Yorker (Vermont) facts for kids

A Yorker was a person living in the area we now call Vermont during the 1770s and 1780s. These people believed that Vermont should be part of the state of New York. This was different from others who thought Vermont should be an independent area, which it became for a while as the Vermont Republic.

What Was a Yorker?

A Yorker was someone who supported New York's claim over Vermont. At this time, Vermont was not yet a state. Both New York and New Hampshire claimed the land. Many people who had settled in Vermont had bought their land from New York. They felt loyal to New York and believed it was the rightful owner of the land.

The Dispute Over Vermont

The argument about Vermont's status was a big deal after the American Revolution. Before the war, both New York and New Hampshire claimed the land. New York's claim was based on a grant from the King of England. New Hampshire's claim came from its governor.

Why New York Claimed Vermont

New York believed its claim was stronger because of a royal order from 1764. This order said that the western boundary of New Hampshire was the Connecticut River. This meant that the land that would become Vermont was part of New York. Many settlers had bought land titles from New York based on this.

Vermont's Fight for Independence

However, many people living in Vermont wanted to be independent. They had fought for their land and homes. They didn't want to be part of New York or New Hampshire. On January 15, 1777, Vermont declared itself an independent republic. This was even before the American colonies fully won their independence from Britain.

Yorkers and Loyalists

In Vermont, people who supported New York were seen as going against Vermont's independence. They were often grouped with Loyalists. Loyalists were people who stayed loyal to Great Britain during the American Revolution.

What Happened to Yorkers?

Because Yorkers were seen as opposing Vermont's independence, they faced difficulties. Under Vermont's laws at the time, supporting New York's claim was considered a serious act against Vermont. People who were identified as Yorkers could lose their land and be asked to leave Vermont. This was a way for the new Vermont government to try and keep control and show its independence.