1. The Battle of Bennington occurred on August 16, 1777, but the events leading up to it began on June 17 when General John Burgoyne's advance guard approached the town of Manchester.

2. On June 17, 1812, Vermont declared its neutrality in the War of 1812, refusing to send troops to fight for either side.

3. The Vermont State Fair, one of the state's biggest celebrations, began on June 17, 1846, in Rutland. It has since become a 10-day event held annually in September.

4. The Vermont Academy, a private boarding school located in Saxtons River, was founded on June 17, 1876. It is known for its emphasis on arts and humanities education.

5. June 17, 2013, marked the passage of Act 77, a landmark education reform bill that created a personalized learning plan for each Vermont student and mandated the use of technology in the classroom.