Vermont became the first state to join the Union after the original 13 states, entering as the 14th state in 1791.
Before statehood, Vermont existed as the independent Vermont Republic, formally declaring independence in 1777 during the American Revolutionary War. Its territory was disputed by New York and New Hampshire, and the Vermont government operated independently for about 14 years.
New York eventually consented to Vermont’s admission after a boundary and land-claims agreement. Congress passed the admission act on February 18, 1791, and Vermont officially joined the United States on March 4, 1791. The state paid New York $30,000 as part of the settlement.
A common mix-up is Kentucky, which became the 15th state. Congress approved Kentucky’s admission earlier, on February 4, 1791, but Kentucky did not enter the Union until June 1, 1792. Vermont therefore became the 14th state first, while Kentucky followed as the 15th.