Quiz challenge
Which of these states is a direct land neighbor of Vermont?
Select an answer to continue.
The correct answer is B) Massachusetts.
Massachusetts is a direct land neighbor of Vermont, forming the state's entire southern boundary.
Vermont is famous for its rolling Green Mountains, scenic covered bridges, and vibrant autumn foliage. Tucked away in the Northeastern United States, this picturesque New England state is completely landlocked, meaning it relies entirely on surrounding states and international boundaries to define its geographic perimeter. If you look closely at a map of New England, only three American states share a direct land or water boundary with Vermont. Can you identify which choice on the list is one of them?
The correct answer
B) Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a direct land neighbor of Vermont, forming the state's entire southern boundary.
Vermont shares its borders with three U.S. states and one Canadian province. To the south, Vermont is bounded entirely by Massachusetts along a straight, east-west border line measuring approximately 41 miles. To the east, the Connecticut River forms Vermont's border with New Hampshire. To the west, Lake Champlain and land boundaries separate Vermont from New York. To the north, Vermont borders the Canadian province of Quebec. Out of all the choices provided in the quiz, only Massachusetts touches Vermont directly.
More context
The border between Vermont and Massachusetts has a rich colonial history that predates the founding of the United States. During the 18th century, territorial disputes were common across New England as royal grants frequently overlapped. The land that became Vermont was once claimed by both New York and New Hampshire under various royal charters, creating intense political friction known as the New Hampshire Grants dispute. Residents living in the region eventually established the independent Vermont Republic in 1777 before becoming the 14th U.S. state in 1791. The southern border with Massachusetts was surveyed to establish a clear boundary, resulting in the straight line we see on modern maps today. Today, several major transportation corridors, including Interstate 91, connect Vermont directly to Massachusetts, facilitating trade, travel, and tourism throughout the New England region.
Quick facts
- Vermont is bordered by only three U.S. states: Massachusetts to the south, New Hampshire to the east, and New York to the west.
- The Vermont-Massachusetts state line stretches approximately 41 miles across northern Massachusetts.
- Vermont was admitted to the Union in 1791 as the 14th state, becoming the first state added after the original 13 colonies.
- Vermont is the only landlocked state in New England, as it lacks a direct ocean coastline.
Sources
- Vermont – Census Bureau Profile — U.S. Census Bureau Confirms Vermont's bordering states are Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York, plus the international border with Canada.
- MassGIS Data: New England Boundaries — Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Mass.gov) Verifies that Massachusetts shares a direct northern border with Vermont.
- Bedrock Geologic Map of Vermont — U.S. Geological Survey Documents the geographic location and borders of Vermont within the northeastern United States.
