The term
Vermont Republic has been used by later historians for the government of
Vermont that existed from 1777 to 1791. In January 1777, delegates from 28 towns met and declared independence from jurisdictions and land claims of both the British colony of Quebec and the American states of New Hampshire and New York. They also
abolished adult slavery within their boundaries. The people of Vermont took part in the American Revolution although the
Continental Congress did not recognize the jurisdiction. Because of vehement objections from New York, which had conflicting property claims, the Continental Congress declined to recognize Vermont, then called the
New Hampshire Grants.
Vermont's overtures to join the
British Province of Quebec failed. In 1791, Vermont was
admitted to the United States as the 14th state.