Discover the Rebel Spirit: Top 11 Fun and Fascinating Facts About Ethan Allen You Never Knew

1. The Original American "Bad Boy"

Before Tinder swipes, Ethan Allen was the original American "bad boy": A Revolutionary War hero best known for capturing Fort Ticonderoga, he later stirred up a scandal by publishing a controversial work that attacked Christianity, causing a temporary eclipse in his star-spangled status.
Source => ouramericanrevolution.org

2. Green Mountain Boy Brew

If an early American patriot walks into a bar, don't be surprised if he orders a Green Mountain Boy brew: Ethan Allen, not just a furniture store but an actual historical figure, was the gutsy and opinionated leader of the Green Mountain Boys, who not only captured the mighty fortress of Ticonderoga in the Revolutionary War, but also penned the wildly controversial philosophical work, "Oracles of Reason," all while possessing a limited education and struggling to get it published due to its religious audacity.
Source => infidels.org

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=> Fun Facts about George-Washington

3. Colonial Monopoly Game

Before Benedict Arnold gained notoriety for his treasonous acts, Ethan Allen was busy in the Vermont wilds, challenging New York's real estate claims like a colonial Monopoly game gone rogue: Allen, a true American patriot and leader of the Green Mountain Boys, not only protected his land in northern Vermont, but led the capture of Fort Ticonderoga and endured harsh imprisonment during the revolution, letting no whims for British loyalty blur his vision for freedom.
Source => allthingsliberty.com

4. Original Green Mountain Boys

Before protecting their local Starbucks from pumpkin spice pillagers, there was a much nobler endeavor: Meet the original Green Mountain Boys: Ethan Allen and his crew were a militia group in Revolutionary America, focused on defending colonists' land and crops against power-hungry authorities, even aiding in key battles like the capture of Fort Ticonderoga and the invasion of Canada.
Source => revolutionary-war.net

5. Vermont Statehood Crusader

If you think your neighbor's quarrels are bad, imagine spending your entire life trying to get your neighbors to admit you exist: Enter Ethan Allen, the tenacious advocate for independent Vermont, who played a pivotal role in its 1777 secession from Britain and other colonies. He never saw the Green Mountain State recognized as the 14th star on the US flag, but Vermont joined the Union just two years posthumously in 1791, thanks to his unwavering dedication.
Source => history.com

6. Wild Colonial Jack Sparrow

Like a wild colonial Jack Sparrow with a penchant for amorous fidelity and a rebellious streak deeper than the Connecticut River: Ethan Allen was known for his fiery personality leading to many neighborhood conflicts and legal troubles, yet remained a devoted partner to the mother of his children until her demise, and found glory as the American Revolution hero commanding the Green Mountain Boys to capture Fort Ticonderoga.
Source => revolutionary-war.net

7. American Revolution Dynamic Duo

Say hello to my little friend: Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold, the dynamic duo of the American Revolution! Turns out they were more than just lucky rogues when they captured Fort Ticonderoga: In fact, they had been authorized by the Massachusetts Committee of Safety and even received funds and a colonel's commission to recruit up to 400 men for their mission.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

8. Most Interesting Man in the World

If Ira Allen were alive today, he'd give the Dos Equis guy a run for his money as "The Most Interesting Man in the World": Younger brother of Ethan Allen, Ira played a starring role in the founding of Vermont, served as its first Treasurer and Surveyor General, set up the University of Vermont, designed the Great Seal of the state, and even plotted to conquer Canada and establish an independent republic called United Columbia (spoiler alert: it didn't work out, but he did manage to get acquitted after an eight-year legal battle).
Source => en.wikipedia.org

9. Revolutionary Furniture Designer

Before he became the IKEA of his time, offering groundbreaking furniture designs: Ethan Allen was a major player in the American Revolutionary War, leading the Green Mountain Boys to capture Fort Ticonderoga and earning himself the title of "The Hero of Ticonderoga".
Source => en.wikipedia.org

10. Liveliest Funeral Party

When Ethan Allen wasn't busy putting the "pub" in "public figure", he made sure to plan a funeral that would have raised spirits and glassware alike: Allen kept a barrel of fine liquor in his cellar specifically for the occasion and appointed a tapster for his funeral, turning it into a military-themed procession that crossed the river on ice, complete with drawn swords on his coffin.
Source => ethanallenhomestead.org

11. Green Day of the Revolution

Before Green Day rocked our hearts and minds, there was another band of rebels that shook the world with a deafening roar: Ethan Allen, Benedict Arnold and their Green Mountain Boys captured Fort Ticonderoga in May of 1775, a feat that shall be grandly reenacted in 2025 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
Source => fortticonderoga.org