History of Vermont

The first permanent European settlement in Vermont was established in 1724 at Fort Dummer. The British took over the state in 1763 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris.

The region around Vermont has been inhabited since about 10,000 BC. Prior to the arrival of the Europeans, the region was inhabited by the Abnaki, Mahicane, and the Iroquois tribes.

Vermont was first explored by Jacques Cartier in 1535. He was followed by a French explorer by the name Samuel de Champlain, on July 30, 1609. The French established their permanent settlement in 1666 at Fort Lamotte. The first permanent British settlement in the state was established in 1724, when Fort Dummer was constructed. With the construction of Fort St. Frederic, the French occupied the Lake Champlain Valley.
The French rule in the region ended when the French and Indian War ended. The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1763 which transferred control of the region to the British.

Vermont was declared independent on January 15, 1777, and was initially called The Republic of New Connecticut.
The Constitution of Vermont was drafted at the Windsor Tavern on July 4, the same year. The constitution was the first written one in North America and called for the abolition of slavery. The constitution had other features like the provision for universal adult male suffrage.
The Battles of Bennington and Saratoga, were seminal events in the history of the state of Vermont. They are important as the British received a major setback in these battles.

The Battle of Hubbardton fought on July 7, 1777 was also crucial as the British were damaged completely and they quit the state. Most of the natives of Vermont decided to join the United States but the Allen faction refused. With the defeat of the Allen faction in 1789, negotiations for separate state began in Vermont. Finally, Vermont was admitted to the Union as the fourteenth state on March 4, 1791.

Vermont had a great role to play in the Civil War. More than 34,000 men from the state were sent to the war. The famous, St. Albans Raid, took place in Vermont.
The economy saw fluctuations in the twentieth century. Manufacturing, especially light industry, became popular after the Second World War. Tourism became important as people began to flock the Green Mountains and other ski resort areas in the state.
On December 18, 1880, the first elections took place where women were allowed to vote.
The state suffered heavy damage as large-scale flooding occurred in November 1927. Around eighty-four people died in this incident that included the lieutenant governor of the state.