Vermont Tourism

Lake Champlain was named in 1609 by Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer. During the Revolutionary War, the lake was an important asset for allowing movement from the colonies to Canada and keeping New England a strong, connected force. It proved to be important in the military again in the War of 1812 for building ships, particularly out of Vergennes. The lake started to become a large tourist and recreation draw around 1945 after World War II. It is now a vital economic engine for the communities that surround it. [Source]