Vermont State Day, Motto, and Nickname

STATE DAY March 4 STATUS Unofficial DATE OF ADMISSION TO UNITED STATES March 4, 1791 RANKING IN STATE ADMISSION 14th FORMER DESIGNATIONS New France New Hampshire New Connecticut HISTORY The state of Vermont owes its evolution to the single-minded and at times perilous determination of its early colonists. Caught between the expansive efforts of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York, Vermont became the object of political boundary disputes that on several occasions became violent. Finally, on January 18, 1777, the colonists who populated the area organized and created an independent republic, which they named New Connecticut. The republic was eventually renamed Vermont at a later convention, and on July 8, 1777, the Constitution of Vermont was completed. This constitution was the first such document in North America to abolish slavery, provide suffrage for non-landholders, and create the legal basis for public schools. Vermont maintained itself as a sovereign entity until March 4, 1791, when by mutual agreement and due process Vermont became the 14th state of the Union and the first state to join after the 13 original colonies. MOTTO "Freedom and Unity" The motto of Vermont is found on the Great Seal of the State of Vermont. The actual origins are unknown, but it is believed to represent the beliefs of the original settlers who united under adverse conditions, declared their freedom, and stubbornly maintained that freedom against all adversaries. NICKNAME "The Green Mountain State" This nickname is a derivation of the description made by early French explorers of the Green Mountains of Vermont. -World Trade Press