The Green Mountains of Vermont are some of the oldest mountains in New England varying from 20 to 36 miles wide. They include the first range, the smaller Hogback Mountains; the larger Main Range, from Massachusetts to Canada, with some peaks almost 4,000 feet high; and the third range, a series of smaller mountains, including Braintree and Northfield Mountains.
In 1647, Samuel de Champlain called the green, forest-covered mountains in Vermont "Verd Mont" or "Green Mountains."
Prior to the American Revolution, the Green Mountain Boys, a paramilitary group, was organized by Ethan Allen to oppose the state of New York's claims to Vermont territory. They later fought in the American Revolution.
The Green Mountain Club was formed in 1910 for the purpose of publicizing and preserving the mountains of Vermont. The club helped open the Long Trail, a path running along the Green Mountains between Massachusetts and Canada.
Located in Poultney, Vermont, Green Mountain College is an environmental liberal arts college that takes its name from the nickname of the state. It was founded in 1834 and includes a focus on the environment in all of its courses.
Today, the nickname the Green Mountain State is reflected on license plates for cars in Vermont, reading "Vermont: Green Mountain State."
