Our History

The Vermont State Guard traces its roots in the American colonial times with local Vermont militias such as the Green Mountain Boys. During the American Revolution, the Green Mountain Boys took part in the campaign against British forces under General John Burgoyne, and assisted in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga.

During the American Civil War, the Vermont Militia was expanded to handle home guard duties while units of the United States Volunteers were organized and deployed out of state to take part in the conflict's battles. Notable members included Carroll S. Page and John Calvin Coolidge Sr., father of Calvin Coolidge.

During World War I, the Vermont State Guard again assumed home guard duties while units of the National Guard were performing federal service outside Vermont. Herbert Thomas Johnson, a veteran of the National Guard and member of the Vermont State Guard, became Vermont's adjutant general in 1917 and continued to serve until 1941.

During World War II, Vermont's first modern state guard set aside as a state organization not eligible for federal service, was established. During World War II, the Vermont State Guard raised a force of 1,278 men and 131 officers to stand in for the National Guard, and, as summarized by Vermont Governor William H. Wills, guarded vital structures such as bridges, electric plants and dams, under the worst of conditions, sub zero weather and inadequate clothing and equipment. In addition, they were on call during their World War II service for local emergencies such as forest fires, searching for lost persons, and searching for airplane crashes.

The modern incarnation of the Vermont State Guard was signed into law by Governor Richard A. Snelling on April 26, 1982