Old Constitution House facts for kids
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Old Constitution House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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The Old Constitution House in Windsor, Vermont, where the state's constitution was signed
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| Location | 16 N. Main St. Windsor, Vermont |
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| Website | Old Constitution House |
| Part of | Windsor Village Historic District (ID75000212) |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000075 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 11, 1971 |
| Designated CP | April 23, 1975 |
The Old Constitution House is a very important historic building located at 16 North Main Street in Windsor, Vermont. This house is famous because it's where the Constitution of the State of Vermont was created and signed in 1777. This event also marked the start of the Vermont Republic, which was an independent country for a while!
The building was constructed in the mid-1700s. It has a simple Georgian style. Back then, it was known as the Windsor Tavern and was owned by Elijah West. Today, the Old Constitution House is a Vermont State Historic Site. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
The Story of Vermont's Birth
Early Land Claims
Before Vermont became a state, different groups claimed its land. In the 1700s, British governors from New Hampshire and New York both said they owned parts of the area. People from Connecticut and Massachusetts had already started settling there.
In 1764, King George III of Britain decided that New York had control over the land. However, most settlers had received their land grants from New Hampshire. This caused big problems! Settlers faced demands for taxes from both New Hampshire and New York. It also cost a lot to switch their land grants from New Hampshire to New York.
Fighting for Independence
The conflict continued to grow. A group of local fighters, led by Ethan Allen, formed a militia called the Green Mountain Boys. They mostly fought against the New York colony and its governor.
In January 1777, representatives from the land grants met in Westminster. They declared that they were independent from all outside control. They decided to call their new area "New Connecticut."
A New Name and Constitution
The group met again on June 4, 1777, in Windsor. A letter from Dr. Thomas Young of Philadelphia was read. He supported their fight for independence. Young suggested they call their new land "Vermont" and create their own constitution.
On July 2, 1777, a special meeting, called a constitutional convention, took place at Elijah West's tavern in Windsor. They began writing a new constitution. It was inspired by Benjamin Franklin's constitution for Pennsylvania.
Vermont's Unique Constitution
Vermont's constitution was very advanced for its time. It was the first constitution in the new world to make slavery illegal. It also outlawed indentured servitude, which was a system where people worked for someone for a period to pay off a debt.
The constitution also gave all men the right to vote, even if they didn't own property. This was called universal manhood suffrage. It also required that all citizens, both boys and girls, receive a free education paid for by the public.
The convention worked for several days. They decided how power would be shared among the three parts of the government. They also set out the rights of the citizens.
A Stormy Decision
During this time, the British army, led by Lieutenant General John Burgoyne, captured Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Independence. People in Vermont's western towns were scared and started to leave. The American army slowed the British down, giving the Green Mountain Boys time to get ready.
On the morning of July 8, 1777, news of the British advances reached the convention. Many delegates wanted to stop the meeting and come back later. But a huge thunderstorm with heavy rain kept everyone inside West's Tavern. Because they couldn't leave, they finished the document and signed it!
This was the beginning of the Vermont Republic. It lasted for fourteen years as an independent area. In 1791, Vermont joined the United States. It was the first state to be added after the original thirteen colonies.
Saving the Old Constitution House
From Tavern to Tenement
Elijah West's tavern was first located near the center of Windsor. It continued to be a tavern until 1848. Then, it was changed into a space for a store and small factories. Around 1870, the house was moved to a side street. It became a building with many apartments for people to live in. By 1890, it was used as a warehouse.
Bringing History Back to Life
In 1901, people started working to save the Old Constitution House. In 1911, a group called the Old Constitution House Association was formed. Their goal was to buy and fix up the house. Soon after, the Fay family, who owned the house, gave it to the association. William M. Evarts also donated the land where the house now stands.
By 1914, enough money had been raised for the restoration. Work began under the direction of architect Sheldon Newton.
The Old Constitution House Association ran the house as a museum until 1961. Then, they gave ownership to the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation. The house has been restored to look like a tavern from that time. It has rooms set up as a tavern room, dining room, tea parlor, and guest rooms. Many old items have been given by the families of the people who signed the constitution. The Daughters of the American Revolution also donated many historic pieces.
See also
- Constitution of the Vermont Republic
- List of the oldest buildings in Vermont
- Vermont Republic
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Windsor County, Vermont
