The Green Mountain Boys were a militia organization first established in the 1760s in the territory between the British provinces of New York and New Hampshire, known as the New Hampshire Grants (which later became the state of Vermont). Headed by Ethan Allen and members of his extended family, they were instrumental in resisting New York's attempts to control the territory, over which it had won de jure control in a territorial dispute with New Hampshire.
When these disputes led to the formation of the Vermont Republic in 1777, the Green Mountain Boys became the state militia. Some companies served in the American Revolutionary War, including notably when the Green mountain boys led by Ethan Allen captured fort Ticonderoga at lake Champlain on May 10, 1775, the 1775 invasion of Canada, and 1777 battles at Hubbardton and Bennington.
Following Vermont's admission to the Union in 1791, the original organization essentially disbanded. The Green Mountain Boys mustered again during the War of 1812, the Civil War, and the Spanish-American War. Today it is the informal name of the Vermont National Guard which comprises both the Army and Air National Guards.
Read more about Green Mountain Boys: Historical Unit, Flag, Vermont National Guard
Famous quotes containing the words green, mountain and/or boys:
“Among the Indians he had fought;
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Of pleasure and of fear;
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By such a Youth, in the green shade,
Were perilous to hear.”
—William Wordsworth (1770–1850)
“I never weary of great churches. It is my favourite kind of mountain scenery. Mankind was never so happily inspired as when it made a cathedral.”
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“When little boys grown patient at last, weary,
Surrender their eyes immeasurably to the night,
The event will rage terrific as the sea;
Their bodies fill a crumbling room with light.”
—Allen Tate (1899–1979)