Vermont Republic

Origins

The lands west of the Connecticut River were claimed by both the Province of New Hampshire and the Province of New York. Settlers holding New Hampshire grants resisted New York through Ethan Allen's Green Mountain Boys, and in 1777 conventions at Westminster and Windsor declared an independent state, first called New Connecticut and then Vermont.

Rule and society

The 1777 constitution prohibited adult slavery, gave the vote to men without property qualifications and set up public schools. Thomas Chittenden served as governor almost throughout. Vermont coined its own money, ran a postal service and naturalised citizens. Congress refused admission while New York objected, and leaders including the Allens held secret talks with British Canada in the early 1780s.

Decline and legacy

Once New York gave up its claim in 1790 for a payment of $30,000, Vermont was admitted in 1791 as the fourteenth state, the first after the original thirteen. Its constitution became a model for later state charters.