Ethan Allen, American farmer, general, and politician (b. 1738)

Ethan Allen: A Revolutionary Founder of Vermont

Ethan Allen (January 21, 1738 [O.S. January 10, 1737] – February 12, 1789) was a dynamic and multifaceted figure whose life profoundly influenced the early American landscape. Born in rural Connecticut, his diverse career spanned that of a farmer, shrewd businessman, pioneering land speculator, philosopher, writer, and a self-taught lay theologian. Most prominently, Allen is revered as a staunch American Revolutionary War patriot and an astute politician, playing a pivotal role in the founding of Vermont. His name is inextricably linked with two significant historical events: his instrumental leadership in the formation of the Green Mountain Boys and the daring capture of Fort Ticonderoga during the nascent stages of the Revolutionary War. He was also a prominent member of a notable family, being the elder brother of Ira Allen, who would also become a key figure in Vermont's establishment, and the father of Frances Allen.

The date "January 21, 1738 [O.S. January 10, 1737]" indicates the difference between the Gregorian calendar (New Style) and the Julian calendar (Old Style) which was in use in Britain and its colonies until 1752. This dual dating is common for individuals born before the calendar reform.

Early Life and the Roots of a Revolutionary

Allen's upbringing in rural Connecticut was characterized by the rugged environment of the American frontier, which instilled in him a spirit of independence and resilience. Despite the frontier setting, he received a surprisingly robust education for his time, one that exposed him to Enlightenment philosophical teachings. This intellectual foundation would later manifest in his written works and his distinct deistic views, setting him apart as a thinker as much as a man of action.

The New Hampshire Grants Conflict and the Green Mountain Boys

In the late 1760s, Allen's interests shifted northward to the contentious territory known as the New Hampshire Grants. This region, situated between the Hudson River and Lake Champlain, was the subject of a bitter land dispute, with both the Province of New York and the Province of New Hampshire asserting conflicting claims based on differing royal grants and interpretations. Allen, having purchased extensive tracts of land within the Grants, quickly became embroiled in the escalating legal battles. When New York courts consistently ruled against the New Hampshire land titles, threatening the livelihoods and property of many settlers, these legal setbacks galvanized resistance.

This resistance culminated in the formation of the Green Mountain Boys, an informal but highly effective militia. Under Ethan Allen's charismatic leadership, they embarked on a campaign of intimidation and property destruction, often engaging in physical confrontations and "beating the bounds" to drive New York settlers, officials, and land surveyors from the territory. While their methods were often aggressive and extralegal, the Green Mountain Boys rarely resorted to lethal force against their adversaries, instead using highly theatrical and often humiliating tactics to assert their control and protect the interests of the New Hampshire patentees. Their actions forged a strong sense of identity and unity among the settlers, laying the groundwork for Vermont's future independence.

A Pivotal Role in the American Revolution

The Capture of Fort Ticonderoga

With the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, Allen and the Green Mountain Boys swiftly recognized an opportunity to leverage their military organization for the larger cause of American liberty. In a daring pre-dawn raid on May 10, 1775, just weeks after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Allen, alongside Benedict Arnold (who also laid claim to command), led a contingent of Green Mountain Boys and Massachusetts militia in a surprise attack on the British-held Fort Ticonderoga. The fort, strategically located at the southern end of Lake Champlain, was a crucial gateway to Canada and a vital arsenal. The capture was virtually bloodless, reportedly achieved by Allen demanding its surrender "in the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress." This swift victory provided the nascent Continental Army with much-needed artillery, including heavy cannons and mortars, which were later transported by Henry Knox to Boston and proved instrumental in forcing the British evacuation of the city in March 1776.

The Failed Montreal Campaign and Harsh Captivity

Following the triumph at Ticonderoga, Allen continued his military endeavors, attempting to capitalize on the momentum by extending the American advance into Canada. In September 1775, he led a small, unauthorized force in an ill-fated attempt to capture Montreal. This audacious but poorly planned assault resulted in his capture by British authorities. Allen endured a brutal and protracted period of imprisonment, spending over two years as a prisoner of war. He was initially held in harsh conditions aboard various Royal Navy prison ships, including the HMS Gaspee and the HMS Cerberus, suffering deprivations and cruel treatment. He was later paroled in New York City before finally being released in a prisoner exchange in May 1778.

