1. In 1775, Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys captured Fort Ticonderoga from the British, opening up a critical supply route for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

2. In 1871, Vermont became the first state to abolish capital punishment, demonstrating the state's commitment to a more humane justice system.

3. In 1927, Vermont experienced one of its worst floods in history, with heavy rain causing rivers to breach their banks and wash away entire towns. The disaster spurred a new era of public works projects aimed at mitigating the effects of future floods.

4. In 1954, Vermont Senator Ralph Flanders delivered a scathing speech on the Senate floor, denouncing Senator Joseph McCarthy's anti-communist witch hunt and calling for an end to the hysteria gripping the nation. Flanders' speech helped turn the tide of public opinion against McCarthy and played a critical role in his eventual downfall.

5. In 1971, Vermont passed the first-of-its-kind Bottle Bill, requiring a five-cent deposit on all beverage containers sold in the state. The law was hailed as a groundbreaking effort to reduce litter and promote recycling and has since been adopted by many other states.