How Vermont Became a State

Vermont is a small state located in the northeastern United States, known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture. From its early days as a British colony to its eventual independence and statehood, the story of Vermont is one of struggle and determination.

Pre-Statehood

Pre-colonial Vermont

Prior to the formation of Vermont as a state, the area was inhabited by a variety of Native American tribes, most notably the Abenaki and Iroquois. The Abenaki were the first to inhabit the area, arriving around 10,000 years ago. They were a semi-nomadic people, living off the land and trading with neighboring tribes. The Iroquois arrived in the area around the 15th century, and their presence caused tension and conflict with the Abenaki. The Iroquois were a powerful and influential tribe, and their presence in the area had a significant impact on the Abenaki. The Abenaki eventually left the area, leaving the Iroquois in control. The area was largely unexplored by Europeans until the early 18th century, when French and British settlers began to arrive.

Vermont during the Revolutionary War

Vermont was an important strategic location during the Revolutionary War, as it was located between the British colonies of New York and New Hampshire. The area was a hotbed of activity during the war, with both sides vying for control of the region. The British forces were successful in taking control of the area, and the area remained under their control until the end of the war. During this time, the area was known as the New Hampshire Grants, and the settlers who had come to the area were granted land by the British. After the war, the area was renamed Vermont, and the settlers began to petition the Continental Congress for statehood.

Vermont’s Statehood Movement

Early efforts to gain statehood

Vermont's efforts to gain statehood began in 1777, when the Vermont Republic declared its independence from the British. The Republic was a self-governing state, but it was not officially recognized by the United States. The Republic was also not recognized by the British, which led to a number of conflicts between the two sides. Despite this, the Republic was able to maintain its independence for 14 years. During this time, the Republic's leaders worked to gain recognition from the United States and to gain statehood. They petitioned the Continental Congress for statehood in 1783, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

Vermont’s petition for statehood

In 1791, Vermont's leaders tried again, this time petitioning Congress for statehood. This time, their efforts were successful, and Vermont was admitted to the Union as the 14th state. The process was not easy, however, and it took several years of negotiation and compromise before Vermont was finally admitted. The state's leaders had to agree to cede some of its land to New York and Massachusetts in order to gain statehood. In the end, the efforts of Vermont's leaders paid off, and the state was admitted to the Union in 1791.

Vermont’s Admission to the Union

The Vermont Constitution

In 1777, the Vermont Republic adopted its own constitution, which was the first written constitution in North America. This constitution declared Vermont to be an independent state, and it established a republican form of government. The constitution also provided for the separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. It also provided for the protection of civil rights and liberties, including freedom of speech and religion.

Ratification of the Vermont Constitution

In 1791, the Vermont Constitution was ratified by the Vermont General Assembly. This was a major step towards Vermont becoming a state. The ratification of the constitution was followed by a period of negotiations with the federal government. During this period, Vermont and the federal government reached an agreement that Vermont would be admitted to the Union as the 14th state. On March 4, 1791, Vermont was officially admitted to the Union. This marked the end of Vermont’s long struggle for statehood and the beginning of a new era of freedom and prosperity for the people of Vermont.

Post-Statehood

Vermont’s role in the Union

Vermont was the first state to join the Union after the original 13 colonies. It was a crucial part of the formation of the United States of America. As the first state to join the Union, Vermont was a leader in the fight for independence and the establishment of the new nation. Vermont was a key player in the Revolutionary War, providing troops and supplies to the Continental Army. After the war, Vermont was the first state to ratify the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Vermont was also the first state to abolish slavery and the first to recognize the rights of women. Vermont was a leader in the fight for civil rights and was a major contributor to the abolition of slavery.

The legacy of Vermont’s statehood

Vermont's legacy of statehood has had a lasting impact on the United States. Vermont was a leader in the fight for independence and the establishment of the new nation. It was the first state to ratify the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and the first to abolish slavery. Vermont was also the first state to recognize the rights of women, and was a major contributor to the abolition of slavery. Vermont was a leader in the fight for civil rights and was a major contributor to the Civil Rights Movement. Vermont was also the first state to recognize same-sex marriage and was a leader in the fight for LGBT rights. Vermont's legacy of statehood has had a lasting impact on the United States and its citizens. It has helped shape the nation into the country it is today, and its legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come.