Vermont the 14th State

We've all heard lately the importance of learning history so that we know who we are as a people and a country.  I've said before how enlighting it is to talk to my parents about our country's history and how political decisions impact the course of history; its always interesting and sometimes scary.

Well, mom has been busy lately reading LOTS about our country's history.  She began a state by state journey educating herself on the why's and how's each state bacame a united state.  Its been fascinating to take this journey with her...sure tells alot about the social and political composition of each state even today. 

I decided to share quick simple facts on the blog. Who knows maybe you'll be inspired to delve deeper into the history of your state!  Enjoy.....

Vermont - 14th State of the United States of America

French explorers Jacques Cartier (1535) and Samuel de Champlain (1609) were the first Europeans to explore and establish French trading posts in the Vermont territory. The Vermont territory was hunting grounds to many small Indian tribes. These tribes battled amongst themselves and the new settlers who established forts and trading posts.

Vermont was beautiful, yet unsettled territory and there were many clashes between the Indians, French and British.  In some cases the Indians fought along side the French against the British.  The Treaty of Paris in 1763, also called Peace of Paris, surrendered the Vermont territory to the British.  Dispite the treaty, clashes still broke out and in 1770 Ethan Allen (Founding Father, farmer, businessman, land speculator, philosopher, writer) organized the Green Mountain Boys. They rallied the unhappy settlers in the effort to stand up to the provincial government from Britian.  Green Mountain Boys Flag above.

The Treaty of Paris in 1783, ended the Revolutionary War at which time Britian gave up control of the Vermont territoy.  It then became known as the Independent Republic of Vermont.  Then in 1791 Vermont became the 14th state of the United States of America.

Vermont is known as the Green Mountain State (the name Vermont means green mountain.) Its motto: freedom and unity. Vermont is the leading producer of maple syrup in the United States.  Its state flower is the Red Clover and the state bird is the Hermit Thrush.  Vermont flag to the right.