Changes in the Land: Indians, Colonists and the Ecology of New England

Author William Cronon is one of the first environmental historians to focus on the ecological effects of European settlement in New England. This book is devoted mainly to the colonial period, and although Vermont is mentioned infrequently, it offers a thorough and very readable account of the transformation of New England into "a world of fields and fences."

Cronon, William. Changes in the Land: Indians, Colonists and the Ecology of New England. New York: Hill & Wang, 1983.

Ecological Revolutions: Nature, Gender, and Science in New England

A rich, interdisciplinary treatment of the "ecological revolutions" that dominate New England's recent history. Author Carolyn Merchant describes the far-reaching implications of the European settlement in New England in terms of ecology and cultural history.

Merchant, Carolyn. Ecological Revolutions: Nature, Gender, and Science in New England. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1989.

Hands on the Land: A History of the Vermont Landscape

Author Jan Albers provides a richly illustrated account of the natural, social, economic and political forces that shaped the Vermont landscape, beginning with its geologic history and closing with the issues of modern urban, suburban and rural development. Hands on the Land brings together much of the excellent existing historical and environmental scholarship on the Vermont and New England landscapes, and is useful as reference material as well as reading material.

Albers, Jan. Hands on the Land: A History of the Vermont Landscape. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 1999.

Lake Champlain: Key to Liberty

Ralph Nading Hill's comprehensive history of Lake Champlain covers the period of European exploration through the mid-twentieth century. Lake Champlain: Key to Liberty is the source of many of the historical anecdotes and legends appearing in later works about this region's history.

Hill, Ralph Nading. Lake Champlain: Key to Liberty Woodstock, Vt.: The Countryman Press, 1987.

Lake Champlain's Sailing Canal Boats: An Illustrated Journey From Burlington Bay to the Hudson River

This book is specifically concerned with an historically unique vessel: the Lake Champlain sailing canal boat, designed to navigate open waters as well as canals. Author Arthur Cohn provides a useful historical overview of the history of transportation on the Lake and an invaluable collection of illustrations, including artworks and photographs from private collections not otherwise accessible.

Cohn, Arthur B. Lake Champlain's Sailing Canal Boats: An Illustrated Journey From Burlington Bay to the Hudson River. Basin Harbor, Vt.: Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, 2003.

The Nature of Vermont: Introduction and Guide to a New England Environment

Exactly what it promises to be: an introduction and easy-to-reference guide to the nature of Vermont. The author aptly describes the book as providing a "panoramic view" of the state's "history, geology, plants, and wildlife, and people's relationship to them through the ages."

Johnson, Charles W. The Nature of Vermont: Introduction and Guide to a New England Environment. Hanover, N. H.: University Press of New England, 1998.

Of Sailing Ships and Sidewheelers: The History and Nautical Archaeology of Lake Champlain

Provides an excellent, concise history of Lake Champlain, including information from archaelogical explorations, paying special attention to types of watercraft used on the Lake. Many of the watercraft discussed are depicted in black and white illustrations. Crisman's book is very accessible to young readers. Although out of print, it is available at many local libraries.

Crisman, Kevin. Of Sailing Ships and Sidewheelers: The History and Nautical Archaeology of Lake Champlain. Montpelier, Vt.: The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, 1986.

Otter Creek: The Indian Road

A comprehensive history of Otter Creek and the Otter Valley from the pre-settlement period through the present, told through ancedotes, legends and historical records. Chapters V discusses the Crown Point Military Road.

Peterson, James E. Otter Creek: The Indian Road. Salisbury, Vt.: Dunmore House, 1990.

The Story of Vermont: A Natural and Cultural History

A well-organized and well-written account of the natural and cultural conditions which have shaped Vermont. Although broad in scope (the story begins 1.4 billion years ago and continues through the present), The Story of Vermont provides thorough accounts of the ecological processes and the human ideologies that have shaped Vermont.

Klyza, Christopher McGrory and Stephen C. Trombulak. The Story of Vermont: A Natural and Cultural History. Hanover, N. H.: University Press of New England, 1999.

Time and Change in Vermont: A Human Geography

Two sections, "A Land-Use History" and "Modern Vermont," offer a well-organized overview of the changing relationship between the Vermont landscape and its non-native inhabitants from the settlement period through the 1980s.

Meeks, Harold A. Time and Change in Vermont: A Human Geography Chester, Conn.: The Globe Pequot Press, 1986.