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Geography
ontpelier is centrally located in the State of Vermont at the confluence of the Winooski and North Branch Rivers. Montpelier's central location was one of the factors which led to its being chosen as the State capital. This central location also means that most of the state is within easy driving distance.
Montpelier has four rivers which are at least partially located within its boundaries. The Steven's Branch, Dog, and North Branch Rivers all empty into the Winooski River. The Winooski River runs east-west through the entire length of the city and eventually empties into Lake Champlain.
While the city has grown around the junction of the Winooski and North Branch Rivers, its growth has been restricted by the significant hillsides which surround the city. This undulating topography provides an impressive backdrop to the city and Statehouse.
The geographic context of Montpelier has always played a role in shaping the City's physical
growth and appearance. Earliest development followed the low-lying valleys of the Winooski and
North Branch Rivers, and progressed up the slopes of the hills that framed those valleys. Although
the hills were mostly cleared in the late 19th century, today they form a wooded backdrop for the
City's built environment, and the combination is now recognized as one of the City's great visual
assets. The gold dome of the Capitol is accentuated both by the Statehouse's location on a rise of
land and its backdrop of hillside forest. Views of downtown, looking south on Main Street,
terminate in wooded hillsides. Entering Montpelier from the northeast, on Upper Main Street, the
City in the foreground is set off by the distant view of Camel's Hump. Preserving the City's
backdrop of wooded hillside and unbroken ridgeline should be a priority.
Montpelier's natural setting is particularly attractive. The City's location at the confluence of the
Winooski and North Branch Rivers has influenced development not only along the valleys, but also
on the hillside slopes that overlook the valley floor. Higher elevations are 400 to 500 feet above
these valleys, providing a contrast strong enough to be apparent anywhere in the City.
Topography and Slope
The general pattern of topography shapes development and the City's
image, form and character. The river valley, ranging in width from approximately 500 feet to 1500
feet, divides Montpelier into three geographic areas. Each of these sectors is characterized by
steep slopes that overlook the valley floor. Toward the edge of the City, flatter hilltop sites, such as
at Hubbard Park and Murray Hill, offer commanding views across the City.
Many of the steeper slopes provide a strong visual benefit and physical edge to the City's
downtown area, and are an important feature which defines Montpelier's central business district.
Vistas along several downtown streets, such as State and Main Streets, are terminated by the
steeper wooded slopes that occur at the base of the surrounding hills. These slopes serve to outline
the compact nature of the City and restrict large-scale spread development. Figure 5 indicates
slopes greater than 20%. Steep slopes occupy major areas, including some areas where historic
development has occurred.
Hillsides and Ridgelines
The ridgelines and wooded hillsides of Montpelier are important assets which remain largely
undeveloped. A century ago these same hillsides were denuded of vegetation for pasture and
timber Typically these areas have had limited development potential due to their rugged character,
shallow soils and the availability of other areas for development. In recent years the City has
experienced several developments which have had a significant impact on these features and raised
citizen concern for their protection. Construction along ridgelines and hillsides prominently alters
the nature of the City and should be strongly discouraged. The approximate location of principal
ridgelines is shown on Figure 5. Ridgelines are an unregulated natural feature.
Open Space
Despite a densely built-up urban core, Montpelier is endowed with abundant open spaces. Much
of this open area is on the periphery of the City, such as upper Elm Street, outer Terrace Street,
Town Hill Road and Barre Street. These open areas in large part define the urban core. Frequently
they include natural features such as floodplains or steep slopes which limit their development
potential. However, they provide important recreation, visual and environmental benefits. The City
has made an effort to protect these outlying open areas. Generally they are not served by public
infrastructure which would encourage development.
More limited open area is available in the urban core. These spaces include setback areas around
homes and public buildings, and a number of parks and public spaces, such as Hubbard Park and
the Capitol lawn. These areas provide visual relief and recreation benefits for citizens.
Rivers and Water Quality
Montpelier's four rivers are important features within the City's landscape. The Winooski River
runs northwest to southeast through the central area, and extends approximately four and one-half
miles within the City limits. The smaller North Branch extends for a similar length to the City's
northern border and the Wrightsville Reservoir. Flooding along these riverbanks, such as the flood
of 1927, has been a frequent problem for the City. The Wrightsville Reservoir flood control
project offers some protection for the City from such devastating floods. A more recent flood,
which inundated the downtown areas in March 1992, was the result of ice blockage along the
Winooski.
A small portion of the City's southeastern boundary is formed by the Steven's Branch of the
Winooski River; and the Dog River forms a portion of the western boundary and is the site of one
of the City's two major recreation areas. The other recreation area is located along the North
Branch. Benjamin Falls, located outside the City's border on Berlin Pond Brook is a significant
natural resource for Montpelier residents and a site of statewide significance. Berlin Pond, also
outside the City limits, is owned by the City. The land around the pond is a Municipal Forest and a
natural area and a protected water supply for the City. Both Benjamin Falls and Berlin Pond are
threatened through urban encroachment.
The Winooski and North Branch Rivers are classified by the State as Class B streams. This
classification means they are suitable for aquatic biota, fish and wildlife. The rivers are useful for
recreation activities which do not pose the probability of ingesting the water, for irrigation, and for
industrial uses. This classification is viewed as a goal and the minimum standard to be maintained.
Uses or activities which would reduce the classification should be limited.
Courtesy: The Montpelier Master Plan Task Force, Department of Planning and Development (March 1997).
The full Montpelier Master Plan (updated 2001) can be found in the online Document Library.
Page updated March 6, 2004
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