cities (2010 census population): Largest cities 2010 Census City Population Burlington 42417 South Burlington 17904 Rutland 16495 Barre 9052 Montpelier 7855 Winooski 7267 St. Albans 6918 Largest towns Although these towns are large enough to be considered cities they are not incorporated as such. Largest towns (2010 census population): Largest towns 2010 Census City Population Essex 19587 Colchester 17067 Bennington 15764 Brattleboro 12046 Milton 10352 Hartford 9952 Springfield 9373 Williston 8698 Middlebury 8496 Barre 7924 St. Johnsbury 7603 Shelburne 7144 Climate A covered bridge set against the fall foliage 2009 Vermont has a humid continental climate with warm humid summers and cold winters that are colder at higher elevations.10 It has a Kppen climate classification of Dfb similar to Minsk Stockholm and Fargo.11 Vermont is known for its mud season in spring followed by a generally mild early summer hot Augusts a colorful autumn and its particularly cold winters; the rural northeastern section (dubbed the "Northeast Kingdom") often averages 10 F (5.56 C) colder than the southern areas of the state during winter. The annual snowfall averages between 60 inches (152 cm) to 100 inches (254 cm) depending on elevation. The annual mean temperature for the state is 43 F (6 C).12 It is the seventh coolest state in the country.13 In the autumn Vermont's hills display red orange and gold foliage displayed on the sugar maple as cold weather approaches. This display of color is not due so much to the presence of a particular variant of the sugar maple; rather it is caused by a number of soil and climate conditions unique to the area. The highest recorded temperature was 105 F (41 C) at Vernon on July 4 1911; the lowest recorded temperature was 50 F (46 C) at Bloomfield on December 30 1933; this is the lowest temperature recorded in New England (Big Black River Maine also recorded a verified 50 F (46 C) in 2009).1415 The agricultural growing season ranges from 120 to 180 days.16 The USDA Plant hardiness zones for the state range between zone 3b (no colder than 35 F (37 C) ) in the Northeast Kingdom and northern part of the state to zone 5b (no colder than 15 F (26 C) ) in the southern part of the state.17 The state receives between 2000 and 2400 hours of sunshine annually.18 Monthly normal and record high and low temperatures Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Rec high F(C) 59 (15) 63 (17) 84 (29) 91 (33) 94 (34.5) 96 (35.5) 101 (38) 98 (36.5) 95 (35) 87 (30.5) 69 (20.5) 62 (17) Norm high F(C) 25 (4) 31 (0.5) 43 (6) 51 (10.5) 64 (18) 76 (24.5) 81 (27) 78 (25.5) 71 (22) 54 (12) 36 (2) 28 (2) Norm low F(C) 4 (15.5) 10 (12) 22 (5.5) 30 (1) 43 (6) 55 (13) 60 (15.5) 57 (14) 50 (10) 33 (0.5) 15 (9.5) 7 (14) Rec low F(C) 38 (39) 35 (37) 18 (28) 9 (13) 24 (4.5) 36 (2) 41 (5) 38 (3) 21 (6) 4 (15.5) 16 (27) 32 (35.5) Precip in(mm) 0.61 (15.5) 0.63 (16) 0.68 (17) 1.99 (50.5) 4.01 (102) 4.06 (103) 4.07 (103.5) 4.00 (101.5) 3.95 (100) 2.48 (63) 0.66 (17) 0.62 (16) Source: USTravelWeather.com 19 Geology There are five distinct physiographic regions of Vermont. Categorized by geological and physical attributes they are the Northeastern Highlands the Green Mountains the Taconic Mountains the Champlain Lowlands and the Vermont Piedmont.20 The central and southern Green Mountain range include the oldest rocks in Vermont formed about one billion years ago during the first mountain building period (or orogeny). Subsequently about 400 million years ago the second mountain building period created Green Mountain peaks that were 1500020000 feet (46006100 m) tall three to four times their current height and comparable to the Himalayas. The geological pressures that created those peaks remain evident as the Champlain Thrust running northsouth to the west of the mountains (now the eastern shore of Lake Champlain). It is an example of geological fault thrusting where bedrock is pushed over the newer rock formation. Several large deposits within the state contain granite. The Rock of Ages Quarry in Barre is one of the leading exporters of granite in the country. The work of the trained sculptors of this corporation can be seen only 3 miles (4.8 km) down the road at the Hope Cemetery where gravestones and mausoleums can be seen. Some buildings in Germany Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi are constructed almost primarilyclarification needed of Vermont granite. There are eight different colors of granite including: Barre Gray Bethel White Galactic Blue Salisbury Pink American Black Gardenia White Laurentian Pink and Stanstead grey.2122 The remains of the Chazy Formation can be observed in Isle La Motte. It was one of the first tropical reefs. It is the site of the limestone Fisk Quarry which contains a collection of ancient marine fossils such as stromatoporoids. These fossils date back to 200 million years ago.clarification needed It is believed that at one point Vermont was connected to Africa (Pangaea) and the fossils found and the rock formations found on the coasts in both Africa and America are further evidence of the Pangaea theory.232425 In the past four centuries Vermont has experienced a few earthquakes rarely centered under Vermont the highest being a Richter magnitude scale 6.0 in 1952.26 Natural history Vermont is in the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests biome. Much of the state in particular the Green Mountains is covered by the conifers and northern hardwoods of the New England-Acadian forests. The western border with New York and the area around Lake Champlain lies within the Eastern Great Lakes lowland forests. The southwest corner of the state and parts of the Connecticut River are covered by Northeastern coastal forests of mixed oak.27 The state contains 41 species of reptiles and amphibians 89 species of fish of which 12 are non-native;28 193 species of breeding birds 58 species of mammals more than 15000 insect species and 2000 higher plant species plus fungi algae and 75 different types of natural communities.29 Vermont contains one specie of venomous snake the Eastern timber rattlesnake which is confined to a few acres in western Rutland County.30 By the mid-19th century wild turkeys were exterminated in the state through overhunting and destruction of habitat. Sixteen were re-introduced in 1969 and had grown to an estimated flock of 45000 in 2009.31 Since 1970 reduction of farmland has resulted in reduced environment and reduced numbers for various shrubland birds including the American woodcock brown thrasher Eastern towhee willow flycatcher golden-winged warbler blue-winged warbler field sparrow and Baltimore oriole.32 Invasive wild honeysuckle has been deemed a threat to the state's forests native species of plants and wildlife.33 DDT destroyed the eggshells of ospreys which resulted in their disappearance from the state. This species began reviving in 1998. As of 2010 they were no longer endangered in the state.34 White-nose syndrome killed an estimated two-thirds of all cave-wintering bats in the state from 2008 to 2010.35 Many of Vermont's rivers including the Winooski River have been subjected to man-made barriers to prevent flooding. History Main article: History of Vermont Mount Mansfield at 4393 feet (1339 m) is the highest point in Vermont. Pre-Columbian Between 8500 to 7000 BC at the time of the Champlain Sea Native Americans inhabited and hunted in Vermont. During the Archaic period from the 8th millennium BC to 1000 BC Native Americans migrated year-round. During the Woodland period from 1000 BC to AD 1600 villages and trade networks were established and ceramic and bow and arrow technology was developed. In pre-Columbian Vermont. In the western part of the state there lived a small population of Algonquian-speaking tribes including the Mohican and Abenaki peoples. Sometime between 1500 and 1600 the Iroquois drove many of the smaller native tribes out of Vermont later using the area as a hunting ground and warring with the remaining Abenaki. The population in 1500 was estimated to be around 10000 people. Colonial See also: List of forts in Vermont The Old Constitution House at Windsor where the Constitution of Vermont was adopted on July 8 1777 A c. 1775 flag used by the Green Mountain Boys. The first European to see Vermont is thought to have been Jacques Cartier in 1535. On July 30 1609 French explorer Samuel de Champlain claimed Vermont as part of New France and erected Fort Lamotte in 1666 which was the first European settlement in Vermont. In 1638 a "violent" earthquake was felt throughout New England centered in the St. Lawrence Valley. This was the first seismic event noted in Vermont.26 In 1690 a group of Dutch-British settlers from Albany established a settlement and trading post at Chimney Point 8 miles (13 km) west of present-day Addison. The first permanent British settlement was established in 1724 with the construction of Fort Dummer protecting the nearby settlements of Dummerston and Brattleboro. From 1731 to 1734 the French constructed Fort Frederic which gave the French control of the New France/Vermont border region in the Lake Champlain Valley. The British failed to take the Fort St. Frdric four times between 1755 and 1758. In 1759 a combined force of 12000 British regular and provincial troops under Sir Jeffrey Amherst captured the fort which was renamed Fort Crown Point. The French were driven out of the area. Following France's loss in the French and Indian War the 1763 Treaty of Paris gave control of the land to the British. Colonial settlement was limited by the British to lands east of the Appalachians and Vermont was divided nearly in half in a jagged line running from Fort William Henry in Lake George diagonally north-eastward to Lake Memphremagog. The end of the war brought new settlers to Vermont. Ultimately Massachusetts New Hampshire and New York all contended for this frontier area. On March 20 1764 King George III established the boundary between New Hampshire and New York along the west bank of the Connecticut River north of Massachusetts and south of 45 degrees north latitude. When New York refused to recognize land titles through the New Hampshire Grants (towns created earlier by New Hampshire in present Vermont) dissatisfied colonists organized in opposition which led to the creation of independent Vermont on January 18 1777.3637 In 1770 Ethan Allen his brothers Ira and Levi and Seth Warner recruited an informal militia the Green Mountain Boys to protect the interests of the original New Hampshire settlers against the new migrants from New York. Independence and statehood 1790 Act of Congress admitting Vermont to the federal union. Statehood began on March 4 1791. The gold leaf dome of the neoclassical Vermont State House (Capitol) in Montpelier. Main article: Vermont Republic On January 18 1777 representatives of the New Hampshire Grants declared the independence of Vermont.38 For the first six months of the state's existence the state was called New Connecticut.39 On June 2 1777 a second convention of 72 delegates met to adopt the name "Vermont." This was on the advice of a friendly Pennsylvanian who wrote to them on how to achieve admission into the newly independent United States as the 14th state.39 On July 4 the Constitution of Vermont was drafted at the Windsor Tavern; it was adopted by the delegates on July 8. This was among the first written constitutions in North America and was indisputably the first to abolish the institution of slavery provide for universal adult male suffrage and require support of public schools. It was in effect from 1777 to 1791.40 Slavery was banned again by state law on November 25 1858.41 Revolutionary War Main article: Battle of Bennington The Battle of Bennington fought on August 16 1777 was a seminal event in the history of the state of Vermont. A combined American force under General Stark's command attacked the British column at Hoosick New York just across the border from Bennington and killed or captured virtually the entire British detachment. General Burgoyne never recovered from this loss and eventually surrendered the remainder of his 6000-man force at Saratoga New York on October 17. The Battles of Bennington and Saratoga are recognized as the turning point in the Revolutionary War because they were the first major defeat of a British army. The anniversary of the battle is still celebrated in Vermont as a legal holiday. The Battle of Hubbardton (July 7 1777) was the only battle in present day Vermont and though the Continental forces were technically defeated the British forces were damaged to the point