1. In 1690, the town of Bennington was founded by a group of Dutch and English settlers. Today, Bennington is one of the largest towns in southwestern Vermont and is known for its historic downtown area and beautiful natural scenery.

2. On February 3, 1845, the first meeting of the Vermont state legislature was held in the newly constructed State House building in Montpelier. The State House, which is still in use today, is one of the oldest and most beautiful state capitol buildings in the country.

3. In 1889, the University of Vermont built its first gymnasium. This facility, which was located in the heart of Burlington, became the center of the university's athletic program and helped to establish UVM as one of the preeminent colleges in the region.

4. On February 3, 1917, the Vermont Historical Society was founded in Montpelier. The society was established to promote the study and preservation of Vermont's history and has since become one of the leading organizations of its kind in the nation.

5. In 1959, the Vermont legislature approved a new state flag. The flag, which features Vermont's coat of arms on a field of blue, has become a cherished symbol of the state and is flown at state buildings and important events throughout Vermont.