1. Vermont was the first state to abolish slavery and July 4, 1777 was a significant date in the state's history as it marked the day Vermont became an independent state and adopted its constitution, which included a provision that would eventually lead to the end of slavery in the state.

2. On July 4, 1812, the State House in Montpelier was destroyed by fire. The blaze was allegedly caused by a spark from a blacksmith's forge landing on the roof of the State House. This event led to the creation of the current State House, which was completed in 1859.

3. Vermont's largest hometown celebration of July 4 takes place every year in Bristol. The town has held a parade on July 4 since 1946, with the exception of a few years during World War II. The parade features homemade floats, antique cars, and live music.

4. On July 4, 1981, Vermont became the first state in the country to ban billboards. The law was passed in response to concerns about environmental degradation and the impact of billboards on the state's natural beauty. Today, Vermont is still one of only four states in the country to ban billboards.

5. In 1991, the Vermont Historical Society opened the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum in Burlington. The museum is located on the original site of the property owned by Ethan Allen, a Revolutionary War hero who played an important role in Vermont's early history. The museum features exhibits about Allen's life and the history of Vermont.