Vermont History

After playing an important role in the American Revolution, Vermont resisted the advances of the neighboring colonies and declared itself an independent Republic in 1777. Fourteen years later it was the first state to join the original 13.

Calvin Coolidge, 30th President, was sworn in by lamplight in his Vermont home at 2:47 a.m. August 3, 1923, following the death of President Warren G. Harding. Chester A. Arthur, 21st President, was born at Fairfield. Justin Smith Morrill, U.S. Senator, championed legislation that started the nation's land grand colleges.

• State admitted to the Union after the ratification of the Constitution was Vermont on March 4, 1791.
• Constitution to outlaw slavery was Vermont's in 1777.
• Constitution to abolish the requirement that voters must be property owners was Vermont's in 1777.

In 1805, Montpelier was made the permanent seat of government by the Legislature. The first State House was a three-story, 10 sided wooden building. The legislators had plank seats with wooden backs. It deteriorated and became overcrowded and was torn down in 1836.