that they did not pursue the Americans (retreating from Fort Ticonderoga) any further. Statehood and the antebellum era Vermont in 1827 Vermont continued to govern itself as a sovereign entity based in the eastern town of Windsor for fourteen years. The independent state of Vermont issued its own coinage from 1785 to 178842 and operated a statewide postal service. Thomas Chittenden was the Governor in 17781789 and in 17901791. The state was obliged to solve conflicting property ownership disputes with New Yorkers. In 1791 Vermont joined the Federal union as the fourteenth state and the first to enter the Union after the original thirteen colonies. Vermont had a unicameral legislature until 1836. The mid-1850s onwards saw a transition from Vermonters mostly favoring slavery's containment to a far more serious opposition to the institution producing the Radical Republican and abolitionist Thaddeus Stevens. While the Whig Party shriveled and the Republican Party emerged Vermont strongly trended in support of its candidates. In 1860 it voted for President Abraham Lincoln giving him the largest margin of victory of any state. The Civil War Main article: Vermont in the American Civil War During the American Civil War Vermont sent more than 34000 men into United States service. Almost 5200 Vermonters 15 percent were killed or mortally wounded in action or died of disease a higher percentage than any other state. The northernmost land action of the war the St. Albans Raid took place in Vermont. Postbellum era and beyond The first election in which women were allowed to vote was on December 18 1880 when women were granted limited suffrage and were first allowed to vote in town elections and then in state legislative races. Large-scale flooding occurred in early November 1927. During this incident 84 people died including the state's lieutenant-governor.43 Another flood occurred in 1973 causing the death of two people and millions of dollars in property damage. In 1964 the US Supreme Court decision in Reynolds v. Sims that forced "one-man one-vote" redistricting on all states required large changes in Vermont giving cities an equitable share of votes in both houses for the entire country.44 Until that time counties had often been represented by area in state senates and were often unsympathetic to possible solutions to urban problems that would increase taxes.citation needed Demographics Population Historical populations Census Pop. % 1790 85425 1800 154465 80.8% 1810 217895 41.1% 1820 235981 8.3% 1830 280652 18.9% 1840 291948 4.0% 1850 314120 7.6% 1860 315098 0.3% 1870 330551 4.9% 1880 332286 0.5% 1890 332422 0% 1900 343641 3.4% 1910 355956 3.6% 1920 352428 1.0% 1930 359611 2.0% 1940 359231 0.1% 1950 377747 5.2% 1960 389881 3.2% 1970 444330 14.0% 1980 511456 15.1% 1990 562758 10.0% 2000 608827 8.2% 2010 625741 2.8% The center of population of Vermont is located in Washington County in the town of Warren.45 According to the U.S. Census Bureau as of 2005 Vermont has an estimated population of 623050 which is an increase of 1817 or 0.3 percent from the prior year and an increase of 14223 or 2.3 percent since 2000. This includes a natural increase since the last census of 7148 people (33606 births minus 26458 deaths) and an increase due to net migration of 7889 people into the state. Immigration from outside the United States resulted in a net increase of 4359 people and migration within the country produced a net increase of 3530 people. As of 2009 47.8% of Vermont's population was born outside the state with first and second-generation Vermonters representing a majority of the population.46 Vermont is the least populous state in New England. In 2006 it had the second lowest birthrate in the nation 42/1000 women.47 The median age of the work force was 42.3 the highest in the nation. In 2009 12.6 percent of people over 15 were divorced. This was the fifth highest percentage in the nation.48 Race and gender Demographics of Vermont (csv) By race White Black AIAN* Asian NHPI* 2000 (total population) 98.12% 0.76% 1.05% 1.09% 0.05% 2000 (Hispanic only) 0.83% 0.06% 0.04% 0.02% 0.01% 2005 (total population) 97.95% 0.89% 0.97% 1.24% 0.04% 2005 (Hispanic only) 1.03% 0.06% 0.04% 0.01% 0.00% Growth 200005 (total population) 2.16% 20.33% -5.49% 16.42% -9.09% Growth 200005 (non-Hispanic only) 1.94% 21.76% -5.13% 17.31% -2.66% Growth 200005 (Hispanic only) 26.76% 2.62% -13.81% -39.42% -46.67% * AIAN is American Indian or Alaskan Native; NHPI is Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Vermont Population Density Map Vermont's population is: 51.0% female 49.0% male Among the 50 states and the District of Columbia Vermont ranks: 2nd highest proportion of Whites 2nd oldest median age49 41st highest proportion of Asians 49th highest proportion of Hispanics 48th highest proportion of Blacks 29th highest proportion of Native Americans 39th highest proportion of people of mixed race 28th highest proportion of males 24th highest proportion of females Ethnicity and language The largest ancestry groups are:50 / 23.9% French or French Canadian 18.6% English 17.9% Irish 10.3% German 7.5% Italian 7.0% American 5.0% Scottish 3.9% Polish 2.7% Scotch Irish 1.9% Swedish 1.6% Dutch 1.4% Russian 1.4% Welsh Residents of British ancestry (especially English) live throughout most of Vermont. The northern part of the state maintains a significant percentage of people of French-Canadian ancestry. Some vestiges of a Vermont accent are heard but the population has become more homogenized around American standard English in recent years. According to the 2000 U.S. Census 2.54 percent of the population aged five and older speak French at home while 1 percent speak Spanish.51 Religion Religious identification Religion 199052 200153 200852 Christian 84% 67% 55%     Roman Catholic 37% 38% 26%     Protestant 47% 29% 29%         Congregational/United         Church of Christ 6%        Methodist 6%         Episcopal 4%         Other Christian 4%         Baptist 3%         Other Protestant 2%         Assemblies of God 1%         Evangelical 1%         Seventh-day Adventist 1%         Non-Denominational 1% Other religions 3% 2% 4% No religion 13% 22% 34% Declined to answer 1% 8% 6% In 2008 over half of Vermont residents identified themselves as Christians. The largest single religious body in the state is the Roman Catholic Church. According to the ARDA in 2000 the Catholic Church had 147918 members. Almost one-third of Vermonters were self-identified Protestants. The Congregational United Church of Christ is the largest Protestant denomination (21597) and Vermont has the largest percentage of this denomination of any state.54 The number of congregations of the United Church of Christ (149) was larger than the number of Catholic congregations (133).55 The second largest Protestant denomination is the United Methodist Church with 19000 members;55 followed by Episcopalians "other" Christians and Baptists. Twenty-four percent of Vermonters attended church regularly. This low is matched nationally only by New Hampshire.56 In 2008 34 percent of Vermonters claimed no religion; this is the highest percentage in the nation.5758 A survey suggested that people in Vermont and New Hampshire which were polled jointly were less likely to attend weekly services and are less likely to believe in God (54 percent) than people in the rest of the nation (71 percent). The two states were at the lowest levels among states in religious commitment. About 23 percent of the respondents attended religious service at least once a week (39 percent nationally). Thirty-six percent said religion is very important to them (56 percent nationally).59 Joseph Smith Jr. and Brigham Youngthe first two leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saintswere both born in Vermont. A memorial to Joseph Smith at his birthplace in Sharon is maintained by the LDS church and draws about 70000 visitors annually. As of 2010 the church reports 4386 members in twelve congregations throughout the state.60 Vermont may have the highest concentration of western-convert Buddhists in the country. Several Buddhist retreat centers are located in the state.61 2000 people of Islamic faith are estimated to live in the state.62 Economy In 2007 Vermont was ranked by Forbes magazine as 32nd among states in which to do business. It was 30th the previous year.63 In 2008 an economist said that the state had "a really stagnant economy which is what we are forecasting for Vermont for the next 30 years." 64 In May 2010 Vermont's 6.2 percent unemployment rate was the fourth lowest in the nation.65 This rate reflects the second sharpest decline among the 50 states since the prior May.66 According to the 2005 U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report Vermont's gross state product (GSP) was $23 billion. This places the state 50th among the 50 states. It stood 38th in per capita GSP.6768 Components of GSP were:6970 Government $3083 million (13.4%) Real Estate Rental and Leasing $2667 million (11.6%) Durable goods manufacturing $2210 million (9.6%) Health Care and Social Assistance $2170 million (9.4%) Retail trade $1934 million (8.4%) Finance and Insurance $1369 million (5.9%) Construction $1258 million (5.5%) Professional and technical services $1276 million (5.5%) Wholesale trade $1175 million (5.1%) Accommodations and Food Services $1035 million (4.5%) Information $958 million (4.2%) Non-durable goods manufacturing $711 million (3.1%) Other Services $563 million (2.4%) Utilities $553 million (2.4%) Educational Services $478 million (2.1%) Transportation and Warehousing $484 million (2.1%) Administrative and Waste Services $436 million (1.9%) Agriculture forestry fishing and hunting $375 million (1.6%) Arts Entertainment and Recreation $194 million (.8%) Mining $100 million (.4%) Management of Companies $35 million (.2%) Canada was Vermont's largest foreign trade partner in 2007. The state's second largest foreign trade partner was Taiwan.71 The state had $4 billion worth of commerce with Qubec.72 One measure of economic activity is retail sales. The state had $5.2 billion in 2007.73 In 2008 8631 new businesses were registered in Vermont a decline of 500 from 2007.74 Personal income The median household income from 2002 to 2004 was $45692. This was 15th nationally.75 The median wage in the state in 2008 was $15.31 hourly or $31845 annually.76 About 80 percent of the 68000 Vermonters who qualify for food stamps actually received them in 2007.77 40 percent of seniors 75 years or older live on annual incomes of $21660 or less.78 Agriculture Agriculture contributes $2.6 billion79 about 12 percent directly and indirectly to the state's economy.80 However another study claims that agriculture contributes 2.2 percent of the state's domestic product.81 In 2000 about 3 percent of the state's working population engaged in agriculture.82 Fall foliage seen from Hogback Mountain Wilmington Over the past two centuries logging has fallen off as over-cutting and the exploitation of other forests made Vermont's forest less attractive. The decline of farms has resulted in a regrowth of Vermont's forests due to ecological succession. Today most of Vermont's forests are secondary. The state and non-profit organizations are actively encouraging regrowth and careful forest management. Over 78 percent of the land area of the state is forested. Over 85 percent of that area is non-industrial private forestland owned by individuals or families. Dairy farming is the primary source of agricultural income. In the last half of the 20th century developers had plans to build condos and houses on what was relatively inexpensive open land. Vermont's government responded with a series of laws controlling development and with some pioneering initiatives to prevent the loss of Vermont's dairy industry. Still the number of Vermont dairy farms has declined more than 85 percent from the 11206 dairy farms operating in 1947. In 2003 there were fewer than 1500 dairy farms in the state; in 2006 there were 1138; and in 2007 there were 1087. In 2007 there were farms left down from in 2006. The number of dairy farms has been diminishing by 10 percent annually.83 The number of cattle in Vermont had declined by 40 percent; however milk production has doubled in the same period due to tripling the production per cow.84 While milk production rose Vermont's market share declined. Within a group of states supplying the Boston and New York City markets85 Vermont was third in market share with 10.6 percent; New York has 44.9 percent and Pennsylvania has 32.9 percent.86 In 2007 dairy farmers received