A group of Morgan horses Toll-gate near the Connecticut River First State House, Montpelier Billings Library (University of Vermont), Burlington Some of the Middlebury College buildings Old printing-press at the State House. Falls of the Otter Creek, at Vergennes The Connecticut River, at Bellows Falls A Franklin stove Part of a marble quarry, West Rutland 255 256 Railroad bridge over Quechee Gulf, Woodstock Railroad Mark Skinner Library, Manchester Winooski Valley, near North Duxbury Montpelier Seminary Saxton's River Academy Goodrich Memorial Library, Newport. Facsimile (reduced) of a ballot for a State election Memorial building, Stowe First political divisions of Vermont Naval battle on Lake Champlain, 1776 Map showing the region of Burgoyne's invasion Geological map of Vermont Map showing counties, towns, and railroads VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS INTRODUCTION THE history of Vermont naturally divides itself into nine periods: 1. The Indian.-This period extends to the opening of the French and Indian wars in 1689. In this portion of the work a brief sketch is given of the red men who once inhabited or traversed the territory now included in the State of Vermont. During this period Lake Champlain and its shores are for the first time looked upon by white men. Half a century after its discovery, the French build and garrison a fort upon one of its islands, and thus become the first white men to occupy any portion of the present State. 2. The French and Indian Wars.-This period extends from 1689 to 1760, during which time the French and English are at war. The Wilderness, as Vermont is now called, is used as a thoroughfare by both parties and their Indian allies, and sometimes also as a battle-ground. Both nations grant townships in the Wilderness and make feeble attempts at settlement, building forts or block-houses for their protection. 3. Early Settlement.-The early settlement period extends from the close of the French and Indian wars in 1760 to the breaking out of the Revolutionary War in 1775. During this time many townships are granted by the Governor of New Hampshire, under the name of the New Hampshire Grants, and settlements are made. This gives rise to a controversy over the ownership of the lands, which lasts many years, and finally results in making the grants an independent State. This portion of the work gives an account of this controversy, and relates some of the novel methods employed by the New Hampshire grantees in defense of their rights, giving also something of a history of the life of the pioneer and his family. 4. The Revolutionary War.-Although extending over a space of about eight years only, this period (1775-1783) is rich in events. During the entire time the grants are involved in a twofold struggle: they are at war with England and at war with their neighbors. They also declare themselves independent, organize a government of their own, and become practically a republic, at the same time appealing to Congress to recognize them as an independent State, and grant them admission into the Union. 5. Rapid Settlement. -This period extends from the close of the Revolutionary War in 1783 to the breaking out of the War of 1812. Settlements spring up and grow rapidly, and a majority of the counties are formed. Vermont stoutly maintains her independence, and is finally admitted into the Union with the full consent of all concerned. Then follows a period of great growth and prosperity, and the settlers in the new State are happy and contented. 6. War of 1812.-This is a period of about two years, during which time the United States is at war with Great Britain, Vermont doing her full share in defending the frontier. |