Historic Vermont People: Tales from the Green Mountain State
Okay, folks, let’s take a leisurely stroll through the history of Vermont. Forget the stuffy textbooks – we’re going to chat about some of the real characters who made this Green Mountain State what it is today. Vermont’s got a spirit all its own, and that comes from the folks who’ve called it home over the years.
The Early Days: Independent Spirits
Vermont wasn’t always the easiest place to live. Back in the day, it was a bit of a wild frontier. The early settlers were a hardy bunch – independent, resourceful, and not afraid to buck the system. They carved out a living from the rugged land, and that grit shaped their character.
One name that always comes up is Ethan Allen. Now, Ethan wasn’t exactly known for his quiet demeanor. He was a big, boisterous leader who formed the Green Mountain Boys. These guys were basically a militia who stood up to New York’s claims over Vermont land. Ethan Allen wasn’t afraid to ruffle feathers, and he played a huge role in Vermont eventually becoming its own republic (before it joined the United States). He’s like the ultimate symbol of Vermont’s independent streak.
And let’s not forget his brother, Ira Allen. While Ethan was the brawn, Ira was the brains behind the operation. He was a shrewd politician and businessman who helped lay the groundwork for Vermont’s statehood. He even founded the University of Vermont! Talk about leaving a legacy.
Beyond the Revolution: Reformers and Thinkers
Vermont’s spirit of independence didn’t fade away after the Revolution. It fueled a lot of progressive movements.
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Abolitionists: Vermont was one of the first states to abolish slavery, and it became a haven for those escaping bondage on the Underground Railroad. People like Rowland T. Robinson and his wife Rachel Gilpin Robinson were active in the Underground Railroad, turning their home, Rokeby Museum, into a sanctuary for freedom seekers.
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Education Pioneers: Vermonters valued education, even in the early days. Figures like Emma Willard, though she didn’t stay in Vermont for long, her early teaching career in Middlebury, Vermont, led her to champion women’s education and eventually establish the Troy Female Seminary (now Emma Willard School) in New York.
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Inventors and Innovators: Vermont’s resourceful nature also led to some cool inventions. Thomas Davenport, a blacksmith from Brandon, invented one of the earliest electric motors in the 1830s. He even built an electric locomotive! Talk about being ahead of his time.
Everyday Heroes: The Heart of Vermont
It’s not just the famous names that make Vermont history. It’s the everyday folks who lived and worked the land, raised families, and built communities.
Think about the farmers who coaxed crops from the rocky soil, the shopkeepers who kept their towns running, and the teachers who shaped young minds. They may not be in the history books, but their hard work and dedication are what really made Vermont what it is.
Vermont’s Literary Voices
Vermont has also been a source of inspiration for writers and artists.
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Robert Frost: While not a native, Robert Frost spent a significant portion of his life in Vermont, and the state’s landscapes and rural life heavily influenced his poetry. His poems capture the essence of New England’s beauty and the challenges of rural living.
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Dorothy Canfield Fisher: This author and education reformer wrote extensively about Vermont life and culture. Her novels and short stories offer a glimpse into the lives of Vermonters in the early 20th century.
Why These Stories Matter
So, why should we care about these historic Vermonters? Because their stories tell us something about who we are today. They remind us of the values that are important to Vermont: independence, resilience, community, and a deep connection to the land.
Vermont’s history is a tapestry woven from the lives of ordinary and extraordinary people. By learning about them, we can gain a better understanding of what makes Vermont such a special place.
Digging Deeper
Want to learn more? Here are a few ideas:
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Visit historic sites: Vermont is full of museums, historic homes, and battlefields that bring the past to life.
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Read local history books: Every town and region in Vermont has its own unique stories to tell.
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Talk to local historians: They’re a wealth of knowledge and can share insights you won’t find anywhere else.
So, the next time you’re driving through Vermont, take a moment to think about the people who came before us. Their stories are all around us, waiting to be discovered.