1. The Battle of Hubbardton: On July 12, 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Hubbardton took place in Hubbardton, Vermont. The battle was fought between the British army led by General Simon Fraser and the American forces led by Colonel Seth Warner. Despite losing the battle to the British army, the colonial Americans' diversionary tactics slowed British advances that led to a turning point in the American Revolution.

2. Vermont became the 14th state: On July 12, 1790, Vermont was admitted as the 14th state in the United States, becoming the first state to join the Union after the original thirteen colonies. Prior to this, Vermont operated as a self-declared republic for 14 years until 1791.

3. Early adoption of abolitionism: On July 12, 1834, the Vermont Anti-Slavery Society was formed in Middlebury, Vermont, as a response to the growing concerns of slavery in the United States. Vermont would later become the first state to abolish slavery in its new constitution in 1777, and becoming the first state in which black men could vote in 1810.

4. Vermont's first female governor: On July 12, 1985, Madeline Kunin became the first woman to be elected as the governor of Vermont. Kunin served three terms in the office from 1985–1991 and was able to make significant advancements in education, environmental protection, and women's health.

5. The birth of an environmentalist and writer: On July 12, 1914, the well-renowned environmental writer and philosopher, Helen Nearing, was born in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Nearing, along with her husband, Scott Nearing, lived a self-sufficient life off the land in Vermont where they produced their food and built their shelter. Helen Nearing wrote extensively about their life, especially the natural beauty and simplicity of Vermont.