vermont : In 1609, French explorer Samuel de Champlain came upon a large lake in the area we know today as Vermont and named it after himself. The state's name comes from two French words vert (green) and mont (mountain). In 1791, Vermont was the 14th state to join the Union. Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys defended their homeland from the British during the Revolutionary War. Vermont is famous for the scenic Green Mountains which run the entire length of the state. Although manufacturing and a growing service industry sector are now the most important economic activities in the state, Vermont has one of the lowest percentages of city dwellers of any state. Many vacationers go to Vermont just for the beautiful scenery. In the fall, the state is ablaze with the flaming colors of turning leaves. Vermont's quiet towns and villages are also favorite scenes. The mountains, lakes and streams offer a variety of recreational activities from skiing in the winter to hiking and camping in the summer.
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