Ethan Allen

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Governor Benning Wentworth

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American Revolutionary War patriot and politician (1738–1789)

Ethan Allen

Name	Ethan Allen
Birth name
Birth date	(1738-01-21)January 21, 1738
Birth place	Litchfield, Connecticut Colony
Death date	February 12, 1789(1789-02-12) (aged 51)
Death place	Burlington, Vermont Republic
Alma mater
Occupation	Farmer, businessman, writer, politician, soldier
Years active
Organization
Known for	Founding the Republic of Vermont, leading the Green Mountain Boys
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Ethan Allen (January 21, 1738 – February 12, 1789) was an American Revolutionary War patriot, politician, and soldier. He is best known for his role in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga early in the American Revolutionary War and for his efforts to establish the Vermont Republic.

Early Life

Ethan Allen was born in Litchfield, Connecticut Colony, on January 21, 1738. He was the eldest of eight children. His family moved to the New Hampshire Grants (present-day Vermont) in the 1760s.

Green Mountain Boys

In the 1770s, Allen became the leader of the Green Mountain Boys, a militia organization formed to defend the property rights of local settlers against the claims of the Province of New York. The Green Mountain Boys played a significant role in the early stages of the American Revolutionary War.

Capture of Fort Ticonderoga

On May 10, 1775, Allen led the Green Mountain Boys in a surprise attack on Fort Ticonderoga, capturing the fort from the British with minimal resistance. This victory provided the Continental Army with much-needed artillery.

Vermont Republic

Allen was instrumental in the founding of the Vermont Republic in 1777. He worked tirelessly to gain recognition for Vermont as an independent state, separate from both New York and New Hampshire. Although Vermont was not admitted to the Union until 1791, Allen's efforts laid the groundwork for its eventual statehood.

Later Life and Death

After the war, Allen continued to be active in Vermont politics and land speculation. He wrote several books, including a memoir of his experiences during the war. Allen died on February 12, 1789, in Burlington, Vermont Republic.

Legacy

Ethan Allen is remembered as a folk hero and a key figure in the early history of Vermont. Numerous places and institutions in Vermont are named in his honor, including Ethan Allen Homestead and Ethan Allen Park.

Related Pages

• Green Mountain Boys
• Fort Ticonderoga
• Vermont Republic
• American Revolutionary War
• Province of New York
• New Hampshire Grants