Nestled in the heart of New England, Vermont has long been defined by its rugged natural beauty, proud independence, and resourceful inhabitants. From its early days under Indigenous stewardship to its central role in shaping American governance, Vermont has developed a distinct identity grounded in freedom, perseverance, and respect for the land. This timeline outlines key events and milestones, illustrating how the Green Mountain State has evolved into the unique cultural and political force it is today.
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Pre-Colonial and Colonial Eras (Before 1775)Pre-Colonial and Colonial Eras (Before 1775)
- Pre-Contact
- The region that would become Vermont was inhabited by Indigenous peoples—including the Abenaki—for millennia.[1] Their livelihood was closely tied to the land through farming, fishing, hunting, and trade along the region’s rivers and lakes.
- 1609: French Exploration
- French explorer Samuel de Champlain traveled into the region via the lake that now bears his name—Lake Champlain. This incursion introduced European trade, religion, and disease to the area’s Indigenous communities.
- 1666: Establishment of Fort Sainte Anne
- The French built Fort Sainte Anne on Isle La Motte in Lake Champlain, one of the earliest European forts in what is now Vermont. It served as a strategic location for protection against the British and for expanding French influence in the New World.
- Late 1600s–1700s: Rivalry Between French & British
- Tensions grew in the broader region as France and Britain vied for control of territories in North America. Native alliances often shifted between the two powers, impacting the lands that would become Vermont.
- Mid-1700s: Colonial Land Grants
- Both the Province of New Hampshire and the Province of New York claimed jurisdiction over the territory. The conflicting land grants issued by competing governors fostered disputes that set the stage for Vermont’s eventual break from both.
- 1724: First Permanent English Settlement
- First permanent English settlement, Fort Dummer, near present-day Brattleboro.
- 1755-1763: French and Indian Wars
- French and Indian War stops flow of settlers to Vermont.
- 1764: Border Settlement
- King George III sets NY border at Connecticut River, makes present-day Vermont part of NY, which did not recognize land purchased under NH Land Grants.
Revolutionary Period and Independence (1775–1791)Revolutionary Period and Independence (1775–1791)
- 1770s: The Green Mountain Boys
- Led by Ethan Allen and others, the Green Mountain Boys formed a militia that defended settlers’ rights to land in the New Hampshire Grants against New York claimants. Their efforts fueled the spirit of independence that would define Vermont’s political stance.
- 1775: The Capture of Fort Ticonderoga
- Early in the American Revolutionary War, Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold led troops—including the Green Mountain Boys—to capture Fort Ticonderoga from the British, securing a key strategic victory.
- 1777: Vermont Declares Independence
- Residents of the New Hampshire Grants proclaimed themselves an independent republic, adopting the Vermont Constitution—the first in what would become the United States to prohibit adult slavery and to guarantee universal male suffrage, albeit limited by property requirements at that time.
- 1777–1791: The Vermont Republic
- Operating as a de facto independent state, Vermont minted its own currency and ran its own postal service. It sought acceptance into the newly formed United States, though admission was delayed due to ongoing land disputes with New York.
- 1791: Statehood
- Vermont resolved its land disagreements, paying New York a settlement. On March 4, 1791, Vermont was admitted to the Union as the 14th state—the first addition to the original 13 colonies.
Early Statehood and the 19th Century (1791–1900)Early Statehood and the 19th Century (1791–1900)
- 1790s–1810s: Growing Economy and Early Industry
- Small-scale agriculture, timber, and self-sufficient communities dominated Vermont’s early economy. The population steadily grew, and new transportation infrastructure (roads and early turnpikes) improved links with other regions.
- 1812–1815: The War of 1812
- Vermont’s proximity to British-controlled Canada placed it in a defensive position. Its militias protected the northern border, and Lake Champlain became a strategic waterway.
- 1820s–1840s: Expansion of Railroads and Industry
- Railroads began to crisscross Vermont, fostering trade and communication. Industries such as granite, marble, and slate quarrying gained prominence, along with the development of local manufacturing.
- 1823: Champlain Canal
- Champlain Canal opened, connecting Vermont to New York City.
