Ethan Allen and The Green Mountain Boys

Rebelion, independence, rights, and recognition. Thats the story of Ethan Allen and his legendary militia, the Green Mountain Boys. This is not just a story of military exploits but one of land, liberty, and the making of a state. Remember you can join our Newsletter to stay up to date with all of our latest episodes, blogs, and specials.

The Birth of a Militia

                                      Ethan Allen

Ethan Allen was born in 1738 in Litchfield, Connecticut, into a time when the American frontier was still very much a wild place. His move to what would become Vermont was driven by land speculation in the New Hampshire Grants, an area fraught with legal disputes over ownership with New York. Allen, with his brothers Ira and Heman, saw an opportunity not just for personal gain but for establishing a community free from New York's control.

In response to threats from New York, Ethan Allen, along with Seth Warner and Remember Baker, formed the Green Mountain Boys. Named for the verdant hills of Vermont, this group was initially more of a vigilante force than a structured militia.

They were known for their green coats, symbolizing their connection to the land they were defending, and their tactics ranged from legal battles to direct confrontations with New York land agents sent by New York Governor William Tryon.

The American Revolution

The American Revolution provided the Green Mountain Boys with a stage to amplify their fight. Their first major action was the capture of Fort Ticonderoga on May 10, 1775. Under Ethan Allen's dramatic leadership, the Green Mountain Boys, assisted by Benedict Arnold, took the fort in a surprise attack, securing vital cannons that would later aid in George Washington’s Siege of Boston. This victory was more than military; it was a statement of intent. When The Green Mountain Boys stormed in, the British commander asked under what authority that they had entered the fort and Allen famously declared, 'In the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress,' which has echoed through history, symbolizing the fervor of their cause.

However, their involvement in the revolution didn't end there. They participated in the invasion of Canada, though this did end in Allen's capture after a failed attempt to take Montreal. Allen and a small force of about 100 men attempted to take Montreal. It didn’t go well as Allen and about 30 men were captured.

Ethan Allen would remain in British custody until 1778. Despite this setback, the Green Mountain Boys continued to serve, primarily in the defense of Vermont, showcasing their guerrilla tactics and deep knowledge of local terrain.

Vermont's Path to Statehood

Post-Revolution, Vermont's status was unique. It operated as an independent republic from 1777 to 1791, thanks in large part to the efforts of Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys. This period was crucial for Vermont's identity, with Ethan Allen advocating for its independence. His and the militia's efforts ensured Vermont could negotiate from a position of strength, eventually leading to its admission into the Union in 1791.

Allen's influence extended beyond military and political spheres. He was a prolific writer, with works like 'A Narrative of Colonel Ethan Allen's Captivity' and 'Reason: The Only Oracle of Man', reflecting his deistic views and challenging conventional religious thought including Christianity. His writings give a window into his mind, showing a man deeply committed to liberty.

The Legacy of The Green Mountain Boys

The legacy of Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys is multifaceted. They are celebrated in Vermont as founders of the state. Their story has been romanticized in American folklore, with Ethan Allen becoming a larger-than-life figure - sometimes more myth than man.

However, their methods were controversial. The Green Mountain Boys were seen by some as outlaws, using intimidation and force to enforce their vision of Vermont. Yet, their actions were pivotal in protecting settlers' rights and ensuring Vermont's independence. They represent the complexities of American history - where heroes can also be viewed as vigilantes, depending on one's perspective.

Today, the Green Mountain Boys are remembered in reenactments, historical societies, and even in popular culture, symbolizing the fight for freedom and the rugged individualism of the American frontier.

Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys remind us that the fight for liberty often begins with local disputes over land and rights, which can grow to influence the course of history. Their story is a testament to the idea that one's home is worth fighting for, and sometimes, that fight shapes a nation.

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