Montpelier (VT) – A Quaint State Capital in the Heart of the Vermont Forest
Driving home from Providence, Rhode Island to Ottawa, Canada I took the highway though Vermont. It was October and foliage had began to bloom throughout the green mountain state. My legs sore I decided to stop in Montpelier to enjoy the fall colours. Although I did not count on the sheer number of tour buses carrying Asian tourists that had the the same idea as me, parking was still easy to find and the city was not overwhelmed.
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A Brief History
Founded in 1787, shortly after the revolutionary war, Montpelier was named after the french city of the same namesake. At the time naming cities after those in France was a popular act to immortalize America’s first ally. The name was selected by Colonel Jacob Davis, a patriot of the American revolution. An industrious man he was the towns first resident; clearing the land, surveying the city streets, establishing plots and building a sawmill. Before the arrival of the Europeans native Americans
The first Vermont State house was built here in 1805. Montpelier was chosen because it is roughly at the near geographical center of the state… but also because the town provided land and money to build it. In 1825 the city received a distinguished visitor in the form of Marquis de Lafayette, a distinguished french general during the American Revolutionary war. For the 50th anniversary of the nascent country he visited all fifty states and hosting him was a great honour for the city.
The 19th century saw the settlement expand and it was incorporated as a city in 1895. In 1927 tge city experienced a disastrous flood but the 20th century was otherwise kind to the city. Today, Montpelier continues to grow as a center for government services, insurance and the arts.
Exploring Montpelier
The state capital of Vermont is a strange city. With a population of only a few thousand it feels more like a large village than a center of government. As such any visit to the cit starts at the state house! The gold domed building was rebuilt in 1857, the third iteration of the building, and features a Greek revival facade made of stone. It is possible to visit the inside where you will find a bust of Lincolns head used to model the statue of Lincoln in Washington.
On the hill behind the state house you can find Hubbard Park, with a stone observation tower dating from 1915 built at the top. The best time to come to the city is fall or even too summer where you can see a beautiful foliage. From the hill you can see the city below, since it has hardly changed since its inception, it still looks like a sleep town with church spires protruding the tree line. The village feeling is reinforced by the geography of the town, surrounded by hills it can seem that Montpelier is nestled in a valley between green giants, hampering its expansion.
The Buildings around the state house (State St.) are also worth a look, this includes a five-story brick building with a two-story wrap around porch, that is now home to the Vermont Historical Society along with several stately buildings including a very pretty sandstone building at 116 state street.
Further along State Street you will find the brick old Greek Revival courthouse with its columned portico. This building is reportedly haunted by a ghost called Mildred Brewster, a deranged young woman who murdered the love interest of a man she hardly knew. This tale of unrequited love is a triangle for the ages. For more information, you can read more on this story here.
State Street will cross the north branch of the Winooski River to merge onto Main Street. In a small cross-section of this part of downtown, there are 3 bridges in close succession that cross this part of the river, this where the majority of pubs and restaurants are located.
On Main Street you can find a wide assortment of 19th and 20th century buildings along both sides of the street. These are typical of most American small towns and cities but are still pretty. You will find many shops and small businesses for souvenirs here. This street is also home to the majority of the city churches.
After exploring the sights laid out in this post take the time to explore Montpelier historic district, although small there is a plethora of charming old homes to be had.
Conclusion
Interstate 89 bypasses the city and it is easy to drive by without a care in the world but if you have some time to spare some time, Montpelier may surprise you. The fall foliage disguises the towns imperfections, covering the nearby hills. In such a town, where much lies unchanged since inception, one can wonder what life in such a town would have been like for the first settlers.