- 1840s–1850s: The Anti-Slavery Movement
- Vermont, influenced by its abolitionist leanings dating back to its constitution, became a stronghold for anti-slavery sentiment. Many Vermonters participated in the Underground Railroad, assisting freedom seekers on their journey north.
- 1861–1865: The Civil War
- Vermont contributed significant troop numbers to the Union cause. Units like the 1st Vermont Brigade (often called the “Old Brigade”) distinguished themselves in major battles, reflecting Vermont’s strong support for the Union and abolition.
- Northern-most action of the Civil War occurs in Vermont; known as the St. Albans Raid.
- Late 1800s: Agricultural Shifts and Cultural Development
- Dairy farming rose as an economic staple, overshadowing sheep herding and other prior agricultural pursuits. Vermont’s scenic landscapes also began drawing early tourists, laying groundwork for the state’s future reputation as a getaway destination.
Early 20th Century to Mid-Century (1900–1950)Early 20th Century to Mid-Century (1900–1950)
- 1900–1920s: Progressive Era and Infrastructure
- Vermont embraced aspects of the Progressive movement, enacting reforms related to public health, education, and labor. Road and bridge construction improved, further opening up rural areas.
- 1927: The Great Flood of 1927
- Catastrophic flooding devastated many Vermont communities, causing significant infrastructure damage and the loss of lives. Recovery efforts led to modernized water management and greater state-federal coordination in disaster relief.
- 1930s–1940s: The Great Depression and WWII
- Vermont’s agriculture-based economy faced challenges during the Depression, though federal programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) provided relief and contributed to the construction of state parks.
- During World War II, Vermonters enlisted in large numbers, and the state’s communities rallied behind the war effort.
- 1931-1936: Eugenics
- Vermont Eugenics project promotes sterilization for Indians, Indian-French Canadians, African-Americans.
Postwar Prosperity and Social Change (1950–2000)Postwar Prosperity and Social Change (1950–2000)
- 1950s–1960s: Growth in Tourism and Transportation
- Paved highways and the growing popularity of automobile travel spurred a surge in tourism. Vermont’s ski resorts—including pioneering areas like Stowe and Killington—became a major draw, transforming the winter sports industry.
- 1960s–1970s: Environmental Awareness
- Vermonters, valuing the state’s natural beauty, championed some of the nation’s earliest environmental legislation. The 1970 Act 250, for instance, established comprehensive land-use regulations, preserving open spaces and controlling development.
- 1964: Electricity
- Last towns in Vermont obtain electricity.
- 1970s–1980s: Newcomers and Changing Demographics
- Young people seeking alternative lifestyles, drawn by Vermont’s rural ethos, settled in small towns. This influx influenced local politics and culture, blending traditional New England values with new ideas about social justice and communal living.
- 1980s–1990s: Political and Economic Evolution
- Vermont continued to refine its economy around agriculture (especially dairy), specialty food production (maple syrup, cheese), and tourism. The state also witnessed the rise of new political figures who embraced populist and progressive ideals.
Modern Era (2000–Present)Modern Era (2000–Present)
- 2000: Civil Unions
- Vermont became the first state in the nation to grant civil unions to same-sex couples, signaling a commitment to social progressivism that reverberated nationwide.
- 2006–Present: Leadership of Notable Politicians
- Figures such as Bernie Sanders (elected to the U.S. Senate in 2006) have gained national prominence. Sanders’s candidacy for president in 2016 and 2020 brought attention to Vermont’s progressive policies and grassroots activism.
- 2009: Same-Sex Marriage
- Vermont was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage through legislative action rather than through the courts, further establishing its status as a trailblazer in civil rights.
- 2011: Tropical Storm Irene
- Severe flooding from Tropical Storm Irene impacted large swathes of Vermont, echoing the legacy of the 1927 flood. The state once again rallied to rebuild infrastructure and support affected communities.
- 2010s–2020s: Continued Focus on Sustainability and Social Reform
- Vermont remains at the forefront of environmental legislation (such as comprehensive recycling and composting mandates) and social initiatives, including healthcare reform and continued advocacy for rural development.
References
- ↑ The Abenaki & The Europeans. Vermont History Explorer