Vermont Republic facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Vermont Republic (1777-1791) Republic of New Connecticut (January-June 1777)
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: Freedom and Unity
Capital	Windsor, then Castleton
Official languages	English
Government	Republic
Legislature	House of Representatives of the Freemen of Vermont
Independence from New York and New Hampshire
• Declared independence	January 1777
• July 2, 1777	Constitution adopted
Currency	Vermont copper
Today part of	United States  Vermont

The Vermont Republic was a country that existed for 14 years, from 1777 to 1791. It was located on land that both New York and New Hampshire claimed as their own. Even though it was a small country, it had its own postal system, military, and currency (money). However, major powers like England and the Continental Congress (the government of the early United States) did not officially recognize it as a country.

History of the Vermont Republic

Land Disputes and Independence

For many years, both New York and New Hampshire claimed control over the land that would become Vermont. This argument started because of something called the New Hampshire Grants. The governor of New Hampshire gave out 135 grants, each for about six square miles of land, to create new towns. But New York also gave out grants for the exact same areas! This caused a lot of confusion and arguments over who truly owned the land.

In January 1777, the people living in this disputed area decided to declare their independence. They first called their new country "New Connecticut." A few months later, in June, they changed the name to "Vermont."

Forming a New Government

On July 2, 1777, representatives from nearby Vermont towns met in Windsor. They wanted to officially separate from New York and form their own country. They decided to create a new constitution, which is a set of rules for how a country is governed.

The Vermont Constitution was very modern for its time. It was designed to be similar to Pennsylvania's constitution and was very democratic. This meant it gave a lot of power to the people. Vermont became the first place in America to ban adult slavery. This was a big step for human rights. The constitution also gave all adult males the right to vote. Before this, usually only men who owned land could vote.

The constitution also explained how "eminent domain" would work. This is when the government can buy private property for public use, as long as they pay the owners fairly. It also ordered that public schools be created, so all children could get an education.

Joining the United States

Vermont wanted to join the United States as the fourteenth state. To show this desire, money made in Vermont in 1785 and 1786 had "STELLA QUARTA DECIMA" written on it. This is Latin for "the fourteenth star." Vermont even sent representatives to other countries like the United States, the Netherlands, and France to talk about peace and trade.

New York, however, still believed Vermont was part of its territory. They did not want Vermont to become a separate state. Finally, in 1790, representatives from both Vermont and New York met to solve the problem. They agreed that Vermont would pay New York $30,000. In return, New York would officially recognize the border between the two states at Lake Champlain.

After this agreement, Vermont officially became the 14th state in 1791. At that time, about 85,000 people lived there.

The Green Mountain Boys

Vermont's Military Force

The Green Mountain Boys were the main military group of Vermont. They were a militia, which means a group of citizens who can be called upon to serve as soldiers. They first formed in 1775 because of the arguments over land between New York and New Hampshire.

The Green Mountain Boys were led by Major General Ethan Allen. He was born in Vermont and had been a soldier since 1757, first with the British Army and later with the Vermont militia until 1780.

Key Battles and Actions

The Green Mountain Boys played an important role in defending Vermont. In 1780, about 300 of their soldiers defended against 307 British and Iroquois soldiers during the Royalton raid. This attack was part of many raids by the British during the American Revolutionary War.

The Green Mountain Boys also fought alongside the Continental Army (the army of the American colonies) in major battles. They helped in the Battle of Ticonderoga and the Battle of Bennington. Their bravery helped protect the new country of Vermont.

Images for kids

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  Vellum manuscript of the 1777 Constitution of Vermont

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  Vermont coin with the passage VERMONTIS. RES. PUBLICA. on the obverse, and the motto "STELLA QUARTA DECIMA" on the reverse

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  Engraving of Thomas Chittenden, first and third governor of the Vermont Republic, and first governor of the State of Vermont with the most number of gubernatorial terms held to date

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  The Old Constitution House in Windsor, Vermont, where the 1777 constitution was signed, is also called the birthplace of Vermont.

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  The "Old Chapel" (Castleton Medical College Building) in Castleton

See also

In Spanish: República de Vermont para niños