Ethan Allen

Ethan Allen

Ethan Allen (1738-1789) was an American Revolutionary War hero, land speculator, and founder of the state of Vermont. Born in Norwich, Connecticut, he served as a soldier in the French and Indian War and later fought for the Continental Army during the American Revolution. After the war, he and his brother, Colonel Thomas Allen, led a group of settlers to the Green Mountains of Vermont, where they established the town of Weybridge.

Ethan Allen is best known for his role in the creation of the state of Vermont, which he helped to incorporate as a separate entity from New Hampshire in 1777. He also played a key part in the drafting of the Vermont Constitution and served as its first governor. His leadership and vision were instrumental in shaping the unique character of Vermont as a free and independent state.

Ethan Allen Collection at Liberty Online

Reason: The Only Oracle of Man (1785). A book written by Ethan Allen in 1785 that argued for the importance of reason and logic in understanding the world.