“Vermont” First used on a Map

The first known use of the word “Vermont” on a map was in 1778, when Bernard Romans issued “A Chorographical Map of the Northern Department….”, a “sideways” map which shows all of Vermont and  parts of New York , Massachusetts and New Hampshire.   That 1778 map  is almost identical to the 1780 version pictured here.

“State of Vermont” is emblazoned across the Green Mountain State.    Though called a “State” here, it was not yet part of the United States – that did not happen until 1791. Click on the map to see the details.

Below is the title of this 1780 edition – which was published by Covens and Mortier,  a large mapmaking firm from Amsterdam, Holland.  Although the map was drawn  by Bernard Romans, his name does not  appear anywhere on this Dutch edition!

In the upper left corner of his map, Mr. Romans supplies a paragraph of text, including some delightful editorial comments against the “land jobbers” (rich New Yorkers), who were at this time struggling with the Vermont residents over land title and other matters.