Event will celebrate the birth of Vermont

The 250th anniversary of the Brackenridge Standoff and the birth of the state of Vermont will be celebrated from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Henry Bridge and Mcwaters Park.

The event commemorates a bloodless standoff on July 19, 1771, that took place at the location between the Green Mountain Boys and the Hampshire Grant Settlers against the thencolonial government of New York.

According to Thomas Hughes, a trustee of the Crown Point Road Association, a nonprofit civic organization in North Bennington, uneasy times gave birth to the Green Mountain Boys, a militia that evolved into today’s Vermont Army National Guard and the Vermont Air National Guard.

“The government told the (Hampshire Grant) settlers that they would either have to leave their property or have it resurveyed by the government, which, in their opinion, was not fair,” Hughes said.

The settlers negotiated with the government, even writing to the king of England, Hughes said. However, increased tensions led to what is today known as the Brackenridge Standoff between the Green Mountain Boys and the mayor and sheriff of Albany, along with their lawyers and surveyors.

The event took place at the Henry Bridge, which crosses the Walloomsac River, stopping the serving of papers and blocking the New York surveyors. The success of the settlers led to the founding of Vermont.

A commemoration to honor the Green Mountain Boys will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the park. Chief Master Sgt. Adrianne Schulz, the mission group superintendent for the 158th Fighter Wing of the Vermont Air National Guard, will speak at the event, as will state Rep. Mary Morrissey.

The event is an opportunity for visitors to learn about the history of Vermont and is family-friendly. Visitors can explore the park, watch historic reenactments as well as demonstrations and presentations. Admission is free.