What’s in a name? Everything. At least that’s what Samuel Peters thought when he claimed to have named the Green Mountain State “Verd-mont.” In fact, he was so upset that it was officially named “Vermont” that he still won’t let it go. It’s said that his ghost resides at the top of Killington Peak and continues to preach to anyone who goes to these haunted woods about the name of our beloved state. Is it time he let’s it go?
While the true origin of the name "Vermont" is unclear, it likely comes from the French Les Verts Monts, meaning "the Green Mountains."
On that day, in Philadelphia, Thomas Young stated "To the Inhabitants of Vermont, a Free and Independent State." Young likely intended to honor Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys with the name.
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But not everyone was pleased with the name Vermont.
You see, in 1763, reverend Samuel Peters claims to have named the state Verdmont and christened it by smashing a bottle of whiskey on top of Killington Peak.
He was well known for not only his ability to preach, but also for his ability to stretch the truth. Among his fibs, he claimed to have a doctorate from the University of Cortona in Tuscany, however no such university existed.
He was known to yell and chase people shouting his case against "Maggot Mountain!"
These supposed haunted woods can be creepy if you believe in the spirit of Samuel Peters. However, if it’s ghost hunting you want, why not spend the night at one of these haunted hotels in Vermont?
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