Old Constitution House Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Significant dates

Old Constitution House
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic district Contributing property

The Old Constitution House in Windsor, Vermont, where the state's constitution was signed
Location	16 N. Main St. Windsor, Vermont
Website	Old Constitution House
Part of	Windsor Village Historic District (ID75000212)
NRHP reference No.	71000075
Added to NRHP	March 11, 1971
Designated CP	April 23, 1975

The Old Constitution House is a special historic building in Windsor, Vermont. It's famous because the first constitution for the independent state of Vermont was signed here. This happened when Vermont was its own country, called the Vermont Republic, before it joined the United States!

This building was originally a tavern (like an inn or restaurant) called the Windsor Tavern. It belonged to a man named Elijah West. Today, the Old Constitution House is a Vermont State Historic Site. It's also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's a very important historical spot in the United States.

How Vermont Became a Republic
Saving the Old Constitution House
- Bringing History Back to Life
See also

How Vermont Became a Republic

In the 1700s, the land we now call Vermont was claimed by different groups. British governors from New Hampshire and New York both said the land was theirs. Settlers from Connecticut and Massachusetts also moved there.

In 1764, King George III of Britain decided that New York had control over the area. But many settlers had already bought land from New Hampshire. This caused a big problem! People had to pay high fees to switch their land claims from New Hampshire to New York.

This conflict grew, and a group called the Green Mountain Boys was formed. Led by Ethan Allen, they were a militia (a group of citizen soldiers) who mostly fought against New York's claims.

Creating a New Government

In January 1777, representatives from the land grants met in Westminster. They decided to declare independence from all outside control. They called their new area "New Connecticut."

The group met again on June 4, 1777, in Windsor. A letter from Dr. Thomas Young of Philadelphia was read. He supported their independence and suggested they call their new land "Vermont." He also urged them to create their own constitution.

The Vermont Constitution is Born

On July 2, 1777, a special meeting called a constitutional convention took place. It happened at Elijah West's tavern in Windsor. They started writing a new constitution. It was inspired by the constitution of Pennsylvania, written by Benjamin Franklin.

However, Vermont's constitution went even further in protecting people's freedoms. It was the first constitution in the New World to outlaw slavery and indentured servitude (a type of forced labor). It also allowed all men to vote, even if they didn't own property. Plus, it required that all citizens, boys and girls, get a free education paid for by the public.

The convention continued for several days. They worked hard to decide how the government's powers would be shared. They set up three equal branches of government and listed the rights of citizens.

A Stormy Decision

During this time, the British army, led by Lieutenant General John Burgoyne, captured Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Independence. These were important forts nearby. Settlers in western Vermont became very scared and started to run away.

On the morning of July 8, 1777, news of the British advance 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 start of the Vermont Republic. It was an independent country for fourteen years. In 1791, Vermont joined the United States. It was the first new state to be added after the original thirteen.

Saving the Old Constitution House

Elijah West's tavern was first located near the center of Windsor. It stayed a tavern until 1848. Then, it was changed into a store and a small factory. Around 1870, the house was moved to a different street and became apartments. 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, donated it to the association. William M. Evarts also gave the land for the house's current location. By 1914, enough money was raised for the restoration. Work began under the 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. You can see 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 have also donated items.

Old Constitution House facts for kids

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