The smallest state capital in the United States, Montpellier

Montpellier is a small city. Montpellier is the capital of Vermont and is considered the least populous state capital in the United States. In May 1787, Colonel Jacob Davis and General Pali Davis arrived in the area from the town of Charlton. Colonel Davis of Massachusetts named the city "Montpellier." According to the 2020 census, the population of this small city is about 8,074 people, which increases to about 21,000 during the day, due to the large number of people who come to the city to work, doing different jobs within the city.

The city of Montpellier has a total area of 26.54 square kilometers, of which 0.50 square kilometers are occupied by water. Montpellier is located near the geographic center of Vermont, with the Vinoski River flowing to the west. The city of Montpellier, together with the neighbouring city of Barre, forms a small micropolitical district in the heart of the state, often referred to as the "twin cities". Montpellier is bordered to the north and east by the town of Montpellier, to the south by Berlin, and to the west by the town of Middlesex. The central part of the city of Montpellier is 158 meters above sea level and is a gentle clay area surrounded by hills and granite rock walls. Mount Thorn is located on a 3.2 km long ridge north of the city.

The city of Montpellier is the capital of the U.S. state of Vermont, with the Vermont House of Representatives and various federal offices, as well as some prestigious higher education institutions such as the Vermont Academy of Fine Arts, the New England Culinary Institute, the Union College and the University are all located in Montpellier. In addition, there are several natural parks in the city, including Hubbard Park, North Tributary River Park, Mill Pond Park, etc. At present, Kitajihe Park has added a number of mountain trails, attracting a large number of mountain bike enthusiasts. Due to its proximity to the geographic center of the state, the city of Montpellier is one of the most accessible of all vermont towns. In addition to the business of the state government, the economy of the city of Montpellier is based on tourism, the higher education sector, life insurance and fire insurance. Many insurance companies are headquartered here, and there are many museums, shops, art galleries and local restaurants in the city center. The city of Montpellier is also the only state capital in the country without McDonald's.

Indigenous peoples are famous for growing maize in the flats and meadows of the Vinoski River. In addition, the area's proximity to the confluence of several streams provided favorable opportunities for early residents to fish, hunt and trade. Archaeological excavations have also uncovered a number of indigenous mounds, tombstones and other monuments of the early inhabitants of the area. European settlers began to arrive in the area between 1600 and 1800. The town of Montpellier was granted municipal authority on 14 August 1781. In May 1787, after Colonel Jacob Davis and General Pali Davis arrived in the area from the town of Charlton, Massachusetts, the first permanent settlement was established along the north branch of the Vinoski River, and Colonel Davis named the area "Montpellier". The settlements continued to expand, and within four years, the population had increased to 117. In 1818 Montpellier was merged into one village, and in 1895 Montpellier was merged into one city. Due to its central location and ease of access, the city of Montpellier was elected in 1805 as the permanent seat of the state capital and state parliament. On June 20, 1849, the Central Vermont Railway opened, after which Montpellier began to develop into a manufacturing center. Currently, the city is one of the most popular tourist destinations.