1. In 1777, the newly formed Vermont Republic adopted its first constitution, making it the first state to abolish slavery in its constitution.

2. In 1833, the state's first insane asylum (now the Vermont State Hospital) opened in Waterbury.

3. On August 20, 1952, the historic Shelburne Farms estate was donated to the University of Vermont for agricultural and environmental education purposes.

4. In 1960, Vermont Senator George Aiken was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Dwight D. Eisenhower for his achievements in agriculture and conservation.

5. On August 20, 1976, Vermont Governor Thomas P. Salmon signed a bill legalizing home births with a qualified midwife, making Vermont the first state to recognize midwifery as a legal profession.