1. The Vermont State House was completed on December 5, 1859. Designed by prominent architect Thomas Silloway, the building is one of the oldest and most impressive state capitol buildings in the United States. It is characterized by its distinctive Greek Revival style and topped with a large, gold dome.

2. On December 5, 1933, Vermont became the first state to ratify the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which repealed the 18th Amendment and ended Prohibition. Vermonters celebrated the end of Prohibition by buying legal alcohol and attending parties.

3. One of Vermont's most notable authors, Rudyard Kipling, was born on December 5, 1865. Kipling lived in Vermont for several years before returning to England, and his time in the state inspired some of his most famous works, including the classic novel "The Jungle Book."

4. On December 5, 1776, American forces under the command of General Horatio Gates defeated British forces under General John Burgoyne in the Battle of Ticonderoga. The victory was a significant turning point in the American Revolution and helped inspire more colonists to take up arms against the British.

5. The Vermont Historical Society was founded on December 5, 1838. Since then, the organization has worked to preserve and promote Vermont's rich history, collecting artifacts and stories from every corner of the state. Today, the Vermont Historical Society operates several museums and historic sites, including the Vermont History Center in Barre.