1. Ethan Allen is born: On July 26, 1738, Ethan Allen, one of the most well-known figures in Vermont history, was born in Litchfield, Connecticut. Allen was a key figure in the Green Mountain Boys, a group that fought for Vermont's independence from New York and eventually led to the state's admittance into the Union.

2. Vermont abolishes slavery: On July 26, 1777, Vermont became the first state to abolish slavery in its state constitution. The provision stated that "no person ought to be held in slavery or servitude," and was a significant step forward in the fight against slavery.

3. First woman governor elected: On July 26, 2011, Vermont made history by electing its first woman governor, Democrat Peter Shumlin. Shumlin served two terms as governor, from 2011 to 2017, and was known for his focus on healthcare and environmental issues.

4. First ski lift installed: On July 26, 1936, the first overhead cable ski lift was installed at Stowe Mountain Resort. The ski lift revolutionized the skiing industry and made skiing more accessible to the general public.

5. NASA astronaut Rick Hauck born: On July 26, 1941, NASA astronaut Rick Hauck was born in Long Beach, California. Hauck was a veteran of three space shuttle missions and served as the commander of the Challenger mission in 1985. After retiring from NASA, Hauck became a professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Washington.