Vermont became the first state to join the United States after the original Thirteen Colonies.
Congress admitted Vermont as the 14th state on March 4, 1791. Vermont had operated as an independent republic for years, issuing its own currency and maintaining its own government. Its admission required New York’s consent because New York had long claimed the territory.
In 1790, New York agreed to Vermont’s admission after a settlement involving a payment of $30,000 to resolve competing land claims. Vermont’s statehood act passed in February 1791, and its admission took effect on March 4. Kentucky followed as the 15th state on June 1, 1792.
Vermont is sometimes confused with Kentucky because Congress acted on Kentucky’s admission paperwork before Vermont’s. Vermont nevertheless entered the Union first. It was also distinct from the original 13 states because it had existed as a self-governing republic before joining the federal union.