1. Vermont became the 14th state in the Union on December 15th, 1791. The state was originally part of the New Hampshire Grants, territories claimed by New Hampshire but also claimed by New York. Vermont ultimately became its own independent republic in 1777 and remained so until it was admitted to the United States as a state.

2. The University of Vermont was founded on December 15th, 1791. Originally named the University of the Green Mountains, it was the fifth college established in New England and the first to offer degrees outside of traditional divinity studies.

3. In 1814, the Treaty of Ghent was signed to officially end the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. The treaty was negotiated in part by Vermont Senator William Baylies, and was signed on December 15th of that year.

4. Vermont native and naval officer George Dewey, who would go on to become a hero of the Spanish-American War, was born on December 15th, 1837. Dewey is best known for his decisive victory at the Battle of Manila Bay.

5. On December 15th, 1984, John McCullough, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in Vermont, was sworn in as a member of the Vermont House of Representatives. McCullough helped lead the state's efforts to pass legislation banning discrimination based on sexual orientation.