1. In 1791, Vermont became the first state to join the United States after the original 13 colonies. This historic event occurred on February 26, marking a new chapter in American history.

2. On February 26, 1863, Vermont raised the 9th Regiment of the United States Colored Troops. This regiment played an important role in the Civil War, fighting for freedom and equality for all.

3. In 1886, the Rutland Herald reported that a mysterious airship was seen over Burlington. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a cigar-shaped object with a bright light hovering over Lake Champlain. The incident, known as the Burlington Airship Mystery, remains unsolved to this day.

4. On February 26, 1929, University of Vermont basketball star Drummond "Whitey" Anderson died in a tragic automobile accident. He was a beloved figure in the state and is still remembered as one of the greatest athletes to come out of Vermont.

5. In 1987, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that homosexual couples were entitled to the same legal rights as heterosexual couples. This landmark decision was one of the first in the country to recognize the rights of the LGBTQ community, further solidifying Vermont's reputation as a progressive state.