2 cent Vermont Sesquicentennial Stamp

This was the first stamp to honor a state.

The Battle of Bennington was a battle in the Revolutionary War that took place on August 16, 1777. A rebel force of 2000 men defeated a detachment of General John Burgoyne’s army led by Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum. Baum was sent by Burgoyne to raid Bennington for horses, animals, provisions, and supplies. They thought the town was only lightly defended and were surprised by all the men stationed there. The battle was a major success for the Americans and is considered to be part of the turning point in the War. It reduced Burgoyne’s army and led his Native-American support to abandon him. It also deprived Burgoyne of the much-needed supplies and animals. All of these factors helped contribute to Burgoyne’s defeat at Saratoga. The battle’s anniversary is celebrated in Vermont as Bennington Battle Day.

When the Postmaster-General agreed to have a Vermont commemorative stamp, he got a lot of requests from New York. He insisted that Vermont and New York get together and agree on a design for a joint stamp, but they couldn’t come to an agreement on this, so two distinct stamps were authorized.

The Vermont Sesquicentennial stamp was designed by C. A. Huston and issued on August 3, 1927, in Bennington, VA. It shows a Green Mountain Boy representing the thousands of militiamen who fought bravely for the colonies in the Revolutionary War. This stamp celebrated the 150^th anniversary of the Independence of Vermont and the Battle of Bennington.                                                                                                                         

Class Activities:

1.     In the Battle of Bennington, how many men were injured or killed on each side? Draw a map showing the battle of Bennington and where it took place.

2.     Find other battles in the Revolutionary War that were notable. When did it happen? Where did it take place? Which side won? How many men on each side were injured or killed? What made this battle notable?

3.     Research the state of Vermont. Draw a picture of the state flag? What is the state motto? What is the state bird? What is the state tree? What is unique about Vermont that would interest a tourist?

4.     Who were the Green Mountain Boys? Who led them?

Original photo by Pat Hensley