Historical Events tagged with "vermont"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Natural Disasters

Devastating Nor'easter Strikes New England

February 6th, 1978 47 years ago

A powerful Nor'easter brought New England to a standstill in February, unleashing sustained winds of 65 miles per hour and relentless snowfall of four inches per hour. As communities faced whiteout conditions, transportation was severely disrupted and many residents were left stranded. The blizzard caused significant challenges for local authorities tasked with snow removal and rescue operations, while families stayed huddled indoors, trapped by the elements. The sheer magnitude of the storm made it one of the worst in the region's history, affecting daily life across multiple states.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Mohawk Airlines Flight 405 Control Malfunction

March 3rd, 1972 53 years ago

Mohawk Airlines Flight 405 tragically crashed near the Green Mountain Airport in Vermont due to a control malfunction compounded by insufficient training in emergency procedures. The aircraft, a Fairchild F-27, was en route from Albany, New York, to Burlington, Vermont. Shortly before the incident, the crew encountered inconsistencies in wing control, which they were not adequately trained to address, leading to the loss of control and a fatal crash, killing everyone onboard. Investigation revealed critical deficiencies in pilot training and aircraft maintenance protocols.

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Politics & Government

Calvin Coolidge Assumes Presidency After Harding's Death

August 2nd, 1923 101 years ago

Calvin Coolidge became the 30th President of the United States after the unexpected death of President Warren G. Harding. Coolidge was at his family home in Vermont when he learned of Harding's passing. The sudden transition marked a notable moment in American political history and the start of Coolidge's administration during a time of significant change in the nation. He took the oath of office in a simple ceremony, with family and a few close aides present, highlighting his contrast to Harding's more flamboyant style.

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Crime & Law

Confederate Bank Robbery in Vermont

October 19th, 1864 160 years ago

Confederate agents from Canada executed a bold bank heist in Saint Albans, Vermont, robbing three banks in a single day. Led by Captain Bennett H. Young, the group stole over $200,000 in cash and valuables, making their escape as U.S. Marshal Allan Pinkerton coordinated the pursuit. The raid aimed to disrupt Union finances and illustrate Southern resolve as the Civil War approached its final phases, showcasing the lengths to which Confederates would go to gather resources amidst dwindling support.

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Education & Academia

First Private Military School Founded in Vermont

August 6th, 1819 205 years ago

Norwich University was established in Vermont as the first private military school in the United States. Founded by Captain Alden Partridge, the institution was designed to provide a quality education primarily for military leaders and officers. Located in Northfield, the university combined military training with academic education, which was a novel concept at the time. Partridge’s vision was to offer an alternative to the military academies, allowing for more accessibility and a broader curriculum, reflecting the growing need for educated military personnel in the developing nation.

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Education & Academia

University of Vermont Receives Charter

November 3rd, 1791 233 years ago

The University of Vermont was chartered in 1791, making it the oldest university in Vermont and the fifth-oldest in New England. This new institution aimed to provide higher education to the region's youth, championing a liberal arts curriculum. Established amid the formative years of the American nation, it reflected the community's pursuit of knowledge and educational advancement. The charter signified a commitment to education in Vermont, allowing for the development of various academic programs and the eventual growth of the university's campus.

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Politics & Government

Vermont Joins the Union as Fourteenth State

March 4th, 1791 234 years ago

Vermont officially became the fourteenth state of the United States, integrating into the Union after a contentious debate over its admission. The state's unique historical background as a separate republic shaped its path to statehood. Prior to joining the United States, Vermont operated independently, showcasing its distinct identity and aspirations. The decision to admit Vermont required negotiations among existing states and was influenced by both political and geographical considerations.

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Politics & Government

Vermont Admitted as the 14th State of the Union

February 18th, 1791 234 years ago

Congress passed a law to admit Vermont as the 14th state following its years of de facto independence. Vermont had existed largely unrecognized for 14 years before receiving official status. This move marked a significant moment in the expansion of the United States and demonstrated the evolving nature of statehood and governance during the early years of the republic. The law took effect on March 4.

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Military & Warfare

Royalton Raid: Last Native American Attack

October 16th, 1780 244 years ago

The Royalton raid represents the culmination of Native American incursions in New England during the American Revolutionary War. A combined force of British loyalists and Native American allies launched this raid on the town of Royalton, Vermont. The attack aimed to destabilize American support for the Revolutionary cause by disrupting settlement patterns and sowing fear among the colonists. Despite the initial surprise, local militias quickly rallied, leading to a swift counter-attack and the eventual retreat of the raiders. This skirmish marked a significant decline in Native American operations in the region.

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