American patriot Ethan Allen is best known as one of the founders of the state of Vermont. He played a crucial role in Vermont's early history, notably leading the Green Mountain Boys militia and capturing Fort Ticonderoga during the American Revolutionary War. Allen was deeply involved in Vermont's struggle for independence from New York and New Hampshire, and he lobbied Congress for Vermont's official state recognition. Vermont declared itself an independent republic in 1777 and functioned as such until it became the 14th state of the United States in 1791, two years after Allen's death. His leadership and efforts were pivotal in shaping Vermont's path to statehood