The Untold History of Vermont: Surprising Stories That Shaped America
About 20 miles south of Burlington, the town of Middlebury quietly holds a pivotal chapter in Vermont’s story at the Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History. This small but richly curated museum traces the state’s journey from its disputed days as the New Hampshire Grants to its bold declaration as an independent republic before joining the Union. Walking through the exhibits, you encounter artifacts and documents that reveal Vermont’s unique stance against slavery years before the Civil War, highlighting the state’s progressive spirit. Visiting on a crisp autumn afternoon, when the foliage outside mirrors the rich colors of the collection inside, makes the experience particularly immersive, as you sense the deeply rooted independence that shaped Vermont’s identity.
In the northern reaches of the state, about 35 miles east of St. Albans, the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge offers more than just birdwatching—it’s a living reminder of Vermont’s interconnected past and environment. The refuge protects critical wetlands that sustained Indigenous peoples long before European settlers arrived, and later became contested lands during colonial border disputes. Strolling the Refuge Trail, an easy 1.4-mile loop through marshes and forest, visitors can spot rare birds and imagine the natural landscape that shaped early diplomacy and survival. Early spring or late fall are ideal times here, when migratory birds flock, providing a vivid glimpse into the cycles of life that have long influenced Vermont’s history.
Farther east, the town of Montpelier, roughly 35 miles southeast of Burlington, invites discovery at the Vermont State House. This striking gold-domed capitol building, nestled in the heart of the capital city, stands as a testament to Vermont’s long tradition of civic engagement and abolitionist politics. Taking a guided tour, visitors gain insight into how Vermont was the first state to abolish adult slavery outright in its constitution of 1777. The building’s beautiful architecture and its position on State Street make it a vibrant centerpiece during warm summer afternoons, when the surrounding parks and cafés buzz with locals and tourists alike, bridging past and present.
Vermont’s role in the Underground Railroad comes alive at the Rokeby Museum in Ferrisburgh, about 20 miles south of Burlington. This preserved 18th-century farmhouse was a stop on the secret network helping enslaved people escape to freedom. Touring the house and grounds, visitors see hidden rooms and tunnels once used for shelter, and engage with exhibits that illuminate the courage of Vermonters who risked everything for justice. Visiting in late spring or summer allows for a stroll through the surrounding gardens and woodlands, where history feels palpable amid the blooming flora.
In Brattleboro, about 70 miles southeast of Burlington, the New England Center for Circus Arts reveals a lesser-known thread of Vermont’s cultural fabric. Though not historical in the traditional sense, the center’s story is intertwined with Vermont’s long-standing reputation as a haven for creative freedom and countercultural movements dating back to the 1960s. Participating in a beginner’s workshop or watching a rehearsal connects visitors with the spirit of innovation and artistry that has quietly influenced American performance traditions. The vibrant downtown nearby offers lively eateries and galleries, best enjoyed during summer festivals when the town pulses with color and creativity.
Near Middlebury, the Green Mountain National Forest stretches over 400,000 acres, about a 30-minute drive southeast of the city center. Hiking the Long Trail through this forest is an encounter with the rugged wilderness that early settlers and Native Americans once depended upon. The Long Trail section near Mount Abraham, Vermont’s fifth highest peak at 4,006 feet, challenges seasoned hikers with steep climbs and rewarding panoramic views of the Champlain Valley. Early fall is the best time here, when the vast forest canopy erupts in fiery reds and golds, echoing stories of endurance and change etched into the land itself.
Finally, the historic town of Woodstock, about 45 minutes south of Barre, offers a glimpse into Vermont’s architectural and social evolution at the Billings Farm & Museum. This working dairy farm and museum illustrate Vermont’s agrarian roots and the transformation of rural life from the 19th century onwards. Visitors can tour the Victorian farmhouse and explore the barns, learning about the state’s pioneering role in agricultural innovation and preservation. Visiting during summer or early fall provides opportunities to witness daily farm activities and enjoy the surrounding hills, which have shaped Vermont’s reputation as an enduring rural refuge.
Each of these places reveals unexpected layers of Vermont’s past, from bold political stands and secret escapes to cultural ingenuity and environmental guardianship. Traveling through them offers a rich, tangible connection to the stories that quietly shaped not just Vermont, but the entire nation.