Immigration in Vermont

Immigration is the act of coming to live in a new country. In Vermont’s history, immigration has played a large part in the state’s development. Abenaki inhabited Vermont before the arrival of European settlers. Their territory stretched through what is now known as Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and parts of Canada. Many have fought for ownership of land in Vermont since the European settlers' first contact with the native peoples. French settlers made claims to the land in the 1600s. The English made claims to the same land in the 1700s. Others came to the state later in Vermont's history, with a large influx of immigrants in the late 1880s and early 1900s. Many came for work opportunities, while others came to escape their home country in times of war or famine. Explore various groups of immigrants who moved to the Green Mountain State, and learn more about the reasons they emigrated.