1. Vermont was admitted to the Union on August 15, 1791, becoming the 14th state to join the United States. This was a significant moment in Vermont history, as the state had been an independent republic for over a decade before its admission.

2. On August 15, 1870, the Rutland and Burlington Railroad completed its line to the town of Middlebury, connecting the town to the rest of the state by rail for the first time. This allowed for increased transportation of goods and people throughout Vermont.

3. August 15, 1900, saw the birth of Thelma Ritter, an actress known for her roles in classic films such as "All About Eve" and "Rear Window." Ritter was born in Brooklyn, but spent the later years of her life in Orange, Vermont.

4. In 1958, on August 15, the Vermont State Fair opened in Rutland. The fair has been held annually ever since and is a major event in the state, featuring agricultural exhibits, concerts, and carnival rides.

5. August 15, 2011, marked the 7th anniversary of the opening of the Vermont Lake Monsters' Centennial Field in Burlington. The Lake Monsters are a minor league baseball team that plays in the New York-Penn League and has been a popular attraction in Vermont since their inception in 1994.