Ethan Allen: My 3rd Cousin and American Revolutionary War Hero

Ethan Allen, my 3rd cousin, is best known as one of the great American Revolutionary War heroes. His bold leadership, fiery personality, and crucial victories helped shape the course of American independence.

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Early Life and Family Origins

Ethan Allen was born on January 21, 1738, in Litchfield, Connecticut, to Joseph Allen and Mary Baker. His great-grandfather on the paternal side was Henry Burt, who was my 10x great-grandfather — linking me directly to this legendary figure in American history.

From a young age, Ethan developed a reputation as a firebrand and rabble-rouser. He later served in the French and Indian War, gaining valuable military experience that would serve him well in the coming Revolution.

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Settling in Vermont and the Birth of the Green Mountain Boys

After the war, Allen purchased land in what is now Vermont, under the New Hampshire Grants, and moved his family westward. However, a territorial dispute soon arose — both New York and New Hampshire claimed ownership of the same land in the Champlain Valley.

In 1770, the New York Supreme Court ruled that the New Hampshire Grants were invalid, infuriating settlers who had legally purchased their land. In response, these settlers formed a militia known as the Green Mountain Boys to defend their property. Ethan Allen was chosen as their leader.

Under Allen’s command, the Green Mountain Boys used a mix of intimidation and resistance — sometimes even force — to drive out New York authorities and protect their claims.

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The Capture of Fort Ticonderoga

When the American Revolution began in 1775, the Green Mountain Boys turned their energy toward the fight for independence. Ethan Allen, alongside Benedict Arnold, led his men in a daring pre-dawn raid to capture Fort Ticonderoga, a key British stronghold on Lake Champlain.

Although the fort was in poor condition and lightly guarded, its cannons and artillery proved invaluable. Those guns were later transported to General George Washington’s Continental Army, playing a vital role in forcing the British evacuation of Boston in 1776.

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Allen’s Mission to Congress and the Invasion of Canada

Following the victory at Ticonderoga, Ethan Allen traveled to Philadelphia to meet with the Continental Congress. He sought formal recognition for the Green Mountain Boys and proposed an invasion of Canada, targeting Montreal. Congress approved the plan, placing General Philip Schuyler in command.

Allen expected to lead the Green Mountain Boys himself, but they instead elected Seth Warner, considering Allen too headstrong and unpredictable. Undeterred, Allen volunteered for service under Schuyler and joined a small force of Canadian recruits operating behind British lines.

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Capture and Imprisonment

In a bold but ill-fated move, Ethan Allen and John Brown planned a surprise attack on Montreal. When Brown’s men failed to appear, Allen pressed on alone — and was captured by the British.

Branded as “Ethan Allen, the notorious New Hampshire incendiary,” he was held prisoner for nearly three years, first aboard ships and later in England. Eventually, King George ordered all American prisoners to be held in the colonies, and Allen was sent back to America.

During his captivity in New York, Allen endured harsh conditions and personal tragedy, learning of the death of his young son. After three long years, he was finally exchanged for British Colonel Archibald Campbell and released to General George Washington.

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Return to America and Later Life

Upon his release, Allen reported to Valley Forge, where Washington awarded him the brevet rank of Colonel in recognition of his “fortitude, firmness, and zeal in the cause of his country.” Despite this honor, Allen was never called to active duty again.

After the Revolutionary War, Ethan’s political influence in Vermont waned, though he remained a beloved local hero. He remarried following the death of his first wife in 1783 and lived quietly with his family in Vermont.

On February 12, 1789, Ethan Allen died suddenly after suffering an apoplectic fit (likely a stroke). Though accounts vary, it is clear he passed away peacefully at home, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of America’s early patriots.

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Legacy of a Revolutionary Hero

Ethan Allen’s life embodies the spirit of independence and resilience that defined the American Revolution. As the fiery leader of the Green Mountain Boys and a key figure in Vermont’s history, his courage and determination remain legendary.

I am proud to say that Ethan Allen — American Revolutionary War hero — is a member of my own family.

Fun Fact:

A sculpture of Ethan Allen by Larkin Goldsmith Mead stands today as a lasting tribute to this remarkable patriot and his contributions to American independence.