1. The Vermont State House's dome was completed on December 3, 1859. The State House, located in Montpelier, is the oldest and smallest state capital in the United States.

2. The first edition of the Burlington Free Press was printed on December 3, 1827. The newspaper is the largest daily newspaper in Vermont and has won several Pulitzer Prizes throughout its history.

3. Vermont legalized same-sex marriage on December 3, 2009. It was the first state to do so through legislation rather than court action.

4. Vermont's first governor, Thomas Chittenden, was elected on December 3, 1778. He served as governor for 17 years, longer than any other governor in Vermont history.

5. Vermont abolished slavery on December 3, 1777. It was the first state to do so, though it had very few enslaved people to begin with. The state's constitution declared that "all men are born equally free and independent."