When did Vermont Become a State
Vermont is one of the smallest (6th) and least populated (2nd) states in the United States of America. It is located in the northeastern part of the country and is bordered by Canada as well as the states of New York, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The area now known as Vermont was originally inhabited by two Native American tribes. The first European contact with the area is thought to have occurred in the 1500’s, but the area was officially claimed for France by explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1609.
The first French settlement in the area was created in 1966 and in 1724 a permanent British settlement was founded in the area. France and Britain went to war, known as the French and Indian War, in 1754 and the British captured the region in 1759. Britain officially gained control of the region in 1763 with the Treaty of Paris. Between 1749 and 1764 land in this region was given away by the provincial governor of New Hampshire. However, these land grants were not recognized by New York. This led to the creation of an independent nation in 1777, which was originally called The Republic of New Connecticut, but was renamed Vermont not long after.
Vermont played a role in the American Revolution, but was still considered to be an independent nation until 1791 when it finally solved the dispute with New York. On March 4, 1791, Vermont became the 14th state of the United States of America. It was the first state admitted to the union after the original 13 colonies.
Did you know?
As an independent nation Vermont abolished slavery and allowed all adult males to vote (prior to this time only adult males that owned land could vote)!
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