Forging Vermont: Political Leadership and Controversial Diplomacy

Upon his release, Ethan Allen immediately returned to the New Hampshire Grants, a territory that had, in his absence, declared its independence in 1777 as the "Vermont Republic" (also known as the Republic of Vermont or the Green Mountain Republic). He resumed his fervent political activity, dedicating himself to securing Vermont's sovereignty and resisting New York's continued attempts to assert control. Allen tirelessly lobbied the Continental Congress for Vermont's official recognition as the fourteenth state, a request that was consistently thwarted by the influential opposition of New York and other states with conflicting land claims.

Frustrated by congressional inaction and New York's persistent threats, Allen engaged in highly controversial negotiations with British authorities during the early 1780s, an episode known as the Haldimand Negotiations. These secret talks explored the possibility of Vermont becoming a separate British province, effectively playing both sides in an attempt to secure Vermont's independence from the United States and New York. While these actions were viewed by some as bordering on treason, Allen maintained that his primary objective was to ensure Vermont's self-determination by any means necessary, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the nascent republic he had helped create.

Legacy: Writings, Business Acumen, and Enduring Influence

Beyond his military and political exploits, Ethan Allen was also a prolific writer. His vivid accounts of his wartime experiences, most notably "A Narrative of Colonel Ethan Allen's Captivity" (1779), became widely read bestsellers in the 19th century, offering a firsthand perspective on the harsh realities of imprisonment during the Revolution. He also penned philosophical treatises, such as "Reason the Only Oracle of Man" (1784), which reflected his deistic and rationalist views, challenging conventional religious doctrines and often generating significant controversy in his time. Additionally, he authored numerous documents pertaining to the complex politics surrounding Vermont's formation.

Allen was also a successful businessman and a forward-thinking entrepreneur. His diverse business dealings included managing productive farming operations, establishing one of Connecticut's early iron works, and engaging in extensive land speculation in the burgeoning Vermont territory. Demonstrating remarkable foresight, Ethan Allen, along with his brothers Ira and Levi, purchased significant tracts of land, including the territory that would later develop into the prominent city of Burlington, Vermont. He was married twice and was the father of eight children, leaving behind a legacy that continues to define the spirit of Vermont.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ethan Allen

Who were the Green Mountain Boys?
The Green Mountain Boys were an informal militia group formed in the late 1760s by Ethan Allen and other settlers in the New Hampshire Grants. They were organized to resist the land claims and authority of New York over the territory that would eventually become Vermont, employing tactics of intimidation and direct action to protect their property rights.
What was the significance of the capture of Fort Ticonderoga?
The capture of Fort Ticonderoga in May 1775 by Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys, alongside Benedict Arnold, was crucial because it provided the Continental Army with essential heavy artillery, including cannons and mortars. These weapons were later used to great effect in the siege of Boston, forcing the British evacuation of the city and marking a significant early victory for the American cause.
What was the New Hampshire Grants dispute?
The New Hampshire Grants dispute was a territorial conflict in the mid-18th century over land located between the Connecticut River and Lake Champlain. Both the Province of New York and the Province of New Hampshire claimed jurisdiction over this area, leading to conflicting land titles and legal battles. Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys emerged from this dispute, advocating for the rights of settlers who held grants from New Hampshire.
What were the Haldimand Negotiations?
The Haldimand Negotiations were secret talks between Ethan Allen and other Vermont leaders with British officials (specifically Governor Frederick Haldimand of Quebec) during the early 1780s. These controversial discussions explored the possibility of Vermont rejoining the British Empire as a separate province. Allen's motivation was to secure Vermont's independence from both New York and the United States, which had been reluctant to recognize Vermont's statehood.
What were Ethan Allen's notable writings?
Ethan Allen authored several significant works. His most famous is "A Narrative of Colonel Ethan Allen's Captivity" (1779), an account of his two-year imprisonment by the British during the Revolutionary War. He also wrote a philosophical treatise titled "Reason the Only Oracle of Man" (1784), which presented his deistic and rationalist views on religion and morality, generating considerable debate.