Montpelier, Vermont 2009

"I am as resolutely determined to defend the independence of Vermont as congress are that of the United States and rather than fail will retire with hardy Green Mountain Boys into the desolate Caverns of the mountains and wage war with human nature at large."

Ethan Allen 1781

Montpelier became state capital in 1805. The current State Capitol, featuring a magnificent golden dome, is the third: the first, made of wood, was replaced by a granite structure in 1836

It remains the smallest state capital, within its portico is a marble statue representing Ethan Allen, a hero of the American Revolution

Named for Montpellier, France, the town (township) was chartered in 1781 by proprietors from Massachusetts and western Vermont.

Montpelier is one of the most quaint and beautiful small towns that we have had the pleasure to visit, as soon as turned the car onto the main boulevard, we knew it was special....