1. Ethan Allen Captures Fort Ticonderoga: On September 24, 1774, Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen led his Green Mountain Boys militia in a surprise attack on Fort Ticonderoga, a British stronghold on Lake Champlain. Allen famously demanded that the fort's commander "surrender in the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress!" The fort's defenders, caught off guard, quickly surrendered, giving the Americans a much-needed victory early in the war.

2. Vermont Becomes a State: On September 24, 1791, Vermont became the 14th state to join the Union. Originally part of the New Hampshire Grants, Vermont declared its independence from both New York and New Hampshire in 1777, establishing its own independent republic. The state played an important role in the Civil War, providing troops and supplies to the Union cause.

3. The Vermont State Fair: The Vermont State Fair, one of the largest agricultural fairs in New England, has been held annually in Rutland since September 24, 1846. The fair features livestock exhibits, carnival rides, musical performances, and a wide variety of food vendors. It attracts thousands of visitors from throughout the region each year.

4. The Union Station Disaster: On September 24, 1912, a deadly train crash occurred at the Union Station in Montpelier, killing 4 people and injuring 35 others. The accident was caused by a switchman who mistakenly routed an express train onto the wrong track. The crash led to widespread changes in safety regulations for railroads.

5. The Vermont Lake Monsters: On September 24, 1993, the Vermont Lake Monsters minor league baseball team was officially unveiled. The team, which was initially known as the Vermont Expos, is a Class A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. The Lake Monsters play their home games at historic Centennial Field in Burlington, which has been home to minor league baseball in Vermont since 1906.