<P> For thousands of years indigenous peoples, including the Mohawk and the Algonquian - speaking Abenaki, occupied much of the territory that is now Vermont and was later claimed by France's colony of New France . France ceded the territory to Great Britain after being defeated in 1763 in the Seven Years' War . For many years, the nearby colonies, especially the provinces of New Hampshire and New York, disputed control of the area (then called the New Hampshire Grants). Settlers who held land titles granted by New York were opposed by the Green Mountain Boys militia, which supported the many settlers whose claims were based on grants from New Hampshire . </P> <P> Ultimately, those settlers prevailed in creating an independent state, the Vermont Republic . Founded in 1777 during the American Revolutionary War, it lasted for 14 years . Aside from the original 13 states that were formerly colonies, Vermont is one of only four U.S. states that were previously sovereign states (along with California, Hawaii, and Texas). Vermont was also the first state to join the Union, as its 14th member state . While still an independent Republic, Vermont was the first of any future U.S. state to partially abolish slavery . </P> <P> The origin of the name "Vermont" is uncertain, but likely comes from the French Les Verts Monts, meaning "the Green Mountains". Thomas Young introduced it in 1777 . In 1913, the Secretary of State of Vermont speculated that the archaic French term Verd Mont (green mountain) may have inspired Young . Another source points out the predominance of mica - quartz - chlorite schist, a green - hued metamorphosed shale, as a possible reason . The Green Mountains form a north--south spine running most of the length of the state, slightly west of its center . In the southwest portion of the state are located the Taconic Mountains . In the northwest, near Lake Champlain, is the fertile Champlain Valley . In the south of the valley is Lake Bomoseen . </P> <P> Vermont is located in the New England region of the Northeastern United States and comprises 9,614 square miles (24,900 km), making it the 45th - largest state . It is the only state that does not have any buildings taller than 124 feet (38 m). Land comprises 9,250 square miles (24,000 km) and water comprises 365 square miles (950 km), making it the 43rd - largest in land area and the 47th in water area . In total area, it is larger than El Salvador and smaller than Haiti . It is the only landlocked state in New England . </P>

How did vermont get its nickname green mountain state
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