Ethan Allen

Date of Birth: January 21, 1738

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: February 12, 1789

Biography

Ethan Allen was an American Revolutionary War patriot, hero, and politician. Born in Litchfield, Connecticut, he is best known for his role in the early stages of the Revolutionary War and his leadership of the Green Mountain Boys, a militia group formed to defend the New Hampshire Grants (now Vermont) against New York’s territorial claims. Allen played a pivotal role in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga in 1775, which was one of the first American victories in the war. He was also an advocate for Vermont’s independence, which ultimately led to its admission as a state in 1791. Allen authored several works, including “Reason: The Only Oracle of Man,” which showcased his Deist beliefs. He was a controversial and colorful figure, known for his boldness and unorthodox tactics.

5 Interesting Facts about Ethan Allen

1. Ethan Allen was a land speculator and owned substantial tracts of land in what is now Vermont.

2. He was captured by the British in 1775 and spent several years as a prisoner of war before being released in a prisoner exchange.

3. Allen’s philosophical writings contributed to the early American Deist movement.

4. He unsuccessfully petitioned the Continental Congress to recognize Vermont as a separate state during the American Revolution.

5. A statue of Ethan Allen stands in the National Statuary Hall Collection in the U.S. Capitol.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ethan Allen

1. “The gods of the valley are not the gods of the hills, and you shall understand it.”

2. “In those parts of the world where learning and science have prevailed, miracles have ceased; but in those parts of it as are barbarous and ignorant, miracles are still in vogue.”

3. “I have never been able to conceive how a rational being could propose happiness to himself from the exercise of power over others.”

4. “I am resolved to defend my rights and maintain my freedom or sell my life in the attempt.”

5. “I offer you my hand and my heart in exchange for peace and liberty.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Ethan Allen’s highest net worth is not accurately documented, but he was known to be a substantial landowner and speculator, which suggests he had considerable wealth for his time.

Children

Ethan Allen had eight children from two marriages. His children from his first marriage to Mary Brownson were Loraine, Joseph, and Lucy Caroline. From his second marriage to Frances Montresor Brush Buchanan, he had Fanny, Hannibal, Ethan Alphonso, Levi, and Ira Allen.