MontpelierOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

Founding and Designation as Capital

Montpelier's history began in 1781 when Colonel Jacob Davis, a Revolutionary War veteran from Massachusetts, and his associates received a charter for the town from Vermont. Davis, considered Montpelier's first permanent European settler, built a log cabin in 1787 and cleared land along the North Branch of the Winooski River, opening the area for settlement. The city received its French name, Montpelier, influenced by Francophilia following the Franco-American alliance during the Revolutionary War.

In 1805, Montpelier was chosen as the capital of the young state after fourteen years of an itinerant government. This decision was partly due to its central location, seen as neutral ground between the eastern and western sides of the Green Mountains. Thomas Davis, Jacob's son, donated land for the first of three statehouses to stand on the site, and local citizens contributed funds for its construction.

Development, Industry, and Governance

Montpelier's early economic growth was supported by its rivers, which attracted small tradesmen's shops and mills. The arrival of the Central Vermont Railway in 1849 further spurred industrial development and tourism. By 1858, the main streets paralleling the rivers were established, a pattern that largely remains today. The city also became an early center for insurance companies, with the Vermont Mutual Fire Insurance Company founded in 1828, followed by National Life Insurance Company in 1848 and Union Mutual Fire Insurance Company in 1874. This mix of insurance and government has defined the city's character.

Fires in 1875 destroyed 38 buildings in Montpelier, leading to the commercial area being rebuilt with brick. In 1894, the legislature chartered the City of Montpelier, separating it from the Town of East Montpelier, as residents in the valley sought to diverge from the agricultural interests of the surrounding areas. The city's location along the Winooski River, while vital for commerce, also left it vulnerable to flooding, with significant events occurring in 1927, 1992, and 2023.

• —Vermont State House — This Greek Revival building, completed in 1859, has a gold dome and a statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture. The interior houses statues of Ethan Allen and Abraham Lincoln, along with paintings depicting Vermont's history.
• —Pavilion Building — The current French Second Empire style building was constructed in 1971 as a reconstruction of an 1876 hotel. It serves as the principal workplace for Vermont's governor and houses the Vermont Historical Society Museum.
• —Washington County Courthouse — This courthouse, built in the late 19th century, shows architecture typical of the period. Its location and design make it a notable landmark in the city's civic center.
• —Christ Church Episcopal — This church, with Gothic Revival architecture, shows Montpelier's religious and architectural history. Its stained-glass windows and details are worth observing.
• —Kellogg-Hubbard Library — This institution is in a building that reflects the city's commitment to culture and education. Its architecture and historical significance make it a point of interest.
• —Green Mount Cemetery — This cemetery provides a space for reflection and offers insights into the lives of Montpelier's past residents through its gravestones and monuments. Local history is carved in stone here.
• —Hubbard Park — A short distance from downtown, this park offers wooded trails, a stone observation tower with views of the city and surrounding hills, and open space for outdoor activities.

The period from late June to early September is suitable for warm-weather activities, with average daily high temperatures above 68°F (20°C). July is the warmest month, with average highs around 78-82°F (26-28°C). Fall, from late September through mid-October, is known for its foliage, drawing visitors for scenic drives. October 1–15 is typically the peak foliage window.

Winter, from December to March, brings freezing temperatures and snow. January is the coldest month with average lows around 11°F (-12°C). Snowfall is significant from October to April, with the most snow in December, averaging 24.5 inches. Spring, especially April and May, can be affected by "mud season" as snow melts, which can limit access to hiking trails.

Montpelier is accessible by car, located along Interstate 89, about a three-hour drive from Boston or Montreal. Burlington International Airport (BTV) is approximately a 45-minute drive away.

Montpelier is a walkable city. Most of the downtown and State House area can be explored on foot. Public transportation is provided by Green Mountain Transit (GMT), and local bus services within Montpelier are free. MyRide by GMT offers an on-demand service that can be booked via an app or phone, covering most of Montpelier and parts of Berlin.

Metered on-street parking is available in the Capitol District and downtown, with fees charged Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Parking is free in the evenings, on weekends, and on legal holidays. There is a two-hour limit for on-street metered spaces. Several state parking lots also offer free parking on weekends. During legislative sessions (January to May), spaces near the State House fill quickly. Uber is available.