a record $23.60 for 100 pounds (45 kg) of milk. This dropped in 2008 to $17.87 The average dairy farm produced 1.3 million pounds of milk annually in 2008.88 The dairy barn remains an iconic image of Vermont but the 87 percent decrease in active dairy farms between 1947 and 2003 89 preservation of the dairy barns has increasingly become dependent upon a commitment to maintaining a legacy rather than basic need in the agricultural economy. The Vermont Barn Census organized by a collaboration of educational and nonprofit state and local historic preservation programs has developed educational and administrative systems for recording the number condition and features of barns throughout Vermont.90 In 2009 there were 543 organic farms. Twenty percent of the dairy farms were organic and 23 percent (128) vegetable farms were organic. Organic farming increased in 200607 but leveled off in 200809. Nor are any expected for 2010.91 A significant amount of milk is shipped into the Boston market. Therefore the Commonwealth of Massachusetts certifies that Vermont farms meet Massachusetts sanitary standards. Without this certification a farmer may not sell milk for distribution into the bulk market.92 An important and growing part of Vermont's economy is the manufacture and sale of artisan foods fancy foods and novelty items trading in part upon the Vermont "brand" which the state manages and defends. Examples of these specialty exports include Cabot Cheese the Vermont Teddy Bear Company Fine Paints of Europe Vermont Butter and Cheese Company several micro breweries ginseng growers Burton Snowboards Lake Champlain Chocolates King Arthur Flour and Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream. There were about 2000 maple products producers in 2010.93 In 2001 Vermont produced 275000 US gallons (1040000 L) of maple syrup about one-quarter of U.S. production. For 2005 that number was 410000 US gallons (1600000 l; 340000 imp gal) accounting for 37 percent of national production.94 This rose to 920000 US gallons (3500000 l; 770000 imp gal) in 2009.95 Wine industry in Vermont started in 1985. There are 14 wineries today.96 Farms in the state were estimated to have hired 2000 illegal immigrants as of 2005. Local authorities have ignored the problem sympathizing with the employers about being able to efficiently run a farm.97 Manufacturing Vermont's largest for-profit employer IBM in Essex Junction provides 25 percent of all manufacturing jobs in Vermont employing 6800 workers in 2007.98 It is responsible for $1 billion of the state's annual economy.99 A 2010 University of Connecticut study reported that Vermont Rhode Island and New Hampshire tied as the most costly states in the U.S. for manufacturers.100 Health See also: Vermont#Public health An increasingly aging population is expected to improve this industry's position in the state economy. In 2008 Fletcher Allen Health Care was the second largest employer of people in the state.101 Housing In 2007 Vermont was the 17th highest state in the nation for mortgage affordability. However in 41 other states inhabitants contributed within plus or minus 4 percent of Vermont's 18.4 percent of household income to a mortgage.102 Housing prices did not rise much during the early 2000s. As a result the collapse in real estate values was not that precipitous either. While foreclosure rose significantly in 2007 the state stood 50th (last and best) in ratio of foreclosure filings to households.103 While housing sales dropped annually from 2004 to 2008 prices continued to rise.104 In 2007 Vermont was best in the country for construction of new energy efficient homes as evaluated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under the Energy Star program.105 However about 60 percent of Vermont homes were heated with oil in 2008.106 In August 2008 the cost in Vermont of various heating sources per 1 million BTU ranged from $14.39 for cord wood to $43.50 for kerosene. While the number of houses sold in the state has dropped from 8318 in 2004 to 8120 in 2005 6919 in 2006 and 5820 in 2007 the average price has continued to rise to $202500 in 2008 ($200000 in 2007).107 In 2009 the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment was $920 per month. Rental vacancy was 5.4 percent the lowest in the nation. 2800 people were counted as homeless in January 2010 22 percent more than in 2008.108 Labor As of 2006 there were 305000 workers in Vermont. 11 percent of these are unionized.109110 Out of a workforce of 299200 workers 52000 were government jobs federal state and local. 111 A modern high unemployment rate of 9 percent was reached in June 1976. A modern low of 2.4 percent was measured in February 2000.112 As of September 2010 the unemployment rate was 5.8 percent.113 Employment grew 7.5 percent from 2000 to 2006. From 1980 to 2000 employment grew by 3.4 percent; nationally it was up 4.6 percent. Real wages were $33385 in 2006 constant dollars and remained there in 2010; the nation $36871.114 Insurance Captive insurance plays an increasingly large role in Vermont's economy. With this form of alternative insurance large corporations or industry associations form standalone insurance companies to insure their own risks thereby substantially reducing their insurance premiums and gaining a significant measure of control over types of risks to be covered. There are also significant tax advantages to be gained from the formation and operation of captive insurance companies. According to the Insurance Information Institute Vermont in 2009 was the world's third-largest domicile for captive insurance companies following Bermuda and the Cayman Islands.115 In 2009 there were 560 such companies.116 In 2010 the state had 900 such companies.117 Tourism Stowe Resort Village Tourism is an important industry to the state. In winter skiers and snowboarders visit the state's ski resorts including Burke Mountain Ski Area Bolton Valley Stowe Smugglers' Notch Killington Ski Resort Mad River Glen Sugarbush Stratton Jay Peak Okemo Suicide Six Mount Snow and Bromley. Summer visitors tour resort towns like Stowe Manchester Quechee Wilmington and Woodstock. Resorts hotels restaurants and shops designed to attract tourists employ people year-round. Summer camps contribute to Vermont's tourist economy. Lake Champlain Visitors participate in trout fishing lake fishing and ice fishing. Some hike the Long Trail. In winter nordic and backcountry skiers visit to travel the length of the state on the Catamount Trail. Several horse shows are annual events. Vermont's state parks historic sites museums golf courses and new boutique hotels with spas were designed to attract tourists. According to the 2000 Census almost 15 percent of all housing units in Vermont were vacant and classified "for seasonal recreational or occasional use".118clarification needed This was the second highest percentage nationwide after Maine. In some Vermont cities vacation homes owned by wealthy residents of New England and New York City constitute the bulk of all housing stock. According to one estimate as of 2009 84 percent of all houses in Ludlow Vermont were owned by out-of-state residents.119 Other notable vacation-home resorts include Manchester and Stowe. In 2005 visitors made an estimated 13.4 million trips to the state spending $1.57 billion.120 In 200001 there were 4579719 skier and snowboarder visits to the state. There were 4125082 visits in 20092010 a rise from recent years.121 In 2008 there were 35000 members of 138 snowmobiling clubs in Vermont. The combined association of clubs maintains 6000 miles of trail often over private lands. The industry is said to generate "hundreds of millions of dollars worth of business."122 Hunting is controlled for black bear wild turkeys deer and moose.123 There are 5500 bears in the state. The goal is to keep the numbers between 4500 and 6000.124 In 2010 there were about141000 deer in the state which is in range of government goals. However these are distributed unevenly and when in excess of 10-15 per square mile negatively impact timber growth.125 Quarrying The towns of Rutland and Barre are the traditional centers of marble and granite quarrying and carving in the U.S. For many years Vermont was also the headquarters of the smallest union in the U.S. the Stonecutters Association of about 500 members. The first marble quarry in America was on Mount Aeolus overlooking East Dorset.126 Up the western side of the state runs the "Marble Valley" joining up with the "Slate Valley" that runs from just inside New York across from Chimney Point until it meets the "Granite Valley" that runs west past Barre where is located the Rock of Ages quarry the largest granite quarry in America. Vermont is the largest producer of slate in the country.127 Production of dimension stone is the greatest producer of revenues by quarrying. Non-profits and volunteerism There were 2682 non-profit organizations in Vermont in 2008 with $2.8 billion in revenue.128 The state ranked ninth in the country for volunteerism for the period 200508. 35.6% of the population volunteered during this period. The national average was 26.4%.129 Transportation Vermont welcome sign in Addison on Route 17 just over the New York border over the now defunct Champlain Bridge Vermont's main mode of travel is by automobile. 5.7 percent of Vermont households did not own a car in 2008.130 On average 2025 people have lost their lives to drunk drivers; and 7080 people have died in fatal car crashes in the state.131 In 2010 Vermont owned 2840 miles (4570 km) of highway. This was the third smallest quantity among the 50 states. 2.5 percent of the highways were listed as "congested" the 5th lowest in the country. The highway fatality rate was 1 per 100000000 miles (160000000 km) tenth lowest in the nation. The highways cost $28669 per 1 mile (1.6 km) the 17th highest in the states. 34.4 percent of its bridges were rated deficient or obsolete the 8th worst in the nation.132 Individual communities and counties have public transit but their breadth of coverage is frequently limited. Greyhound Lines services a number of small towns. Two Amtrak trains serve Vermont the Vermonter133 and the Ethan Allen Express.134 In 2011 Amtrak evaluated the track used by the Ethan Allen Express between Rutland and Whitehall as the worst in the nation.135 Trucks weighing more than 80000 pounds (36000 kg) can use Vermont's secondary roads. The interstates are limited to that maximum weight. A temporary federal law allowed heavier loads on Vermont interstates for one year in 2010.136 In 2011 the American Society for Public Administration rated Vermont among the top ten best states for overall litter/debris removals from public spaces/properties (roadways streams trails).137citation needed Major routes The state has 2843 miles (4575 km) of highways under its control.138 For a more detailed explanation see a List of Routes in Vermont. Northsouth routes Interstate 89 Runs northwestward from White River Junction to serve both Montpelier and Burlington en route to the Canadian border. Interstate 91 Runs northward from the Massachusetts border to the Canadian border connecting Brattleboro White River Junction St. Johnsbury and Newport. Interstate 93 Has its northern terminus at I-91 in St. Johnsbury and connects the northern part of the state with New Hampshire and points south. U.S. Route 5 Travels south to north along the eastern border of the state parallel to I-91 for its entire length in the state. U.S. Route 7 Runs south to north along the western border of the state connecting Burlington Middlebury Rutland and Bennington. U.S. 7 parallels I-89 from Burlington northward to the Canadian border. Vermont Route 100 Runs south to north almost directly through the center of the state providing a route along the full length of the Green Mountains. Eastwest routes U.S. Route 2 Crosses northern Vermont from west to east and connects the population centers of Burlington Montpelier and St. Johnsbury. U.S. Route 4 Crosses south-central Vermont from west to east. It connects with the New York border in the town of Fair Haven with the city of Rutland and continues running through Killington and White River Junction. U.S. Route 302 Travels eastward from Montpelier and Barre into New Hampshire and Maine. Vermont Route 9 A route across the southern part of the state that connects Bennington to Brattleboro. Vermont Route 105 Crosses the northernmost parts of Vermont (sometimes within a few miles of the Canadian border) and connects the cities of St. Albans and Newport. A 200506 study ranked Vermont 37th out of the states for "cost-effective road maintenance" a decline of thirteen places since 200405.139 Federal data indicates that 16 percent of Vermont's 2691 bridges had been rated structurally deficient by the state in 2006.140 In 2007 Vermont had the sixth worst percentage of structurally deficient bridges in the country.141 Rail Amtrak station in White River Junction The state is served by Amtrak's Vermonter and Ethan Allen Express the New England Central Railroad the Vermont Railway and the Green Mountain Railroad. The Ethan Allen Express serves Rutland and Castleton134 while the Vermonter serves Saint Albans Essex Junction Waterbury Montpelier Randolph White River Junction Windsor Bellows Falls and Brattleboro.133 Local community public and private transportation Greyhound Lines stops at Bellows Falls Brattleboro Burlington Montpelier and White River Junction. Other transportation includes:142 Addison County Transit Resources (ACTR) services Addison County including the college town of Middlebury Bristol and Vergennes. Bennington County is serviced by American Red Cross Green Mountain Express (GME) out of Bennington and Yankee Trails (TC) out of Rensselaer New York. Brattleboro in Windham County is served by the BeeLine (Brattleboro Town Bus). Windham is served out of West Dover by the MOOver (Deerfield Valley Transit Association or DVTA). Burlington has Chittenden County Transportation Authority (CCTA) and CATS (University of Vermont Campus Area Transportation System). Colchester in Chittenden County is serviced by the SSTA (Special Services Transportation Agency). Rutland County has the Bus (Marble Valley Regional Transit District MVRTD) out of Rutland. Windsor County: Ludlow (in Windsor County) is served by the LMTS (Ludlow Municipal Transit System). Windsor is also served by Advanced Transit (AT) out of Wilder. The Connecticut River Transit (CRT) out of Springfield Vermont serves parts of Windham County. In parts of Windsor County including Norwich and Hartford as well as in White River Junction and in parts of New Hampshire there is a free public transportation service called the Advanced Transit.143 It has routes and many different lines all throughout the Upper Valley region. Stowe in Lamoille County is serviced by STS (Stowe Trolley System Village Mountain Shuttle Morrisville Shuttle). Stagecoach Transportation Services (STS) out of Randolph in Orange County also serves parts of Windsor County. In Washington County the Green Mountain Transit Authority (GMTA) runs out of the capital city Montpelier. The Network (Northwest Vermont Public Transit Network NVPT) running out of Saint Albans services Franklin and Grand Isle counties. Rural Community Transportation (RCT) runs out of Saint Johnsbury and services Caledonia Essex Lamoille and Orleans Counties. There is a shuttle bus linking the various local networks.144 There is ferry service to New York State from Burlington Charlotte Grand Isle and Shoreham. All but the Shoreham ferry are operated by the LCTC (Lake Champlain Transportation Company). Additionally during the period of replacement of the Champlain Bridge at Chimney Point VT the LCTC operates a free 24 hour ferry from just south of the now-demolished bridge to Crown Point NY at the expense of the states of New York and Vermont at a cost to the states of about $10 per car.145146 Airports Vermont is served by two commercial airports: Burlington International Airport is the largest in the state with regular flights to Chicago Cleveland Detroit Newark New York City Orlando Philadelphia and Washington DC.147 Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport has regular flights to Boston via Cape Air.148 Media Newspapers of record Vermont statute 149 requires the Vermont secretary of state to designate newspapers that provide general coverage across the state as the "Newspapers of Record." On June 30 2010 the secretary of state designated the following newspapers for publishing administrative rule notices during the period of July 1 2010 through June 30 2011:150 Addison Independent Bennington Banner Brattleboro Reformer Burlington Free Press Caledonian Record The Chronicle Islander Rutland Herald Newport Daily Express News & Citizen / Transcript St. Albans Messenger Times Argus Valley News Vermont Lawyer White River Valley Herald (a.k.a. Herald of Randolph) Further information: List of newspapers in Vermont Broadcast media Vermont hosts 93 radio broadcast stations. The top categories are Talk/Information (11) Country (9) and Classic Rock (9). The top two owners of radio broadcast stations were Nassau Broadcasting III LLC (11) and Vermont Public Radio (10). Other companies had five or fewer stations. The state has two on-line radio stations. Vermont hosts 10 high-power television broadcast stations three of which are satellites of a primary station. Represented are the following networks and number of high-power transmitters ABC (1) CBS (1) Fox (1) NBC (2) PBS (4) and RTV (1). In addition it has 17 low-power television broadcast stations which in several cases are satellites of the high-power stations. Further information: List of radio stations in Vermont and List of television stations in Vermont Utilities Electricity Main article: Energy in Vermont The Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant in Vernon. 2008 peak demand in the state was 1100 megawatts (MW).151 In May 2009 Vermont created the first state-wide renewable energy feed-in law.152 In 2010 there were about 150 methane digesters in the nation Vermont led the nation with six online.153 While Vermont paid the lowest rates in New England for power in 2007 it is still ranked among the highest eleven states in the nation; that is about 16 percent higher than the national average.154 In 2009 the state had the highest energy rates for energy (including heating) in the US and the worst affordability gap nationwide.78 In 2009 the state received 1/3 or 400 MW151 of its power from Hydro-Qubec and 1/3 from Vermont Yankee.155 In total the state got half its power from Canada and other states. It received 75 percent of the power it generated in the state from Vermont Yankee.156 The state's two largest electric utilities Green Mountain Power Corporation and Central Vermont Public Service Corporation together serve 80 percent of Vermont households.78 Vermont experts estimate that the state has the capacity to ultimately generate from 134 to 175 megawatts of electricity from hydro power.157 In 2006 the total summer generating capacity of Vermont was 1117 megawatts.158 In 2005 the inhabitants of the state used an average of 5883 kilowatt hours of electricity per capita.159 Another source says that each household consumed 7100 kilowatt-hours annually in 2008.160 Vermont has the highest rate of nuclear-generated power in the nation 73.7 percent.161 As one result Vermont is one of only two states with no coal-fired power plant.162 All Vermont utilities get their power from lines run by ISO New England. Each utility pays a share of transmitting power over these lines. Vermont's share is about 4.5 percent.163 The state has 78 hydro power dams. They generate 143 megawatts about 12 percent of the state's total requirement.151 Communication Broadband coverage as of 2006164 Total Coverage 87% Cable TV 68% DSL 69% Wireless Internet Service Provider 24% (Above percentages are of population not of land area.) Generally cell phone coverage in the state outside of the major metropolitan areas is weak due to interference from mountains. Attempts to serve a small rural population living in a large area renders investment in improvements uneconomical.165 Unicel which focused on rural areas and covered much of the state is now owned by AT&T.166 In May 2007 Vermont passed measures intended to make broadband (3 Mbit minimum) together with cellular coverage universally available to all citizens with the intention of having the first e-state in the Union by 2010.167 In 2010 130000 still had "poor" service. The state accepted a $116 million grant from the federal government. Representative Welsh said that this would enable the state to advance from among the least connected to one of the most connected states in the country.168 In 2008 Comcast started to extend additional cable TV access throughout the state.169 In 2007two-thirds of all Vermonters had access to cable. At the end of this 2008 initiative 90 percent of Vermonters will have access. Law and government The Vermont Supreme Court's building in Montpelier. Main article: Government of Vermont Vermont is federally represented in the United States Congress by two senators and one representative. The state is governed by a constitution which divides governmental duties into legislative executive and judicial branches: the Vermont General Assembly the Governor of Vermont and the Vermont Supreme Court. The governorship and the General Assembly serve two-year terms including the governor and 30 senators. There are no term limits for any office. The state capital is in Montpelier. There are three types of incorporated municipalities in Vermont: towns cities and villages. Like most of New England there is slight provision for autonomous county government. Counties and county seats are merely convenient repositories for various government services such as county and state courts with several elected officers such as a State's Attorney and Sheriff. All county services are directly funded by the state of Vermont. The next effective governmental level below state government are municipalities. Most of these are towns.170 Finances Vermont is the only state in the union not to have a balanced budget requirement and yet Vermont has had a balanced budget every year since 1991.171 In 2007 Moody's Investors Service gave its top rating of Aaa to the state.172 The state uses enterprise funds for operations that are similar to private business enterprises. The Vermont Lottery Commission the Liquor Control Fund and the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund are the largest of the State's enterprise funds.173 Taxes In 2007 Vermont stood 14th highest out of 50 states and the District of Columbia for state and local taxation with a per capita load of $3681. The national average was $3447.174 However CNNMoney ranked Vermont highest in the nation based on the percentage of per capita income. The rankings showed Vermont had a per capita tax load of $5387 14.1 percent of the per capita income of $38306.175 Vermont collects personal income tax in a progressive structure of five different income brackets with marginal tax rates ranging from 3.6 percent to 9.5 percent. In 2008 the top 1 percent of the residents provided 30 percent of the income tax revenue. 2000 people had sufficient income to be taxed at the highest marginal rate of 9.5 percent.176 Vermont's general sales tax rate is 6 percent which is imposed on sales of tangible personal property amusement charges fabrication charges some public utility charges and some service contracts (some towns and cities impose an additional 1 percent Local Option Tax). There are 46 exemptions from the tax which include medical items food manufacturing machinery equipment and fuel residential fuel and electricity clothing and shoes. A use tax is imposed on the buyer at the same rate as the sales tax. The buyer pays the use tax when the seller fails to collect the sales tax or the items are purchased from a source where no tax is collected. The use tax applies to items taxable under the sales tax. Vermont does not collect inheritance taxes; however its estate tax is decoupled from the federal estate tax laws and therefore the state still imposes its own estate tax. Property taxes Property taxes are imposed for the support of education and municipal services. Vermont does not assess tax on personal property.177 Property taxes are levied by municipalities based on fair market appraisal of real property.177 Rates vary from .97 percent on homesteaded property in Ferdinand Essex County to 2.72 percent on nonresidents' property in Barre City.178 Statewide towns average 1.77 percent to 1.82 percent tax rate. In 2007 Vermont counties were among the highest in the country for property taxes. Chittenden ($3809 median) Windham ($3412) Addison ($3352) and Windsor ($3327) ranked in the top 100 out of 1817 counties in the nation with populations greater than 20000. Twelve of the state's 14 counties stood in the top 20 percent.179 To equitably support education some towns are required by Act 60 to send some of their collected taxes to be redistributed to school districts lacking adequate support.180 Median annual property taxes as a percentage