Montpelier, Vermont

Montpelier is the capital of the U.S. state of Vermont and the county seat of Washington County. Known for its lively downtown driven by the activity of state government, Montpelier is the site of the Vermont State House, visible from the outskirts of town, which is located on State Street on the west side of downtown. The Winooski River, known locally as the "Onion River," flows along the south edge of downtown and is fed by several smaller tributaries that cut through residential districts.

Along with Barre, the city forms a small micropolitan area in the center of the state. As of the 2000 Census, it was the least-populous state capital, with a population of 8,035. It is famously the only state capital without a McDonald's franchise, and home to the last remaining clothespin manufacturer in the United States. The majority of businesses in the downtown area are locally owned; for example, the only national restaurant chains in downtown are Subway, Quiznos (which only expanded into Vermont in 2004-05) and the locally based Ben & Jerry's. Processing granite, mainly from the quarries in nearby Barre is a major part of the city's economic activity; timber was once a large industry in the region in the 19th century, but has largely declined. The city is also home to the New England Culinary Institute and the headquarters offices of several insurance companies.

History

Montpelier was chartered by Vermont on August 14, 1781. Since Colonel Jacob Davis named Calais for the French port city of the same name, it is likely that he named Montpelier for the French town of Montpellier, for there was a general enthusiasm for things French as a result of France's aid during the American Revolution.

Geography

Montpelier is a small mountain city, set at the junction of at least three locally important tributaries. The city center is a flat clay zone (elevation ~520'), surrounded by hills and granite ledges. Town Hill runs in a 2-mile ridge (~900') along the northern edge of the city.

The clay city center is kept stable by use of canals and dams for controlling seasonal river flows. As a result, the center of Montpelier does not experience the brunt of mud season each spring.

Montpelier is subject to periodic flooding in the flat city center.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 26.6 km² (10.3 mi²). 26.5 km² (10.2 mi²) of it is land and 0.10% is water.

Demographics

As of the census ² of 2000, there were 8,035 people, 3,739 households, and 1,940 families residing in the city. The population density was 302.7/km² (784.0/mi²). There were 3,899 housing units at an average density of 146.9/km² (380.4/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.55% White, 0.65% African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.82% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.39% from other races, and 1.34% from two or more races. 1.41% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 3,739 households out of which 26.0% had children under the age of 18 years living with them, 38.5% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 48.1% were non-families. 39.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.09 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the city the population was spread out with 21.3% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 84.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,513, and the median income for a family was $51,818. Males had a median income of $35,957 versus $29,442 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,599. About 7.2% of families and 9.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.9% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation

Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, provides daily service to Montpelier and Barre, operating its Vermonter between St. Albans, Vermont and Washington, DC. In addition Vermont Transit, a Greyhound Lines subsidiary runs regular buses through Montpelier.

The CVTA Central Vermont Transportation Authority operates a local bus network throughout the micropolitan area, with stops in several places in Montpelier, Barre, and nearby Waterbury to such attractions as the Vermont State House, The Ben & Jerry's Factory (Vermont's #1 tourist attraction), The Berlin Mall, and historic Downtown Barre. Operations to Greater Northfield stopped in 2004 due to budget cuts. A few small taxi companies also serve the area.

Notable residents

William Charles Fitzgerald
George Dewey, admiral of the US Navy.
Frank Miller, comic book writer and artist.
Arthur E. Scott, U.S. Senate's first photo-historian.
John Thurston, U.S. Senator for Nebraska.
Samuel C. Upham, journalist.

External links

Montpelier Vermont Official City Website