From Local Mob to Revolutionary Heroes: The Story of the Green Mountain Boys
If you ever find yourself standing before the towering Bennington Battle Monument in Vermont, you’re standing on the site of a Continental storehouse that changed the course of history. It was here that the British were repulsed on August 16, 1777, setting the stage for the American victory at Saratoga—the turning point of the Revolutionary War. But the men behind this victory, the Green Mountain Boys, didn’t start as a professional army. Their story is a wild mix of land disputes, local resistance, and bold leadership.
The Birth of the “Bennington Mob”
Believe it or not, Vermont didn’t always exist. In the mid-18th century, the land was a “lawless zone” disputed by New Hampshire and New York. Both colonies claimed title to the area between the Connecticut River and Lake George. When King George III eventually ruled in favor of New York, the New York government began kicking New Hampshire settlers out of their homes or forcing them to repurchase their land.
In response, a firebrand named Ethan Allen stepped up and created a de facto autonomous zone. Known at the time as the “Bennington Mob,” Allen and his followers used intimidation and violence to ensure that any New York officials who entered the area left running for their lives.
The Dynamic Duo: Allen and Warner
While Ethan Allen was the famous “Firebrand” known for his “rah-rah speeches” and writings, he didn’t do it alone. He teamed up with Seth Warner, who provided the “tactical stability” the group needed. While Allen was the voice of the movement, Warner was the military mind who knew how to make their operations work. Today, statues of both men and their ally, General Stark, stand as a testament to their collaboration in this struggle.
Pivoting to a Continental Rebellion
The Green Mountain Boys’ greatest legacy was their ability to pivot from a local resistance group into a continental rebellion. One of their first major contributions to the Revolution was the capture of Fort Ticonderoga. Interestingly, while Ethan Allen was a “Green Mountain Boy” from Vermont, he was actually appointed to lead the mission by Connecticut. They successfully seized the fort’s cannons, which were later moved to Boston, forcing the British to evacuate the city.
They weren’t always successful… a subsequent attempt to “liberate” Canada failed, leading to Allen’s capture and imprisonment for several years. However, the group’s performance at the Battle of Bennington proved decisive, helping to turn the tide of the entire war.
What’s in a Name?
After declaring independence from both England and New York in 1777, the region briefly considered calling itself the “New Connecticut Republic”. Thankfully, they settled on Vermont, derived from the French words vert (green) and mont (mountain). For fourteen years, from 1777 to 1791, the Vermont Republic acted as its own independent country before finally joining the United States.
The Leadership Lesson: Standing Up Without Authority
Were the Green Mountain Boys heroes or vigilantes? They certainly started as a mob using violence to protect their homes, but they evolved into a force that helped build a nation.
The core leadership lesson here is that leadership starts before authority. Ethan Allen and his men had no legal authority when they began; in fact, the courts, the King, and the established governments were all against them. Yet, they stood up for what they believed was right even when it was hard.
Next time you’re in Vermont, visit the monument and the statues of Warner and Stark. It’s a powerful reminder that history is often made by those brave enough to stand their ground when the odds are against them.
Uncovering History. Inspiring Leadership. The Travel in Time Show is where travel, history, and leadership intermingle with history teacher, author, and speaker Dan Blanchard
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