of median homeowners income 5.4% was rated as the third highest in the nation in 2011.181182 Politics Main article: Politics of Vermont See also: Political party strength in Vermont United States Congressional Delegations from Vermont and Category:Vermont elections Vermonters have been known for their political independence. Vermont is one of four states (aside from the original Thirteen Colonies) that were once independent nations (the others being Texas California and Hawaii). It has sometimes voted contrarian in national elections. Notably Vermont is the only state to have voted for a presidential candidate from the Anti-Masonic Party and Vermont was one of only two states to vote against Franklin D. Roosevelt in all four of his presidential campaigns (the other was Maine). Vermont's history of independent political thought has led to movements for the establishment of the Second Vermont Republic and other plans advocating secession.183 National politics Presidential elections results Year Republican Democratic 2008 30.45% 98974 67.46% 219262 2004 38.80% 121180 58.94% 184067 2000 40.70% 119775 50.62% 149022 1996 31.09% 80352 53.35% 137894 1992 30.42% 88122 46.11% 133592 1988 51.10% 124331 47.58% 115775 1984 57.9% 135865 40.8% 95730 1980 44.4% 94628 38.4% 81952 1976 54.3% 102085 43.1% 81004 1972 62.9% 117149 36.6% 68174 1968 52.8% 85142 43.5% 70255 1964 30.4% 54942 66.3% 108127 1960 58.7% 98131 41.4% 69186 1956 72.2% 110390 27.8% 42549 1952 71.5% 109717 28.2% 43355 Historically Vermont was considered one of the most reliably Republican states in the country in terms of national elections. Prior to the 1990s Vermont had voted Democratic only once in Lyndon Johnson's landslide victory of 1964 against Barry Goldwater. In the late 19th and early 20th Centuries Republican presidential candidates frequently won the state with over 70 percent of the vote. Republicans also dominated local Vermont politics from the party's founding in 1854 until the mid-1970s. Prior to the 1960s rural interests dominated the legislature. As a result cities particularly the older sections of Burlington and Winooski were neglected and fell into decay. People began to move out to newer suburbs. In the meantime many people had moved in from out of state. Much of this immigration included the arrival of more liberal political influences of the urban areas of New York and New England in Vermont.184 In addition a series of one man one vote decisions made by the United States Supreme Court in the 1960s required states to redraw their legislative districts to more fairly reflect population. As a result urban areas in Vermont began to regain some political power. In 1992 it supported a Democrat for president the first time the state had done so since 1964 and has voted Democratic in every presidential election since. Vermont gave John Kerry his fourth-largest margin of victory in 2004. He won the state's popular vote by 20 percentage points over incumbent George W. Bush taking almost 59 percent of the vote. Essex County in the state's northeastern section was the only county to vote for Bush. Vermont is the only state that did not receive a visit from George W. Bush when he was President of the United States. In the 2000 Presidential Elections Bush was the first Republican in American history to win the White House without carrying Vermont.185 Vermont gave Barack Obama his third largest winning margin (37 percentage points) winning there 6831 percent. On the other hand Republican Governor Douglas won all counties but Windham in the 2006 election. Today Vermont is one of only two states represented by a member of the United States Congress who does not currently associate with a political party: Senator Bernie Sanders describes his political views as democratic socialist but is officially registered as an independent and caucuses with the Democrats in the selection of the Senate leadership.186 State politics After the legislature was redistricted under one-person one-vote in the 1960s it passed legislation to accommodate the new arrivals to the state. This legislation was the Land Use and Development Law (Act 250) in 1970. The law which was the first of its kind in the nation created nine District Environmental Commissions consisting of private citizens appointed by the Governor who must approve land development and subdivision plans that would have a significant impact on the state's environment and many small communities. As a result of Act 250 Vermont was the last state to get a Wal-Mart (there are now four in the state as of December 2009 but only the Williston store was new construction). Because of the success of Act 250 subsequent attempts to dilute its power and other development pressures Vermont has been designated one of America's most "endangered historic places" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.187 A recent controversy was over the adoption of civil unions an institution which grants same-sex couples nearly all the rights and privileges of marriage at the state but not federal level. In Baker v. Vermont (1999) the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that under the Constitution of Vermont the state must either allow same-sex marriage or provide a separate but equal status for them. The state legislature chose the second option by creating the institution of civil union; the bill was passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Howard Dean. In April 2009 the state legislature overrode governor Jim Douglas's veto to allow same-sex marriage becoming the first state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage through legislation.188 In September 2009 Vermont became one of six states in which same-sex couples could marry.189 In 2007 the state's House of Representatives rejected a measure which would have legalized assisted suicide for the terminally ill by a vote of 8263.190 Minor parties and Independents flourish. Rules which eliminate smaller parties from the ballot in most states do not exist in Vermont. As a result voters often have extensive choices for general elections. This has resulted in Independent Socialist Bernie Sanders being elected mayor of Burlington Congressman and Senator. A political issue has been Act 60 which balances taxation for education funding. This has resulted in the town of Killington trying to secede from Vermont and join New Hampshire due to what the locals say is an unfair tax burden.191192 The Vermont constitution and the courts supports the right of a person to walk (fish and hunt) on any unposted unfenced land. That is trespass must be proven by the owner; it is not automatically assumed.193 The state is an alcoholic beverage control state. In 2007 through the Vermont Department of Liquor Control it took in over $14 million from the sale and distribution of liquor.194 Public health In 2010 Vermont was the sixth highest ranked state for Well-Being in a study by Gallup and Healthways.195 In 2010 the state stood third in physical well-being of children.196 In the first national survey by Robert Wood Johnson and the University of Wisconsin in 2010 Vermont ranked the highest in the country for health outcomes.197 In 2008 Vermont was ranked number one in the nation as the healthiest place to live for the seventh time in eight years. Criteria included low teenage birth rate strong health coverage the lowest AIDS rate in the country and 18 other factors.198 The state scored well in cessation of smoking obesity fewer occupational fatalities prevalence of health insurance and low infant mortality. A problem area was a high prevalence of binge drinking.199 While ranking sixth from best for adults in obesity in 2009 the state still had 22.1 percent obese with a rate of 26.7 percent for children 1017. The ranking for children was ninth best in the nation.200 In 1993 the obesity rate for adults was 12 percent. Vermonters spend $141 million annually in medical costs related to obesity.201 In 2009 Vermont was ranked second in the nation for safety. Crime statistics on violence were used for the criteria.202 Vermont has some of the least restrictive gun control laws in the country. A permit or license is not required for the purchase or concealed carry of a firearm (including handguns) by any law-abiding person.203204 In 2007 Vermont was ranked among the best five states in the country for preventing "premature death" in people under 75 years of age. The rate of survival was twice that of the five lowest performing states.205 In 2007 Vermont was ranked the third safest state for highway fatalities.206 In 2007 a third of fatal crashes involved a drunken driver.207 In 2008 Vermont was the fifth best state for fewest uninsured motorists 6 percent.208 Parts of the state have been declared federal disaster areas on 28 occasions from 1963 to 2008.209 In 2007 the Environmental Protection Agency cited Chittenden and Bennington as counties with 70 parts per billion of smog which is undesirable.210 In northern Vermont particularly moose are not uncommon including in urban areas.211 They constitute a traffic threat since they are unaware of vehicles. There are several deaths each year from automobiles striking moose. In 2008 about 100000 Vermonters got their health care through the federal government Medicare Tri-Care and the Veteran's Administration. An additional 10000 work for employers who provide insurance under federal law under ERISA. About 20 percent of Vermonters receive health care outside of Vermont. Twenty percent of the care provided within the state is to non-Vermonters.212 In 2008 the state had an estimated 7.6% with no medical insurance down from 9.8% in 2005.213 In 2008 the Vermont Health Access Program for low-income uninsured adults cost from $7 to $49 per month.214 A "Catamount Health" premium assistance program was available for Vermonters who do not qualify for other programs. Total monthly premiums ranged from $60 to $393 for an individual. There was a $250 deductible. Insured paid $10 toward each generic prescription. 16.9% of residents 18 to 35 were uninsured the highest group.215 Health care spending increased from $2.3 billion in 2000 to $4.8 billion in 2009.216 In 2009 adult day care services cost more in Vermont than any other state $150 daily.217 The state started air drops of rabies bait for raccoons in 1997. Known rabies cases in raccoons peaked in 2007 at 165. The program is in cooperation with neighboring states and Canada.218 Education Main article: Education in Vermont The Lyndon Institute a high school in Lyndon Vermont. Vermont was named the nation's smartest state in 2005 and 2006.219 In 2006 there was a gap between state testing standards and national which is biased in favor of the state standards by 30 percent on average. This puts Vermont 11th best in the nation. Most states have a higher bias.220 However when allowance for race is considered a 2007 US Government list of test scores shows Vermont white fourth graders performed 25th in the nation for reading (229) 26th for math (247).221 White eight graders scored 18th for math (292) and 12th for reading (273). The first three scores were not considered statistically different from average. White eighth graders scored significantly above average in reading. Statistics for black students were not reliable because of their small representation in the testing. The average effective spending per pupil in Vermont was $11548 in 2008.222 Education Week ranked the state second 223 in high school graduation rates for 2007.224 Higher education Main article: List of colleges and universities in Vermont The University of Vermont Old Mill the oldest building of the university Experimentation at the University of Vermont by George Perkins Marsh and later the influence of Vermont born philosopher and educator John Dewey brought about the concepts of electives and learning by doing. Vermont has five colleges within the Vermont State Colleges system University of Vermont (UVM) fourteen other private degree-granting colleges including Bennington College Burlington College Champlain College Goddard College Marlboro College Middlebury College a private co-educational liberal arts college founded in 1800 Saint Michael's College the Vermont Law School and Norwich University the oldest private military college in the United States and birthplace of ROTC founded in 1819. Sports Notable in the field are Olympic gold medalists Hannah Teter Ross Powers and Hannah Kearney. The largest professional franchise is the Vermont Lake Monsters a single-A minor league baseball affiliate of the Oakland Athletics based in Burlington. They were named the