From the Collection #14: Signed, Sealed, Delivered
On this day in 1779, the Great Seal of Vermont was first adopted. It was designed by Ira Allen, Ethan Allen's brother. At the time, Vermont existed as an independent republic, but many of its citizens wished to join the United States as the 14th state. This is likely reflected in the 14-branched pine tree at the center of the Great Seal. The pine tree in Ira Allen's design is believed to be based on a massive white pine that used to grow in Arlington, VT before it fell during a storm in 1978. After the tree fell, it was cut into sections, one of which is now part of our collection.