1. In 1791, Vermont became the 14th state to join the Union. May 21 marked the day that Vermont officially ratified the United States Constitution and became the first state to do so after the original 13 colonies.

2. On May 21, 1802, Ethan Allen, one of Vermont's most renowned historical figures, passed away. Allen was a Revolutionary War hero and a leader of the Green Mountain Boys, a militia group that helped defend Vermont against New York's attempts to claim the territory.

3. In 1861, Vermont militia troops departed for Washington, D.C. to fight in the Civil War. Known as the "First Vermont Brigade," these troops played a crucial role in several key battles of the war.

4. May 21, 1900 marked the day that Montpelier, Vermont's capital, was officially incorporated as a city. Montpelier is the smallest capital city in the United States, with a population of just over 7,000 people.

5. In 1932, the Vermont State House was partially destroyed by a fire. The historic building underwent extensive renovations and was rebuilt in the years that followed. Today, the State House is a prominent landmark in the state and houses the offices of the governor and other state officials.