Vermont Expos prior to 2006.225 The Vermont Frost Heaves the 2007 and 2008 American Basketball Association national champions are a franchise of the Premier Basketball League and have been based in Barre and Burlington since the fall of 2006. A semi-professional football team the Vermont Ice Storm is226 based in South Hero.227 It plays its home games at the Colchester High School stadium. It is a member of the Empire Football League. Vermont natives in the snowboarding profession include: Kevin Pearce Ross Powers Hannah Teter and Kelly Clark. Others learned snowboarding in the state such as: Louie Vito and Ellery Hollingsworth. The Vermont Voltage is a USL Premier Development League soccer club that plays in St. Albans. Annually since 2002 high school statewide all stars compete against New Hampshire in ten sports during "Twin State" playoffs.228 Cultural pursuits Vermontasaurus sculpture in Post Mills Vermont. Photograph taken 7 July 2010 Vermont festivals include the Vermont Maple Festival Festival on the Green229 The Vermont Dairy Festival in Enosburg Falls230 the Apple Festival (held each Columbus Day Weekend) the Marlboro Music Festival the Vermont Mozart Festival and the Vermont Brewers Festival.231 The Vermont Symphony Orchestra is supported by the state and performs throughout the area. The Poetry Society of Vermont publishes a literary magazine called The Green Mountain Troubadore which encourages submissions from members of various ages. Every year they hold various contests one being for high school age young people. The Brattleboro-based Vermont Theatre Company presents an annual summer Shakespeare festival. Brattleboro also hosts the summertime Strolling of the Heifers parade which celebrates Vermont's unique dairy culture. The annual Green Mountain Film Festival is held in Montpelier. In the Northeast Kingdom the Bread and Puppet Theatre holds weekly shows in Glover in a natural outdoor amphitheater. Vermont's most recent best known musical talent was the group Phish whose members met while attending school in Vermont and spent much of their early years playing at venues across the state. The Vermont-based House of LeMay232 performs several shows a year hosts the annual "Winter is a Drag Ball"233 and performs for fundraisers. Examples of folk art found in Vermont include the Vermontasaurus in Post Mills a community in Thetford. The rate of volunteerism in Vermont was eighth in the nation with 37 percent in 2007. The state stood first in New England.234 State symbols Main article: State symbols of Vermont The hermit thrush is Vermont's state bird. State symbols include: State song "These Green Mountains" Unofficial popular state song Moonlight in Vermont State Beverage milk State Pie apple pie State Fruit apple State Flower red clover State Mammal Morgan horse State rock granite marble and slate State Tree sugar maple State butterfly Monarch Butterfly State fish cold water Brook Trout State fish warm water Walleye Pike State Fossil White Whale (Beluga Whale) Notable Vermonters Main article: List of people from Vermont Vermont is the birthplace of former presidents Calvin Coolidge and Chester A. Arthur. Notable fictional Vermonters Vermont was the original home of the fictional villain Simon Legree in the novel Uncle Tom's Cabin. Vermont was also the home of Dick Loudon Bob Newhart's character on the 1980s sitcom Newhart. All action supposedly took place in Vermont. Vermont was the home of Pollyanna and her Aunt Polly in the novel Pollyanna.235 In the first seasons of M*A*S*H Alan Alda's character "Hawkeye Pierce" was from Vermont236 In the Marvel Comics shared universe Vermont is home of the superhero team the Garrison. See also North America portal United States portal Vermont portal Main articles: Outline of Vermont and Index of Vermont-related articles National Register of Historic Places listings in Vermont References "Elevations and Distances in the United States". U.S Geological Survey. April 29 2005. http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html#Highest. Retrieved November 6 2006.  2010.census.gov1 "US Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service". 'Table 44U.S. maple syrup production and value by state calendar years. http://www.ers.usda.gov/briefing/sugar/data/table44.xls. Retrieved 2007-01-05.  Wetherell W. D. (September 17 1995). "A Picture-Perfect Capital". NY Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1995/09/17/travel/a-picture-perfect-capital.html. Retrieved 2009-03-31.  Vermont v. New Hampshire 289 U.S. 593 (1933) Van DeWater Frederic F. (1941 1974). The Reluctant Republic Vermont 17241791.. The Countryman Press. pp. 195 218219. ISBN 0-914378-02-3.  Joseph-Andre Senecal. "The Name Vermont". http://www.vt-fcgs.org/vermontbyandre.html.  Google Books. Books.google.com. 2006-08-28. http://books.google.com/id8NWPJkRK-VMC&pgRA1-PA274-IA1&lpgRA1-PA274-IA1&dq%22granitic+mountains%22+vermont#PRA1-PA272M1. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "Vermont". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/state/vt. Retrieved 2008-07-15. dead link "accessed September 15 2007". Academics.smcvt.edu. 1911-07-04. http://academics.smcvt.edu/vtgeographic/textbook/weather/weatherandclimateofvermont.htm. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  accessed September 15 2007 Vermont Online Encyclopedia retrieved May 28 2008 2 Though this was tied by Big Black River Maine in 2009 Adams Glenn (February 11 2009). Maine ties Vt. for record low temperature. Burlington Free Press.  "National Gardening Association". Garden.org. http://www.garden.org/regional/report/description/full/14. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "Vermont USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map". http://www.plantmaps.com/interactive-vermont-usda-plant-zone-hardiness-map.php. Retrieved 2011-03-21.  "united states annual sunshine map". HowStuffWorks Inc. http://maps.howstuffworks.com/united-states-annual-sunshine-map.htm. Retrieved 2011-03-14.  "Burlington WeatherBurlington Weather ForecastBurlington Climate". Web.archive.org. Archived from the original on 2008-06-23. http://web.archive.org/web/20080623195235/http://www.ustravelweather.com/weather-vermont/burlington-weather.asp. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "Academics Content Server at Saint Michael's". The Physiographic Regions of Vermont. http://academics.smcvt.edu/vtgeographic/textbook/physiographic/physiographicregionsofvermont.htm. Retrieved 2007-01-03.  "QUARRIES Rock of Ages Corporation". Rockofages.com. http://www.rockofages.com/en/quarry-blocks. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/geo/images/gengeo52.pdf 3 4 5 a b "Canada quake shakes Vt.". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. 24 June 2010. pp. 1A4A.  Olson D. M E. Dinerstein et al (2001). "Terrestrial Ecoregions of the World: A New Map of Life on Earth". BioScience 51 (11): 933938. doi:10.1641/0006-3568(2001)0510933:TEOTWA2.0.CO;2. http://gis.wwfus.org/wildfinder/.  Gresser Joseph (24 November 2010). "How all those fish got to Vermont". Barton Vermont: the chronicle. p. 17.  "Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department". Vtfishandwildlife.com. http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/abouthistory.cfm. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  Page Candace (9 July 2009). "Sightings of milk snakes rattlesnake mimics shake residents". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. pp. 1B.  "Hunting Wild Turkeys". Newport Vermont: Newport Daily Express. September 2009. pp. THREE HUNTING GUIDE.  Page Candace (6 July 2010). "Saving shrubland". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. pp. 1B.  Dimarlo Larson (13 June 2010). "Using undiluted herbicides to fight invasive species". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. pp. 2D.  Diblasio Natalie (30 July 2010). "Lake Arrowhead failure is first in 12 years". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. pp. 1B. http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20100730/NEWS02/100729036/Ospreys-fail-to-reproduce-at-Lake-Arrowhead.  Page Candace (27 July 2010). "Bats struggle to survive". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. pp. 1B4B. http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20100727/NEWS02/7270303/Bats-struggle-to-survive.  Slade William Jr. Compiler. 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Margaret Bucholt Manchester and the Mountains Chamber of Commerce An Insider's Guide to Southern Vermont Penguin 1991 btv webmaster (2007-08-01). "National Weather Service Burlington VT The Flood of 1927". Erh.noaa.gov. http://www.erh.noaa.gov/btv/events/27flood.shtml. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "Arizona State Library". "One Man One Vote" ... That's All She Wrote.. http://www.library.arizona.edu/exhibits/udall/congrept/88th/641014.html. Retrieved 2006-12-28.  "Population and Population Centers by State: 2000". U. S. Census Bureau. http://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt. Retrieved 2008-05-11.  "Census 2010 Profile of Selected Social Characteristics: Vermont". http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTablebmy&-geoid04000US50&-qrnameACS20095YRG00DP5YR2&-dsnameACS20095YRG00&-langen&-sseon. Retrieved 2011-01-27.  Associated Press (August 22 2008). Vt. birth rate ranks second lowest in U.S. Burlington Free Press.  "Indiana Florida counties tops in divorce". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. 25 September 2009. pp. 3A.  40.7 in 2005 US Census Community Survey American FactFinder United States Census Bureau. "20062008 American Community Survey 3-Year Estimates". Factfinder.census.gov. http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTablebmy&-contextadp&-qrnameACS20083YRG00DP3YR2&-dsnameACS20083YRG00&-treeid3308&-redoLogfalse&-callergeoselect&-geoid04000US50&-format&-langen. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "Language Map Data Center". Mla.org. 2007-07-17. http://www.mla.org/mapdataresults&stateid50&modestatetops. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  a b Kosmin Barry A.; Keysar Ariela (March 2009). "American Religious Identification Survey 2008: ARIS 2008 Report: Part IIIC Geography". Trinity College. http://b27.cc.trincoll.edu/weblogs/AmericanReligionSurvey-ARIS/reports/part3cgeog.html. Retrieved 2009-04-07.  "The Graduate Center CUNY". American Religious Identification Survey 2001. http://www.gc.cuny.edu/faculty/researchbriefs/aris/keyfindings.htm. Retrieved 2007-01-05.  "Adherents.com". Religion in Vermont. http://www.adherents.com/loc/locvermont.html. Retrieved 2007-01-05.  a b "The Association of Religion Data Archives Maps & Reports". Thearda.com. http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/state/502000.asp. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  Sullivan Will (2007-06-11). A New Shade of Granite. US News and World Report.  American Religious Identification Survey is Third in Landmark Series. Trinity College. http://www.americanreligionsurvey-aris.org/. Retrieved 2009-03-25.  Kosmin Barry A.; Keysar Ariela (March 2009). American Religious Identification Survey 2008 Summary Report. Trinity College. p. 17. http://b27.cc.trincoll.edu/weblogs/AmericanReligionSurvey-ARIS/reports/ARISReport2008.pdf. Retrieved 2009-03-15.  7dead link. Retrieved July 29 2008. 8. Retrieved August 27 2010. Schweitzer Sarah (2005-02-23). "Buddhist retreat centers". Boston.com. http://www.boston.com/news/local/vermont/articles/2005/02/23/greenmountainsgoodkarma/. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "Vermont Edition: Vermont's Muslims". Vpr.net. http://www.vpr.net/episode/44351/. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  Gram David (July 14 2007). Forbes ranks Vt. 30th (sic) for business. Burlington Free Press.  McLean Dan (29 June 2008). "IBM won't be No. 1 employer for much longer". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. pp. 1A.  "Unemployment Rates for States". Bls.gov. 2010-07-20. http://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  Izzo Phil (2010-06-18). "Unemployment Rates by State: Nevada Overtakes Michigan for Nations Worst Real Time Economics WSJ". Blogs.wsj.com. http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2010/06/18/unemployment-rates-by-state-nevada-overtakes-michigan-for-nations-worst/. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  List of U.S. states by GDP per capita (nominal) Rankings tend to favor higher cost of living areas and downrate lower cost of living areas Percentages may not add up to exactly 100% because of rounding "Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by State". Bea.gov. 2008-12-22. http://www.bea.gov/bea/newsrelarchive/2006/gsp1006.htm. