But Vermont is known not just for its natural resources. It is also known for a strong sense of independence.
During colonial times, Vermonters fought off territorial claims by bordering colonies. Ethan Allen led most of the fighting with help from his brother Ira and an armed group known as the Green Mountain Boys.
Ethan Allen became a hero of the American Revolution. But Vermont was not among the 13 colonies that declared their independence from England in 1776.
Vermont did become the 14th state, however, when it joined the Union in 1791. And it became the first state to declare slavery illegal.
By 1777, Vermonters had written their own constitution declaring themselves free and independent. Their constitution also made slavery illegal in Vermont.
The capital of Vermont is Montpelier, in the center of the state. But the largest city is Burlington, on the shores of Lake Champlain. Lake Champlain and the fertile Champlain Valley are in the northwestern part of Vermont. They are named for Samuel de Champlain. The French explorer arrived at the lake in 1609.
Vermonts Educational Heritage
Burlington is busy and fast-growing. It is also home to one of the states oldest and largest schools: the University of Vermont. The university was established with a financial gift from Ira Allen in 1791.
Vermont has strong roots in education. Emma Willard was teaching in Vermont when she became an activist for womens rights in education. Martin Henry Freeman, the first black college president in the United States, was born in Rutland, Vermont.
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