Green Mountain Boys facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Green Mountain Boys |
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The Flag of the Green Mountain Boys, predating the Vermont Republic, is still used by the Vermont National Guard
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| Active | October 24, 1764 – 1779 (various revivals afterward) |
| Country |  Great Britain Vermont Republic United States |
| Allegiance | Vermont Republic |
| Type | Infantry |
| Part of | Vermont Militia |
| Colors | Green, blue, white (gold fringe is modern decorative) |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Ethan Allen Ira Allen Seth Warner |
The Green Mountain Boys were a group of fighters formed in 1770. They lived in an area of land between the British provinces of New York and New Hampshire. This land was called the New Hampshire Grants. Later, in 1777, it became the Vermont Republic, which is now the state of Vermont.
This group was led by Ethan Allen and his family. They were very important in stopping New York from taking control of their land. New York had legally won control of the area, but the Green Mountain Boys resisted.
Contents
The American Revolutionary War
Some groups of Green Mountain Boys fought in the American Revolutionary War. They were famous for two main actions.
Capturing Fort Ticonderoga
On May 10, 1775, the Green Mountain Boys, led by Ethan Allen, captured Fort Ticonderoga. This fort was located on Lake Champlain. It was an important victory early in the war.
Invading Canada
Later in 1775, the Green Mountain Boys also invaded Canada.
Working with the Continental Congress
In June 1775, Ethan Allen and his helper, Seth Warner, convinced the Continental Congress to create a special army unit. This unit was a ranger regiment made from the Green Mountain Boys. The Congress did not have money, so they asked New York's revolutionary government to pay for this new regiment. In July 1775, the Green Mountain Boys received support from New York.
After the Revolution
The Green Mountain Boys group officially ended more than a year before Vermont declared its independence. Vermont became a separate, free state in 1777. The Vermont Republic lasted for 14 years. In 1791, it joined the United States as the 14th state.
Green Mountain Continental Rangers
Many of the Green Mountain Boys later became part of a new group called the Green Mountain Continental Rangers. Seth Warner took command of this new regiment instead of Ethan Allen. Allen joined the staff of a general in New York's army.
Under Seth Warner, the regiment fought in important battles in 1777. These included the Battle of Hubbardton and the Battle of Bennington. The regiment was officially ended in 1779.
Modern Day Green Mountain Boys
The Green Mountain Boys have gathered again for other wars throughout history. They fought in the War of 1812, the Civil War, and even more recent conflicts like the Afghanistan War and the Iraq War.
Today, "Green Mountain Boys" is the unofficial name for the Vermont National Guard. This guard includes both the Army and Air National Guards.
Images for kids
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Green Mountain Rangers, 1776
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Replica of the 1777 flag from the Battle of Bennington.
See also
In Spanish: Green Mountains Boys para niños
