Ethan Allen

Overview

Ethan Allen was a farmer, businessman, land speculator, philosopher, writer, and American Revolutionary War patriot, hero, and politician.

Allen was an early American revolutionary and guerrilla leader who, before the war, fought against the Province of New York’s attempts to take control of the New Hampshire Grants. He is probably most widely known for his participation in the May 10, 1775 capture of Fort Ticonderoga, and for later political and military activities leading first to the formation of the Republic of Vermont and then to Vermont’s statehood.

In addition to his military and political activities, Allen wrote accounts of his exploits in the war that were widely read in the 19th century, as well as philosophical treatises and documents relating to the politics of Vermont’s formation. His business dealings included successful farming operations, one of Connecticut’s early iron works, and land speculation in the Vermont territory. He was twice married, fathering eight children.