Montpelier is the capital city of the state of Vermont. It is a charming city nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains. Montpelier’s history dates back to the late 18th century when Colonel Jacob Davis and his family established the first permanent settlement in 1787. Not surprisingly, the city name come from Montpellier in France, and it was chosen as the capital of Vermont in 1805 due to its central location. Over the years, Montpelier has grown into a modern city still retaining its small-town charm and historical sights.

The most iconic landmark in Montpelier is the Vermont State House, which is the capitol of the state. Completed in 1859 in Greek Revival style, the building is one of the oldest and best-preserved state capitols in the United States. The State House features a beautiful gold leaf dome and landscaped grounds. The Vermont State House is also home to some of the state’s most important art. You can visit the building and explore the remarkable piece of living history. Highlights include the Governor’s Office, the Cedar Creek Reception Room, the Hall of Inscriptions, and the legislative chambers.

Vermont State House is a great sight in a small town. In fact, Montpelier is the smallest capital city in the United States, and walking distances are small with easy access to everything from downtown. Next door to the State House, you can see the majestic Pavilion building. It was built in 1876 and originally it served as a hotel. Today, it houses the offices of the Governor and other state officials. The building’s Italianate architecture and rich history make it a one of the interesting sights in Montpelier.

Downtown Montpelier, just a few blocks from the state house, is home to the largest urban historic district in Vermont. You will find a variety of architectural styles, from Federal and Greek Revival to Italian Renaissance Revival, when you walk along State Street and Main Street. Notable buildings include the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, a beautiful example of Italian Renaissance Revival architecture, the neighboring Trinity United Methodist Church, and the Montpelier City Hall, which was built in 1909.

After getting a nice impression of the charming city streets, you can dive deeper into the history of Montpelier by a visit to the Vermont Historical Society Museum. It is located in the Pavilion Building, and the museum offers exhibits on Vermont’s history, from its earliest Native American inhabitants to the present day. It is a great place to learn more about the rich heritage of Vermont. Minutes from the city center, you can enjoy nature. The large Hubbard Park is located just north of downtown and here you can walk the Tower Loop to Hubbard Tower.