1. 1801: Vermont becomes the first state in America to abolish slavery. The act was signed into law by Governor Israel Smith, making it illegal to own slaves in the state of Vermont.

2. 1832: The state's first railroad opens, connecting Windsor and White River Junction. The Vermont Central Railroad helped boost the state's economy by expanding trade and tourism.

3. 1923: Vermont's first radio station, WCAX, begins broadcasting in Burlington. The station went on to become a major media outlet in the state, covering news, sports, and community events.

4. 1971: The Vermont Statehouse is added to the National Register of Historic Places. The building, built in 1857, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the state's capital of Montpelier.

5. 2013: Vermont becomes the first state to pass legislation legalizing the use and possession of recreational marijuana. The law went into effect in 2018, allowing adults over the age of 21 to possess up to one ounce of marijuana for personal use.