Military history of Vermont facts for kids

Vermont has a long and interesting military history! It covers many different times. First, Vermont was part of French colonial America. Then, it was part of British colonies like Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York. This was during the French and Indian Wars. Later, Vermont was an independent country called the Vermont Republic. This was during the American Revolution. Finally, as a state, Vermont played a role in the War of 1812 and the American Civil War. In 1666, the French built Fort Sainte Anne. It was the first lasting European settlement in Vermont. They built it at Isle La Motte to protect Canada from the Iroquois people.

Early Conflicts in Vermont

When Europeans first arrived in the 1600s, Vermont was home to the Abenaki people. The Iroquois and their allies often raided this area. These Native American groups frequently fought each other here. One writer, Zadock Thompson, said Vermont became a "bloody theatre of their battles."

Later, when the English and French settled North America, Vermont became a battleground. These two colonial powers and their Native American allies fought many times.

French and Indian Wars in Vermont

During King William's War (1688–1697) and Queen Anne's War (1702–1713), raiding parties often crossed Vermont. They attacked towns in New England and New France. For example, in 1704, French and Native American forces attacked Deerfield, Massachusetts. They also raided Haverhill, Massachusetts in 1708. Both attacks started from the Saint Lawrence River valley.

Father Rale's War (1722–1725)

This conflict, also known as the Fourth Indian War, happened in areas like present-day Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Canada. During this war, Fort Dummer was built in Vermont.

Vermont's Role in the American Revolution

The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783) was a fight for independence from Great Britain. Vermont played a key role in several important battles.

Battle of Valcour Island (1776)

This was the first major naval battle of the Revolutionary War. It took place on Lake Champlain. American forces were led by Benedict Arnold. Even though the Americans lost many ships, they slowed down the British invasion. This delay was very important for the American cause.

Battle of Hubbardton (1777)

The Battle of Hubbardton happened on July 7, 1777, near Hubbardton, Vermont. It was a fight between British forces, led by General Simon Fraser of Balnain, and retreating American soldiers. The Americans were pulling back after the Siege of Fort Ticonderoga.

The British won this battle. This was partly because Hessian (German) soldiers arrived, led by General Friedrich Adolf Riedesel. However, the British victory came at a high cost. They lost so many soldiers that they couldn't chase the American forces anymore.

Battle of Bennington (1777)

The Battle of Bennington was fought on August 16, 1777. It took place in what is now Walloomsac, New York. At the time, both New York and Vermont claimed this land. The battle was fought over supplies and troops based in Bennington, Vermont. Brigadier General John Stark led a group of New Hampshire militia from Bennington.

Today, the Bennington Battle Monument stands in Bennington, Vermont. It is the tallest man-made structure in the state and honors this important battle.

Royalton Raid (1780)

In October 1780, British commanders led a raid with Native American allies. They attacked several towns along the White River Valley in Vermont.

Vermont in the War of 1812

The War of 1812 (1812–1815) was fought between the United States and Great Britain. Vermont did not have any major battles within its borders. However, it was a border state with British North America (Canada).

The U.S. government asked Vermont to recruit soldiers. Because of this, Vermont was involved in the war. Several U.S. Army regiments were formed there. Militia companies also helped defend the state's northern border. Vermont troops mainly served in military campaigns in northern New York.

Vermont in the American Civil War

Vermont played a significant role in the American Civil War (1861–1865). Many Vermonters fought for the Union.

St. Albans Raid (1864)

The St. Albans Raid was a unique event. It was the northernmost land action of the entire American Civil War. On October 19, 1864, Confederate soldiers raided St. Albans, Vermont. They robbed banks and tried to burn the town. This raid showed that the war could reach even far northern states.