American Revolution Patriots > Ethan Allen

Ethan Allen

Background

Ethan Allen was a prominent American Revolutionary War patriot, leader of the Green Mountain Boys, and a key figure in the early struggles for American independence. His bold actions and leadership significantly contributed to the Revolutionary War efforts, particularly in the New York and Vermont regions. Here is an overview of Ethan Allen's life and his role in the Revolutionary War:

Early Life and Background

1. Birth and Early Life:

   • Ethan Allen was born on January 21, 1738, in Litchfield, Connecticut. He grew up in a large family with a strong sense of independence and resilience.
   • Allen moved to the New Hampshire Grants (present-day Vermont) in the 1760s, where he became a leader in the resistance against New York's claims over the territory.

2. Green Mountain Boys:

   • Allen co-founded the Green Mountain Boys, a militia group organized to defend the New Hampshire Grants settlers' land claims against New York's jurisdiction. The Green Mountain Boys became known for their bold actions and guerrilla tactics.

Role in the American Revolutionary War

1. Capture of Fort Ticonderoga (1775):

   • On May 10, 1775, Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold led a surprise attack on Fort Ticonderoga in New York, capturing the fort without significant resistance. The fort's strategic location and its large supply of artillery were crucial for the Continental Army.
   • This victory was one of the first major American victories in the Revolutionary War and boosted the morale of the American forces.

2. Failed Invasion of Canada (1775-1776):

   • Later in 1775, Allen attempted to capture Montreal as part of the American invasion of Canada. The effort was poorly coordinated, and Allen was captured by British forces on September 25, 1775.
   • Allen was held as a prisoner of war and endured harsh conditions for over two years before being exchanged in 1778.

3. Continued Military and Political Involvement:

   • After his release, Allen continued to support the American cause, although he did not take on major military roles. He focused on advocating for the independence of Vermont from both British control and claims by New York.
   • Allen worked tirelessly to secure recognition for Vermont as an independent state, ultimately helping pave the way for its admission to the Union in 1791.

Legacy and Impact

1. Reputation as a Folk Hero:

   • Ethan Allen became a folk hero for his audacious leadership and his role in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga. His larger-than-life personality and colorful exploits were celebrated in American folklore and history.

2. Political Influence:

   • Allen's efforts in securing Vermont's independence and statehood were significant. He helped draft the Vermont Constitution, which was one of the first constitutions to prohibit slavery.

3. Writings:

   • Allen was also an author, writing works that reflected his political and philosophical beliefs. His most notable work, "Reason: The Only Oracle of Man" (1784), outlined his deist beliefs and his advocacy for rational thinking and religious freedom.

Conclusion

Ethan Allen's contributions to the American Revolutionary War and his leadership in the fight for Vermont's independence were pivotal in shaping the early United States. His bold actions, particularly the capture of Fort Ticonderoga, provided crucial support to the American war effort. Allen's legacy as a fearless leader, advocate for independence, and folk hero continues to be celebrated in American history.

There is no adequate biography of Ethan Allen, but Henry Hall's Ethan Allen (New York, 1892) may be consulted. The best literary estimate may be found in M. C. Tyler's Literary History of the American Revolution (2 vols., New York, 1897).

Sources

Primary Sources

Secondary Sources

1911 Encyclopædia Britannica, Volume 1