1. Ethan Allen, one of Vermont's founding fathers, was born on January 15, 1738 in Connecticut. He later moved to Vermont and became a leader in the Green Mountain Boys, a group of militia that fought for the independence of the New Hampshire Grants (which later became Vermont) from the Province of New York.

2. On January 15, 1777, Vermont declared its independence from Great Britain and New York, becoming the first independent republic to exist in the Americas. This event is celebrated annually as "Vermont Independence Day".

3. The University of Vermont was founded on January 15, 1791, by Ira Allen, Ethan Allen's younger brother. The university is located in Burlington, Vermont, and is the oldest higher education institution in the state.

4. On January 15, 1880, Vermont became the first state to abolish the death penalty. The decision was made after a long and controversial debate in the state legislature, and Vermont was soon followed by other states in repealing capital punishment.

5. In 1927, January 15 marked the beginning of the state's annual Winter Carnival, held in Saint Johnsbury. The carnival features a variety of winter-themed events, including ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing, and a torchlight parade. The carnival is still held annually and is one of Vermont's most popular winter festivals.