1. On November 26, 1789, Vermont became the 14th state to ratify the United States Constitution. The state played a significant role in the country’s early history, and its ratification paved the way for its involvement in shaping the nation’s political landscape.

2. In 1843, the University of Vermont, the state’s oldest university, was granted a charter by the Vermont legislature. Today, the University of Vermont is a top-ranked public research university and one of the largest employers in the state.

3. November 26, 1863 marked the official adoption of the Vermont state motto, “Freedom and Unity.” The motto reflects the state’s long-standing commitment to individual liberty and its belief in the importance of collaboration and community.

4. In 1945, a devastating flood swept through much of Vermont, causing widespread damage and claiming several lives. November 26 of that year marked the day when many residents of the state began rebuilding their homes and communities in the wake of the disaster.

5. On November 26, 2012, Vermont became the first state in the nation to mandate GMO labeling of food products. The law, which took effect in 2016, requires food manufacturers to disclose the presence of genetically modified ingredients on their labels, marking an important step forward in the state’s efforts to promote transparency and consumer choice.