Ethan Allen Homestead Offers An Intimate Look At One Of Vermonts Founders

If there is one local attraction that is worthwhile for residents and tourists alike to take the time to explore, it is the beautiful Ethan Allan Homestead, located just a short drive from downtown Burlington. This well preserved 18th century estate was the home of Vermont’s flamboyant founder and folk hero, Ethan Allan, who shared the home with his wife Fanny after building it in 1787.

Ethan Allan is possibly the most influential figure in the development of Vermont and was among the earliest inhabitants of the region when it was still known as the New Hampshire Grants. As a backwoodsman, Allan joined the Revolutionary forces against Great Britain and led the Green Mountain Boys to victory as they captured Fort Ticonderoga during the Revolutionary War. Many Vermont citizens today honor Ethan Allan as a true folk hero, a self-taught philosopher and Deist who grew beyond his humble beginnings to become one of America’s most influential citizens during the birth of this great nation.

The Ethan Allan Homestead which served as his primary residence between 1787 and his death in 1789 offers an exciting and up close look at what life was like for Vermont settlers in the 18th century. Visitors can begin their tour of the property in a recreation of an authentic tavern from Colonial times, prior to moving on through the Allan House to get a good sense of the variety of skills that intrepid settlers such as Ethan and Fanny Allan had to possess in order to survive and thrive during Colonial times.

Guests are invited to try their own hand at some of the skills that the Allans had to use daily in order to make their lives both safe and comfortable. Throughout the tour, visitors are welcome to learn a bit more about Allan’s philosophies that led him to publish “Reason, the Only Oracle of Man” in his senior years.

The Ethan Allan Homestead also contains historical as well as archeological exhibits in addition to a variety of nature trails to enjoy a walk in the crisp and clean Vermont air. No trip to the Burlington area is complete without investigating this unique folk hero and his quaint 18th century homestead which preserves a fascinating slice of life as Vermont’s founding father Ethan Allan actually experienced it.

via http://michaelblanchard.benchmark.us/2013/09/25/ethan-allen-homestead-offers-an-intimate-look-at-one-of-vermonts-founders/