1. Vermont Becomes the First State to Abolish Slavery
On March 7, 1777, Vermont became the first state to abolish slavery when it adopted its new constitution. The state had previously allowed the practice, but anti-slavery sentiment grew strongly during the American Revolution, and Vermont's new constitution reflected this.

2. Montpelier Becomes the Capital of Vermont
On March 7, 1805, Montpelier was officially designated as the capital of Vermont. The town had been selected as the site of the state capital a few years earlier, but it wasn't until this date that Montpelier was officially recognized as Vermont's capital city.

3. Vermont Senator Justin Morrill Introduces Land-Grant Act
On March 7, 1862, Vermont Senator Justin Morrill introduced the Land-Grant Act, which established the system of land-grant universities in the United States. These universities were designed to provide practical education in agriculture and mechanical arts, and to make higher education more accessible to a larger number of people.

4. Vermont Ratifies the 19th Amendment
On March 7, 1918, Vermont became the 16th state to ratify the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which guaranteed women the right to vote. The amendment was officially adopted in 1920, after being ratified by the required number of states.

5. Vermont Governor Phil Scott Signs Gun Control Measures into Law
On March 7, 2018, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed a series of gun control measures into law, making Vermont the first state to pass such legislation in response to the Parkland, Florida school shooting. The measures included raising the age to purchase firearms to 21, banning high-capacity magazines, and requiring background checks for all gun sales, among other provisions.