Ethan Allen: Icon of Vermont’s Independence

A Short History of Ethan Allen (And Why He’s Everywhere in Vermont)

If you’ve spent any time in Vermont, you’ve probably noticed a name that keeps popping up: Ethan Allen. There’s the Ethan Allen Homestead. Ethan Allen Park. Fort Ethan Allen. And of course, the famous Ethan Allen furniture company. But who was this man, and why is he still such a big deal in the Green Mountain State?

I think the better question is: how could he not be everywhere? Ethan Allen wasn’t just a Revolutionary War figure. He helped shape the identity of Vermont itself—fiery, independent, and a little unruly. So let’s dive into a short but rich history of the man behind the myth, and explore why his legacy is alive and well all across the state.

Who Was Ethan Allen?

Ethan Allen was born in 1738 in Litchfield, Connecticut, and grew up on the edge of the New England frontier. He was never one for rules, schools, or staying in line. After some time trying to make a name for himself in ironworking, philosophy, and land speculation, he made his way to what was then the New Hampshire Grants—a patch of territory that would later become Vermont.

That’s where things really took off.

• Birthplace: Litchfield, Connecticut
• Moved to Vermont: Early 1760s
• Famous for: Founding the Green Mountain Boys, seizing Fort Ticonderoga, promoting Vermont’s independence
• Character traits: Brash, bold, defiant, passionate about liberty (and land)

Allen was the kind of person who would make enemies fast, but he also made loyal friends. He stood out not just for his military exploits, but for his outspokenness, radical ideas, and larger-than-life personality.

The New York Land Dispute: Ethan Allen’s Origin Story

To understand why Ethan Allen became a local legend, you need to start with a land dispute that shaped the entire region. In the mid-1700s, both New Hampshire and New York claimed the area that is now Vermont. New Hampshire had issued land grants to settlers, but New York came in later and said those grants were invalid. They tried to force settlers to buy their land all over again, now at a higher price.

Enter Ethan Allen.

• His stake: Allen had family and personal claims to land under the New Hampshire grants
• His mission: Defend those land claims against New York authorities
• His weapon of choice: A militia known as the Green Mountain Boys

The Green Mountain Boys were a rowdy, semi-official militia that resisted New York’s control, sometimes with violence. They roughed up sheriffs, destroyed court documents, and made it known that “Yorkers” (people siding with New York) weren’t welcome. To many outsiders, they were little more than lawless rebels. But to settlers in Vermont, they were heroes defending their homes.

Fort Ticonderoga: The Peak of Ethan Allen’s Glory

Ethan Allen’s name became known far beyond Vermont in May 1775 when he led a surprise raid on Fort Ticonderoga alongside Benedict Arnold. The fort, located on Lake Champlain, was lightly defended by the British. In the early morning hours, Allen and his Green Mountain Boys stormed the fort and took it without firing a shot.

What made the moment legendary was Allen’s reported demand:

“In the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress!”

While historians debate whether he actually said those words, the story stuck. The victory gave the Continental Army much-needed artillery, which would later be used to drive the British out of Boston. It was one of the first American victories of the Revolutionary War.

• Date: May 10, 1775
• Significance: Boosted morale and secured cannons for the revolution
• Mythology: Helped cement Allen as a Revolutionary War hero

For many Vermonters, Fort Ticonderoga is where Allen moved from local rabble-rouser to national figure.

Ethan Allen the Politician and Philosopher

Allen’s life after the Fort Ticonderoga raid was a whirlwind.

Shortly after the victory, he tried to capture Montreal but was taken prisoner and shipped off to England. He spent nearly three years in captivity before being released in a prisoner exchange. When he returned, Vermont was still not a recognized state. In fact, it was trying to become its own independent republic.

Allen got heavily involved in this effort. He lobbied for Vermont to be recognized as a separate state, but when Congress dragged its feet, he explored more controversial options.

One of the biggest eyebrow-raisers in his career was the Haldimand Affair, where he and others secretly negotiated with the British about possibly making Vermont a British province if independence wasn’t recognized. Though the plan never materialized, it added to Allen’s reputation as someone willing to bend the rules for what he believed was right.

He also turned to writing, publishing works like:

• “Reason: The Only Oracle of Man” (1785)
• A bold defense of deism and Enlightenment values
• Rejected organized religion, promoted logic and reason
• Largely ignored in its time, but considered radical and ahead of its era

Why Ethan Allen Is Everywhere in Vermont Today

There are few figures as thoroughly woven into the identity of a U.S. state as Ethan Allen is to Vermont. His name is emblazoned across parks, schools, businesses, and neighborhoods. But why?

1. Symbol of Independence

Allen’s leadership during the fight against New York and the British represents Vermont’s long-standing love of autonomy. Vermont was its own republic for 14 years before joining the Union in 1791.

2. Local Hero Status

Whether or not every detail of his life is praiseworthy, his legacy as a bold, take-no-prisoners leader appeals to Vermonters’ appreciation for grit and tenacity.

3. Brand Recognition

The Ethan Allen furniture company, founded by one of Allen’s descendants, helped turn the name into a national brand, further spreading his legacy (and some confusion along with it).

4. Tourist Appeal

Monuments and historic sites connected to Allen are some of the most-visited Revolutionary War spots in the state.

Where to Learn More (and Walk in His Footsteps)

If you’re visiting Vermont and want to dig deeper into Ethan Allen’s story, here are some places to check out:

Ethan Allen Homestead Museum – Burlington

Located on the site where Allen lived in his later years. Features a restored colonial home, museum exhibits, and walking trails.

Fort Ethan Allen Historic District – Colchester and Winooski

Originally a military post from the late 1800s named in his honor. Today, the area is filled with preserved architecture and historical markers.

Ethan Allen Park – Burlington

Offers a scenic overlook of Lake Champlain and a monument to Allen. Great for a picnic or sunset photo.

Greenmount Cemetery – Burlington

Allen’s burial site includes a tall monument and interpretive signage. A quiet, reflective place to pay respects.

Fort Ticonderoga – Just over the border in New York

While technically not in Vermont, it’s worth the short drive. Offers tours, reenactments, and a deeper look at Allen’s most famous military feat.

Final Thoughts: The Complicated Charm of Ethan Allen

Ethan Allen wasn’t perfect. He could be reckless, self-serving, and a bit of a showman. But he was also brilliant, fiercely loyal to his people, and unshakably committed to liberty—even if he defined it in his own unconventional way.

That contradiction is part of what makes him such a compelling figure. And it’s part of why Vermonters still claim him as their own.

Today, when you see his name on a bottle of local cider or etched into a stone monument, you’re not just looking at a historical figure. You’re seeing a symbol of what Vermont has always stood for—independence, resilience, and a little rebellion now and then.

Planning a Trip?

Don’t forget to include the Ethan Allen Homestead on your Vermont itinerary. And if you’re looking to understand what makes Vermont tick, Ethan Allen is a great place to start!