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  Creaser Richard (October 24 2007). Illuzi learns about economy of Taiwan during visit. the Chronicle.  Curran John (October 7 2008). Vt. Quebec leaders promote 'green zone'. Burlington Free Press.  McLean Dan (July 13 2008). Retail Sales by the numbers. Burlington Free Press.  Associated Press (January 26 2009). Fewer businesses launched in '08. Burlington Free Press.  Income 2004 Three-Year-Average Median Household Income by State: 20012004dead link What Vermonters Earndead link. Retrieved August 23 2009. Ober Lauren (November 9 2008). Food stamp program set for expansion. Burlington Free Press.  a b c Coutts Jim (28 June 2009). "My Turn:Vermont's energy support program is long overdue". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. pp. 7B.  Figure includes the possible economic affect on all other areas in addition to Agriculture. This explains the wide variance with the figure in GSP above "Vermont Sustainable Agriculture Council" (PDF). Vermont's Agriculture: Generating Wealth from the Land. Archived from the original on 2007-06-05. http://web.archive.org/web/20070605073512/http://www.uvm.edu/susagctr/CouncilReport05.PDF. Retrieved 2007-01-06.  dqreason+%22Orleans+County%22+vermont+%22named+after%22+history&sourcebl&otsAJVK2leuW&sigCLVbgX4Yf6guzJm1l4QYyTDwHo&hlen&eiFZuKTLrALIi8sAPg-ITTBA&saX&oibookresult&ctresult&resnum1&sqi2&ved0CBcQ6AEwAA#vonepage&qOrleans%20County&ffalse Vermont Encyclopedia page 27 Liz Halloran (2007). Vermont's War. US News and World Report January 22 page 45.  Dunbar Bethany M. (September 10 2008). Vermont Milk Commission considers price premium. the Chronicle.  "Dairy Farm Numbers Vermont Dairy". Vermontdairy.com. http://www.vermontdairy.com/dairyindustry/farms/numbers. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  called "federal order one" Dunbar Bethany (November 14 2007). Vermont Milk Commission takes a look at hauling costs. the Chronicle.  Dunbar Bethany M. quoting from book by James Maroney Jr. (December 4 2008). Former farmer has a plan for profits in Vermont dairying. the Chronicle.  Lefebvre Paul (February 11 2009). Average Vermont dairy farmer expected to lose $92000. the Chronicle.  "Dairy Farm Numbers". Vermont Dairy. http://www.vermontdairy.com/dairyindustry/farms/numbers. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "Vermont Barn Census". Uvm.edu. http://www.uvm.edu/barn/. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  Hallenbeck Terri (6 September 2009). "A look at Vermont organic farming". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. pp. 5D.  LeClair vs Saunders. Retrieved April 21 1980. Dunbar Bethany (17 March 2010). "Maple season starts early with record sap run". Barton Vermont: the Chronicle. p. 23.  Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Assoc. "Maple Facts". Archived from the original on 2007-04-02. http://web.archive.org/web/20070402082309/http://www.vermontmaple.org/maplefacts.html. Retrieved 2007-04-08.  Burlington Free Press June 18 2009 page 17B "Bumper season for sugar makers" Curran John (July 29 2007). Winemakers hope new state council will help them grow. Burlington Free Press.  "Vermont dairy farms count on illegal immigrants>". Blnz.com. http://www.blnz.com/news/2009/05/13/Vermontdairyfarmscountillegal5695.html. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  America's Career Infonet. Retrieved February 3 2008. The Burlington Free Press February 28 2007 page 8C "IBM:Enriching economy for 50 years." Singer Stephen (9 September 2010). "UConn study says Vermont costliest for manufacturers". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. pp. 6B. http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20100907/NEWS01/100908037/1003/UConn-study-finds-Vt.-most-expensive-for-manufacturers.  McLean Dan (June 29 2008). IBM won't be No. 1 employer for much longer. Burlington Free Press.  "Vermont Business Roundtable" (PDF). Housing Prices Availability and Affordability in Vermont. Archived from the original on 2007-06-05. http://web.archive.org/web/20070605073513/http://www.vtroundtable.org/Portals/0/housingreport.pdf. Retrieved 2007-01-07.  Braithwaite Chris (December 19 2007). Vermont weathers mortgage storm. the Chronicle.  Ryan Matt (August 3 2008). Moving In: Essex home prices edge higher. Burlington Free Press.  Gresser Joseph (October 3 2007). Vermont is top in N.E. for new energy efficient homes. the Chronicle.  Pollak Sally (September 14 2008). In from the cold. Burlington Free Press.  Ryan Matt and Hart Melissa (November 30 2008). Vermont Numbers. Burlington Free Press.  Remsen +Nancy (16 June 2010). "Home ownership still difficult goal in Vermont". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. pp. 1B 3B.  "Unions Shrink Even in NY Data Show". Empirecenter.org. 2007-01-26. http://www.empirecenter.org/2007/01/unionsshrinke.php. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "A separate study shows over 325000 workers in 2000" (PDF). Archived from the original on 2007-06-14. http://web.archive.org/web/20070614075440/http://www.bishca.state.vt.us/hcadiv/DataReports/healthinsurmarket/SurveyVTFamilyHealth2000/DataTables126146/128WorkingStatewideOfferFirm.PDF. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "Regional Plan Volume II. Chapter 6. Economic Development". 2003. http://www.nvda.net/pdf/RegionalPlan/VolumeII.Chapter6.EconomicDevelopment.pdf.  "BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics History". Data.bls.gov. http://data.bls.gov/PDQ/servlet/SurveyOutputServletdatatoollatestnumbers&seriesidLASST50000003. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics". Bls.gov. http://www.bls.gov/lau/. Retrieved 2010-10-26.  Briggs John (21 June 2010). "25 years of numbers". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. pp. 1B 4B.  "Insurance Information Institute". Captives & Other Risk-Financing Options. http://www.iii.org/media/hottopics/insurance/test3/tablesort7451482. Retrieved 2007-01-07.  Sutkoski Matt (1 August 2009). "State unconcerned about insurance report". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. pp. 9B.  Hallenbeck Terri (11 August 2010). "Captive industry descends on Vt.". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. pp. 1B.  "Vacant housing units Vermont 2000 Census". http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/DTTablebmy&-contextdt&-dsnameDEC2000SF1U&-CONTEXTdt&-mtnameDEC2000SF1UH001&-mtnameDEC2000SF1UH005&-treeid4001&-redoLogfalse&-allgeotypesN&-geoid04000US50&-format&-langen.  "Cottage industry". http://www.7dvt.com/2008cottage-industry.  Dunbar Bethany M. (December 1 2008). I can remember Barton when it was a booming town. The Chronicle.  "Vt. ski area visits rise 1.4%". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. 10 June 2010. pp. 6C.  McLean Dan (December 14 2008). Hard times may slow snowmobiling. Burlington Free Press.  "Hunting Season Opening Dates". Newport Vermont: Newport Daily Express. September 2009. pp. TWO HUNTING GUIDE.  "Vermont bear hunting season opens on Sept. 1". Barton Vermont: Bthe Chronicle. 1 September 2010. p. 8.  "Estimates place the deer herd at 141000". the chronicle (Barton Vermont): pp. 21. 26 January 2011.  "VirtualVermont.com". VirtualVermont.com. 2010-06-13. http://www.virtualvermont.com/towns/dorset.html. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "ApartmentLinks.com". ApartmentLinks.com. http://www.apartmentlinks.com/VT/Vermont.html. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "Vermont Nonprofit Association Folds". Where Most Needed. 2006-06-08. http://www.wheremostneeded.org/2006/06/vermontnonprof.html. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  Sutkoski Matt (29 July 2009). "Vermont volunteering thrives". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. pp. 1B.  Johnson Tim (20 June 2010). "Ditch the ride and catch a ride". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. pp. 1C.  "Vermont DUI Laws". http://www.autoinsurancetips.com/vermont-dui-laws.  "Roadwork:Vermont highways don't measure up". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. 7 September 2010. pp. 1B.  a b "Amtrak Vermonter". http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer/AMRouteC/1241245667150/1237405732511.  a b "Amtrak Ethan Allen Express". http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer/AMRouteC/1241245666724/1237405732511.  "Amtrak ranks Vermont last as worst railroad". Burlington Free Press. Burlington Free Press. 2011-02-24. http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20110224/NEWS02/110223031/Amtrak-ranks-Vermont-last-as-worst-railroad.  "Pilot program will route heavy trucks onto interstate". the Chronicle (Barton Vermont: the Chronicle): p. 33. 22 December 2009.  S. Spacek 2011 American State Litter Scorecard. Fahy Jill (August 1 2008). Vermont roads in the middle of the pack. Burlington Free Press.  "Microsoft Word ps360final.doc". Reason.org. 2007-06-01. http://www.reason.org/ps360.pdf. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "State to inspect bridges similar to Minn. span". Burlington Free Press. August 4 2007.  page 1B Creaser Richard (November 14 2007). The bridges of Orleans County await repair. the Chronicle.  "Locations: Vermont". Greyhound.com. http://www.greyhound.com/home/TicketCenter/en/locations.aspstatevt. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "Advance Transit Home". Advancetransit.com. 2010-06-16. http://www.advancetransit.com/. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  Annual City & School Report City of Newport Vermont. Memphremagog Press Inc. Newport Vermont. 2007.  Bridge is costly but ferry is more by Nick Reisman Poststar.com May 18 2010. "Ferry At Champlain Bridge Set To Start Running". WPTZ. January 31 2010. http://www.wptz.com/news/22352789/detail.html.  "Burlington International Airport". http://www.burlingtonintlairport.com/.  "Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport". http://www.flyrutlandvt.com/.  "3 V.S.A. 839 (d) Publication of proposed rules". Title 3: Executive (The Vermont Statutes Online) (Chapter 25: Administrative Procedure). 2009. http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/fullsection.cfmTitle03&Chapter025&Section00839. Retrieved 2011-02-15  "Newspapers of Record". Vermont Office of the Secretary of State. 2010-12-27. http://www.vermont-archives.org/aparules/newspapers.htm. Retrieved 2011-02-15  a b c Baird Joel Banner (9 August 2009). "Vermont Dam Dilemma". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. pp. 1D.  Austin Anna. "Vermont first state to pass renewable energy feed-in law". Biomassmagazine.com. http://www.biomassmagazine.com/article.jsparticleid2745. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  Dunbar Bethany M. (10 February 2010). "Dairy farmers are making more than milk these days". the Chronicle (Barton Vermont): p. 1.  Handelsman Richard (December 1 2008). My Turn:Truths half-truths about energy. Burlington Free Press.  Dunbar Bethany M. (October 22 2008). Ten candidates talk business. the Chronicle.  McMahon Dennis (20 September 2009). "My Turn:Getting real on electricity challenges". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. pp. 7B.  Gresser Joseph (August 20 2008). Panel considers small hydro power potential. the Chronicle.  "State Electric Profiles". Eia.doe.gov. http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/stprofiles/eprofilessum.html. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  U.S. Per Capita Electricity Use By State In 2005. "Data Swivel". Swivel.com. http://www.swivel.com/datacolumns/spreadsheet/3987533. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  Bill Morris (2009-12-04). "What's the Greenest Place in America Hint: It Has 8 Million People". http://www.sphere.com/2009/12/04/whats-the-greenest-place-in-america-hint-it-has-8-million-peo/icidmain.  Hemingway Sam (July 20 2008). Nukes by the numbers. Burlington Free Press.  Handelsman Richard (December 1 2008). My Turn:Truths half-truths about energy. Burlington Free Press.  Gresser Joseph (November 5 2008). VEC seeks a 9.2 percent rate hike. the Chronicle.  Burlington Free Press.com Top Storiesdead link Kelley Kevin (2003-10-01). "Cell Service in Vermont: Can't hear the tourist for the trees Vermont Business Magazine Find Articles at BNET.com". Findarticles.com. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/miqa3675/is200310/ain9323531. