The Vermont Republic. An independent nation 1777-1791 formed with the beliefs that all persons are born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent, and unalienable rights, amongst which are the enjoying and defending life and liberty. The Vermont Republic fought alongside the colonies in the War of Independence, joining the Union in 1791 as the fourteenth state.
"That the people have a right to bear arms for the defence of themselves and the State - and as standing armies in time of peace are dangerous to liberty, they ought not to be kept up; and that the military should be kept under strict subordination to and governed by the civil power."
Article 16th of the Constitution of the State of Vermont.
The Song of the Vermonters, 1779
Come York or come Hampshire, come traitors or knaves,
If ye rule o'er our land ye shall rule o'er our graves;
Our vow is recorded–our banner unfurled,
In the name of Vermont we defy all the world!
John Greenleaf Whittier