1. The Vermont Republic was established on May 5th, 1777.
On this day, representatives from towns throughout Vermont met in Windsor to declare themselves an independent republic. They adopted a constitution that was one of the most democratic in the world at that time, with provisions for universal male suffrage and a government that was separated into executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

2. Vermont was the first state to abolish slavery.
On May 5th, 1777, Vermont's constitution outlawed slavery, making it the first state to do so in the United States. The law was incompletely enforced since slaves were still kept illegally in the state until officially banning slavery by Vermont law in 1858.

3. May 5th is also known as "Cinco de Mayo".
While not specifically tied to Vermont history, May 5th is known as "Cinco de Mayo" in Mexico and the United States. It commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Vermont celebrates Cinco de Mayo with various cultural events around the state.

4. The inauguration of Vermont's first female governor occurred on May 5th, 2011.
After serving as Lieutenant Governor from 2003 to 2010, Democrat Sue Minter won the governorship in 2011. She defeated Republican Brian Dubie, succeeding her predecessor Jim Douglas. Her election was significant for Vermont, making her the first female governor in the state's history.

5. Vermont's maple syrup season typically ends around May 5th.
Maple sugaring is an important industry in Vermont, and the season usually runs from mid-February to early April. However, depending on the weather, some sugarhouses may continue to tap trees and make syrup into early May. As a result, May 5th can act as a symbolic end to the maple syrup season in Vermont.