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  Posted by Aviv on December 22 2008 at 3:57 pm PST (2008-12-22). "AT&T Buys Unicel: iPhone Finally Confirmed Heading to Vermont MacBlogz One Stop Apple News". Macblogz.com. http://www.macblogz.com/2008/12/22/att-buys-unicel-iphone-finally-confirmed-heading-to-vermont/. Retrieved 2010-07-31. dead link "A Synopsis of the extent of the measure to extend broadband". Blog.tomevslin.com. 2007-01-04. http://blog.tomevslin.com/2007/01/vermontthefir.html. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  Hemingway Sam (5 August 2010). "Vt. wins $115M grant for universal broadband". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. pp. 1A.  Bnet Business Network. Retrieved February 21 2008. "town offices". Sec.state.vt.us. http://www.sec.state.vt.us/municipal/pubs/who'swho.html. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  Ron Snell (2004-03-04). "State Balanced Budget Requirements: Provisions and Practice". Ncsl.org. http://www.ncsl.org/programs/fiscal/balbuda.htm. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  Burlington Free Press February 6 2007 Business page 7A Moody's gives highest bond rating to Vermont. State Auditor: Lottery is a highly visible government activity August 3 2007 by Tom Salmon CPA Vermont State Auditor. Retrieved March 8 2009. DatabankUSAAARP Bulletin April 2007 compiled from figures from the US Census Ellis David. "Where does your state rank". CNN. http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/pf/0704/gallery.taxfriendliest/8.html. Retrieved May 27 2010.  Burlington Free Press June 16 2009 page 6A"My Turn: Taxes put sustainability at risk". Win Smith a b Property Valuation and Review Vermont Department of Taxes. Retrieved March 10 2009. http://www.vermontproperty.com/newsltr/2005effectivetaxrates.pdfPDF (111 KB) McLean Dan (December 17 2008). Property tax bills among highest. Burlington Free Press.  "Laws & Regulations: Act 60 Links & Resources". Education.vermont.gov. 2004-07-29. http://education.vermont.gov/new/html/laws/act60.html. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  Michael B. Sauter; Douglas A. McIntyre (2011-04-05). "The Ten States With The Worst Property Taxes". 247Wallst.com. http://247wallst.com/2011/04/05/the-ten-states-with-the-worst-property-taxes/3/.  Average Property Taxes as % of Median Income: 5.4% (3rd Most in nation). Average Median Property Taxes Paid on Homes: $4618 (3rd Most in nation); Unemployment Rate: 5.6% (5th lowest in the country); Average Median Income for Home Owners: $77161 (7th Highest in the US) These relatively small political movements are similar in nature to those found in California Hawaii Louisiana and Texas; although the historical contexts are variant. "The World". Rise of the Democratic Party. Archived from the original on 2006-03-21. http://web.archive.org/web/20060321145827/http://www.vt-world.com/Archive/2004/February182004/Features.htm. Retrieved 2006-12-25.  Activists in Vermont town want Bush Cheney subject to arrest CNN.comdead link Powell Michael. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/04/AR2006110401124.html Exceedingly Social But Doesn't Like Parties. The Washington Post November 5 2006. Rimer Sara (July 4 1993). Vermont Debates Value of Saving a Rural Image. The New York Times.  "Vermont lawmakers legalize gay marriage Life msnbc.com". MSNBC. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30089125/. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  The others were Massachusetts Connecticut Iowa Maine and New Hampshire. The same-sex marriage law in Maine was repealed by voters in November 2009 while Washington D.C. now allows it. "It's sudden death in Vermont for assisted suicide proposal". Worldnetdaily.com. http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.aspARTICLEID54843. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "Killington Secession Not Too Popular in VT New Hampshire Public Radio". Nhpr.org. 2005-03-16. http://www.nhpr.org/node/8429. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  CNN.com Killington residents vote to secede from Vermont March 4 2004dead link Vermont Constitution retrieved May 29 2008 "2007 Annual Report of the Department of Liquor Control" (PDF). http://liquorcontrol.vermont.gov/annualreports/2007.pdf. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "Vermont Ranked #6 for Well-Being ". Vermontbusiness.com. 2010-02-15. http://www.vermontbusiness.com/news/vermont-ranked-6-well-being-0210. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "Study ranks Vermont third in well-being of children". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. 28 July 2010. pp. 1B.  "County Health Rankings: National Comparisons". Robert Wood Johnson and the University of Wisconsin. 2010. http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/latest-news/county-health-rankings-national-comparisons.  "Healthiest States 2007 AOL Money & Finance". Money.aol.com. http://money.aol.com/mortgage/healthiest-states. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  Remsen Nancy (December 4 2008). Vermont tops healthy list again. Burlington Free Press.  "Fairly fit Vermont still gaining with U.S.". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. 2 July 2009. pp. 1A.  Baird Joel Banner (30 June 2010). "Study:Vermont among least obsese states". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. pp. 1A.  "Morgan Quitno Press". Money.aol.com. http://money.aol.com/mortgage/safest-states-to-live-in. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "Selected Vermont laws governing the use and possession of firearms". Web.archive.org. 2006-02-12. Archived from the original on 2006-02-12. http://web.archive.org/web/20060212133840/http://www.atg.state.vt.us/display.phpsmod21. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "Brady Campaign on Vermont gun laws". Bradycampaign.org. 2009-04-22. http://www.bradycampaign.org/legislation/state/viewstate.phpstvt#ccw. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "South Lags In Report Card on Health Care AOL Body". Body.aol.com. 2009-11-30. http://body.aol.com/news/articles/a/south-lags-in-report-card-on-health-care/20070613144709990001. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  Vermont information Times Daily retrieved on 2007-10-14 Sutkowski Matt (December 7 2008). Mixed drinks mixed feelings. Burlington Free Press.  staff wire reports (January 23 2009). Vt. has few uninsured motorists. Burlington Free Press.  Sutkowski Matt (August 16 2008). Disaster declarations in Vermont. Burlington Free Press.  Overberg Paul Hundreds of counties would fail smog standards USA Today June 22 2007 Burlington Free Pressdead link. Retrieved June 30 2008. Moore Mark (October 31 2008). Letter to the editor:Question credibility of single-payer plans. Burlington Free Press.  Hallenbeck Terri (December 23 2008). Vermont uninsured rate falls to 7.6% survey shows. Burlington Free Press.  Green Mountain Care ProgramsGreen Mountain Caredead link Remsen Nancy (January 24 2009). HEALTH: Changes are among budget's most controversial. Burlington Free Press.  Remsen Nancy (10 August 2009). "Health reform criticized". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. pp. 6A.  "Long term care costs rise across the board from 2008 to 2009". metlife.com. 27 October 2009. http://www.metlife.com/assets/cao/mmi/publications/mmi-pressroom/mmi-market-survey-nursing-home-pr-final.pdf.  "Aircraft to drop rabies vaccines". Barton Vermont: the Chronicle. 2 September 2009. p. 25.  Walsh Molly (June 8 2007). Vermont doing better than most. Burlington Free Press.  King Ledyard (June 8 2007). State tests put image ahead of performance. Burlington Free Press.  US Department of Education. Retrieved July 6 2008. About Your 2008 School Taxes flyer sent with real estate bills Behind New Jersey "Vermont is No. 2 in grad rates". Burlington Vermont: Burlington Free Press. 19 June 2010. pp. 1A.  "Lake Monsters website". Vermontlakemonsters.com. http://www.vermontlakemonsters.com/team/where/. Retrieved 2011-01-11.  Vermont Ice Storm Home Page The term "semi-pro" is somewhat misleading since League rules prohibit paying team members. In fact members pay to play. Fantino John A. (July 20 2008). Vermont breaks through. Burlington Free Press.  "Middlebury Festival on the Green". Festivalonthegreen.org. http://www.festivalonthegreen.org/. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "The Official Home of the Vermont Dairy Festival". Vermontdairyfestival.com. 2010-06-06. http://www.vermontdairyfestival.com. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "Welcome to Vermont Brewers Festival". Vtbrewfest.com. http://vtbrewfest.com/. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "The Babes of Beaver Pond Cathy Resmer Seven Days February 7 2006". 7dvt.com. http://www.7dvt.com/2006/babes-beaver-pond. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "Slideshow: Winter is a Drag Ball 2009 Seven Days February 16 2009". 7dvt.com. 2009-02-14. http://www.7dvt.com/drag-ball-2009. Retrieved 2010-07-31.  "State-by-state volunteer rates". Burlington Free Press. July 27 2008.  Book Review. Retrieved September 12 2008. In later seasons he referred to Crabapple Cove Maine as home Bibliography Albers Jan Hands on the Land: A History of the Vermont Landscape. MIT Press: 2000. ISBN 0-262-01175-1. Allen Ira (1969) 1798. The natural and political history of the State of Vermont one of the United States of America. Charles E. Tuttle Company. ISBN 0-8048-0419-2.  Bryan Frank and John McClaughry. "The Vermont Papers: Recreating Democracy on a Human Scale." Chelsea Green Publishing: 1989. ISBN 0-930031-19-9. Cohen David Elliot and Rick Smolan. Vermont 24/7. DK Publishing: 2004. ISBN 0-7566-0086-3. Coffin Howard. Full Duty: Vermonters in the Civil War. The Countryman Press: 1995. ISBN 0-88150-349-5. Doyle William T. "The Vermont Political Tradition and Those Who Helped Make It." Doyle Publisher: 1987. ISBN 0-9615486-1-4. Duffy John J. et al. Vermont: An Illustrated History. American Historical Press: 2000. ISBN 1-892724-08-1. Duffy John J. et al. The Vermont Encyclopedia. University Press of New England: 2003. ISBN 1-58465-086-9. Federal Writers' Project of the Works Progress Administration for the State of Vermont. Vermont: A guide to the Green Mountain State. Houghton Mifflin: 1937. Grant Kim et al. Vermont: An Explorer's Guide. The Countryman Press: 2002. ISBN 0-88150-519-6. Hunter Preston. "Religion in Vermont". Adherents.com. Klyza Christopher McGrory and Stephen C. Trombulak. The Story of Vermont: A Natural and Cultural History. University Press of New England: 1999. ISBN 0-87451-936-5. Potash P. Jeffrey et al. Freedom and Unity: A History of Vermont. Vermont Historical Society: 2004. ISBN 0-934720-49-5. Hall Benjamin Homer History of eastern Vermont 1858 p. 480. Meeks Harold A. Vermont's Land and Resources The New England Press: 1968. ISBN 0-933050-40-2. Rodgers Steve. Country Towns of Vermont. McGraw-Hill: 1998. ISBN 1-56626-195-3. Sherman Joe. Fast Lane on a Dirt Road: A Contemporary History of Vermont. Chelsea Green Publishing Company: 2000. ISBN 1-890132-74-8. Sletcher Michael. New England. Westport Connecticut 2004. Vermont Atlas & Gazetteer. DeLorme: 2000. ISBN 0-89933-322-2. Van de Water Frederic Franklyn (1974). The Reluctant Republic: Vermont 17241791. The Countryman Press. ISBN 0-914378-02-3.  External links Find more about Vermont on Wikipedia's sister projects: Definitions from Wiktionary Images and media from Commons Learning resources from Wikiversity News stories from Wikinews Quotations from Wikiquote Source texts from Wikisource Textbooks from Wikibooks OpenStreetMap has geographic data related to: Vermont General Vermont at the Open Directory Project Government Vermont government official website Energy Data and Statistics for Vermont Vermont Agriculture Vermont League of Cities and Towns Vermont State Facts Roads compared to other states Geology Rodinia to Pangea: The Lithotectonic Record of the Appalachian Region Laurentia-Gondwana connections before Pangea Maps and Demographics Earthquake facts Vermont USGS real-time geographic and other scientific resources of Vermont "Vermont QuickFacts" U.S. Census Bureau. Tourism & recreation Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing Business Vermont Chamber of Commerce VermontBusiness.com Culture & history Vermont Native American Museum & Cultural Center Central Vermont: Explore History in the Heart of the Green Mountains a National Park Service Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary Vermont Arts Council Vermont Historical Society. 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