I’m sorry to admit that, as a Midwesterner, the name Ethan Allen mostly reminded me of furniture but he really was so much more. Vermont is a beautiful state with a rich history, and it’s the perfect destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike. In addition to learning about Ethan Allen and the American Revolution, visitors can explore the state’s stunning natural scenery, including the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain.
Getting There
Location: Burlington, VT
Transport: Fly into Burlington’s airport (BVT) on small or major carriers like American, United, or Delta. Car rental is easy at the airport and you’ll want a car to explore the surrounding area.
Who was Ethan Allen?
Ethan Allen was born in Connecticut in 1738 and lived on the frontiers of the colony where his father became a fairly wealthy landowner. He volunteered for the militia in 1757 as part of the French & Indian War but did not end up participating in much of the fighting.
As an adult, he inoculated himself against smallpox, which upset the local counsel as they had repeatedly warned him not to do so without their consent. He celebrated his vaccination at a local tavern, where he unleashed a barrage of profanity against the council who had told him he needed permission. Ironically, it wasn’t breaking the inoculation law that he was taken to court over; it was his display of indecency and blasphemy that he was called upon to defend. No record has been found of the proceedings but he seems to have escaped severe punishment.
The episode soured his impression of Connecticut and he eventually bought a land grant from New Hampshire and moved his family to the area around modern day Burlington.
Enter the Green Mountain Boys
Upon visiting the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, I learned that the land we know as Vermont today was originally claimed by both New Hampshire and New York. Both states felt they owned the land and would grant competing property rights to the residents. New Hampshire grant owners (like Allen) would often be harassed from settlers claiming ownership of the land from New York. Allen organized the Green Mountain Boys, an unofficial, unauthorized militia in the late 1760’s to defend property rights granted by New Hampshire. New York regulators were furious at their antics and Allen and his motley crew were causing problems for the government even before the Revolution!
At the outbreak of the Revolution, the Green Mountain Boys signed on quickly, thinking this may be their opportunity to negotiate a separation and statehood for what would become Vermont. Their biggest contribution came in May 1775, when fewer than 100 men, under joint command of Ethan Allen and, future blaggard himself, Benedict Arnold, captured the British fort at Ticonderoga.
The Capture of Ticonderoga
Fort Ticonderoga was built by the French to defend their property in Canada but was captured within three years by the British during the French & Indian War in the bloodiest known battle in North America until the Civil War.
The Green Mountain Boys (and Arnold) rowed across Lake Champlain early in the morning of May 10 and surprised an understaffed garrison, quickly overtaking the site.
The capture of Fort Ticonderoga was a tremendous boost for the Americans early in the war, and the canons recovered from the site were later moved to Boston to relieve the siege there. The heroic efforts of Henry Knox to accomplish that task will get its own post someday!
Allen’s leadership and bravery inspired many others to join the fight for independence, and his name became synonymous with the spirit of the American Revolution.
Benedict Arnold was less than impressed by the conduct of the Green Mountain Boys following their victory. They proceeded to get drunk and have a giant party (frat boys!) and refused to listed to Arnold. One story I heard in the area was that Allen was enticed to capture the fort solely because Washington told him he could have any alcohol he captured with it.
Ethan Allen would later volunteer in General Philip Schuyler’s campaign in Canada. Fans of the musical “Hamilton” will know Philip Schuyler as Eliza’s father and Alexander Hamilton’s father-in-law. It was during this service that Allen led a rash attempt at capturing Montreal but was promptly captured by the British and held prisoner for three years, including a forty day Atlantic crossing to England with fellow prisoners.
Despite terrible initial conditions, he was treated as a prisoner or war and not as a criminal, which would have meant a sentence of death for his actions.
Upon his release, he eventually published an account of his imprisonment.
Ethan Allen's legacy
Following his eventual release from prison in Cornwall, England, Allen returned to Vermont, which had declared itself independent from both England the United States. At one point, Allen was a negotiator with the governor of Canada to become part of Canada but nothing came of it. Allen died in Burlington February 12, 1789. Two years later, Vermont joined the United States.
Ethan Allen’s legacy is still celebrated today in Vermont, where he is considered a hero. Visitors to the state can learn more about his life and accomplishments by visiting the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum in Burlington. The museum is located on the site of Allen’s farm, which he purchased in 1787. It features exhibits on Allen’s life, as well as the history of the area.
I highly recommend visiting at a time when guided tours are available. Our guide was very engaging and did a great job explaining the site and sharing information about the Allen family.
Interested in the life of Ethan Allen? I recommend “Ethan Allen: Frontier Rebel” by Charles Jellison, 1969. Available free online HERE (you may need to register for a free Internet Archive account).
Ethan Allen isn't all there is to see in Vermont!
The State House in Montpelier is about 30-40 minutes from Burlington by car and well worth a visit. The cider and ice cream in Vermont also can’t be beat! Ben and Jerry’s is on the drive between Burlington and Vermont or you can try a creemee from food trucks and stands all over Burlington. Just don’t call it soft serve!
