Vermont became the 14th U.S. state in 1791, expanding the nation celebrated by America250.
Congress admitted Vermont to the Union on February 18, 1791, with statehood taking effect on March 4. It was the first state admitted after the original thirteen states that had declared independence from Britain.
Vermont's admission followed a long dispute with New York, which had claimed the territory. A settlement required Vermont to pay New York $30,000 for property claims before New York consented to Vermont's admission.
Kentucky followed as the 15th state in 1792. Vermont had operated as an independent republic for fourteen years before joining the Union, and its early government had issued its own currency and maintained a national postal service.