1. Vermont became the 14th state to ratify the United States Constitution on October 11, 1791. The state had been an independent republic for 14 years and played a crucial role in the fight for independence from Britain.

2. In 1853, the University of Vermont was founded in Burlington. It initially offered degrees in medicine and agriculture, but eventually expanded to include a wider range of disciplines. Today, UVM is a leading public research university with a strong reputation for its environmental programs.

3. Vermont was the first state to ban slavery in its constitution, which was adopted on July 8, 1777. However, it wasn't until 1858 that the state fully abolished the practice, making it the first state to voluntarily end slavery.

4. On October 11, 1911, the Vermont State Fair opened in Rutland. The fair has since become an annual tradition, featuring agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, live music, and more. It is the largest fair in the state, drawing thousands of visitors every year.

5. In 1986, Vermont became the first state to establish civil unions for same-sex couples, granting them many of the legal rights and benefits of marriage. This was seen as a groundbreaking step towards equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community, and paved the way for further legal recognition of same-sex relationships.