1. The Vermont State Senate first met on April 13, 1802. At the time, the state was relatively new, having been admitted to the Union in 1791. The inaugural session of the Senate was held in the State House in Montpelier, which is still in use today.

2. On April 13, 1836, the Vermont Central Railroad Company was chartered by the state legislature. The company's goal was to connect Vermont's towns and cities with the rest of the country via a rail network. Eventually, the Vermont Central Railroad was merged with other companies to form the Central Vermont Railway, which operated until 1995.

3. In 1864, Vermont Governor Frederick Holbrook proclaimed April 13 to be "Fast Day" in the state. This was a day of religious observance and fasting, inspired by a tradition in New England dating back to Colonial times. Fast Day was eventually replaced by the state holiday of Patriots' Day, which is celebrated on the third Monday in April.

4. On April 13, 1926, Vermont artist Luigi Lucioni wrote a letter to his mentor George de Forest Brush, describing his experiences painting in Grand Isle, Vermont. Lucioni was known for his realist landscapes and still lifes, and he was particularly fond of capturing the details of rural life in Vermont.

5. Vermont author John Irving was born on April 13, 1942 in Exeter, New Hampshire. Though not a native Vermonter, Irving has lived in the state for many years and has written several novels set in Vermont. His works include "The Hotel New Hampshire," "The World According to Garp," and "A Widow for One Year."