Vermont. The 14th state is the first state to join the Union after the Original Thirteen. He's mostly known to be the Canada of the United States due to appearing similar to the Canadian, especially with his love for maple syrup. While docile in comparison to the rest of the States of America, Vermont was actually a republic, one out of four state to be countries before joining the Union.

How he became a republic traces its roots to around the American Revolution. Vermont at the time was disputed land between New York and New Hampshire (New Hampshire would eventually back down however). Unable to stand them both, Vermont decided to go off on his own, becoming the republic of the green mountains. Although denied of recognition, Vermont and the Green Mountain Boys gladly assisted the Original Thirteen during the American Revolutionary War.

After winning the war, the Original Thirteen became busy trying to set up a stable government while also introducing a system that'll start accepting new states like them. To their surprise, Vermont insisted on joining their ranks. However, there was a problem. New York kept insisting Vermont belonged to him, therefore Vermont was rejected numerous times. Nevertheless, Vermont kept pushing forward, determined on becoming the fourteenth star. By the 1790s, things were starting to go his way.

☆☆☆☆☆

Come York or come Hampshire, come traitors or knaves,

If ye rule o'er our land ye shall rule o'er our graves;

Our vow is recorded—our banner unfurled,

In the name of Vermont we defy all the world!

~ The Song of the Vermonters, 1779

About thirteen years have passed since my independence. Under the Green Mountain Boys' wing, I long fought for my individuality among the colonies on the North American continent. For a long time, I had been trying to get into the Union. Yet, each time I applied, the U.S. federal government denied my application because of this problem I have: New York.

"York can be a hard ball to play with. He can be pretty aggressive in business deals, but I'm sure you can handle him," Connecticut advised me a day prior to the meeting I had with the businessman.

"Don't let your guard down. He may be reasonable, but he's actually a cold-hearted, manipulative jerk. Keep your guard up at all times," New Hampshire warned me twelve hours earlier before my meeting with him.

"Here's the deal with your statehood. There's another State who, like you, wants to be in the Union. Due to the slavery issue, however, we pretty much need you to balance things out. It took a lot of convincing, but just remember Yorkie didn't do this out of the kindness of his heart," Massachusetts explained to me three hours prior to my arrival at York's house.

"Hey! I heard you're the newest State! Congrats, man!" America congratulated me an hour ago despite not becoming State yet.

After speaking with them, I finally arrived at York's house. Standing between two adjacent houses of similar design lies York's impressive three-story, red brick home. I knocked on the dark green door of his house three times and stood patiently in anticipation, anxious to meet the 11th State of America. Just remembering his icy gaze made my legs stiffen. The palms of my hand were becoming pale, sweating profusely, shivering ever so slightly in the early spring air.

This is it. I'm going to talk to York and...and.... Oh, boy... What am I doing? This is crazy!

This is the guy I called a rude Yank without a soul. I didn't actually mean it, but I was so annoyed with him I couldn't help myself. When I told the guy I wanted to be independent, he scoffed at me, telling me I had no right to be on my own. I might've called him many things when he said that. Afterward, I left him to become a republic without his permission. That was thirteen years ago.

My time as a republic was a great time I wouldn't forget. The amount of freedom to do whatever I want without another interfering with my choices was something I hope to see continue once I become a State. Yes, even though I like being a country of my own, I knew my goal in the long-run was to become a part of the Union. Why exactly? Well, it's a bit embarrassing. Heh heh...

I would've been admitted into the Union by now if it weren't for a certain New Yorker who might've still held a grudge against me. As a result, I can't join the Union without his consent. By consent, Congress wanted York and I to settle our differences. If successful, I can be a part of the Union. And that's a big if. Because if things don't go well, I might have to stay a republic for a while. Or worse, become a part of New York again. I shivered at the thought of being York's servant again.

My ears perked up to the sound of an unlocked click behind the door.

'Alrighty then. I guess it's finally time to meet him.' I took in a hard gulp.

The door opened up, revealing a tall, young man with summer blonde hair and eyes as blue as the cool water in the Atlantic. He may looked like America, but they weren't the same. He lacked the carelessness and the iconic laugh that would've made him a tad likable. Touched upon this man's soul was a calculating brain with each decision a chess move he always plans before making his move. It would seem he has calculated my visit for he didn't seem surprised. He sure didn't seem welcoming of my presence.

"Come in," he said it like an order. He didn't even say my name as though he didn't want to acknowledge my individuality.

Without a word, I politely entered his home.

Already familiar with his house, I stood in the main hall, waiting for York to close the door and guide me to wherever he wanted to conduct this important meeting. Like a shark, he passed around my shoulder with an intimidating presence that had the hair on my arms stand up.

"We'll talk in the parlor," he said as I followed after him to the adjacent room.

While I did recognize the layout of the parlor room, I noticed a stark contrast of the decoration. It would seem he remodeled the place sometime after the war. The floor was now made out of a dark pine wood, waxed and gleamed with a shine. The walls were now a golden yellow instead of a burnt crimson. Besides the floor and the walls, there were some added decoration I've never seen before. There was now a small chandelier made out of tiny crystals being hanged on the ceiling, appearing to glitter as the sunlight hit the gems from the large, glass window. The only things that stayed the same were the furniture. Two beige sofas with a low coffee table made out of white oak sat over a cream colored ornate rug.

"Sit," his voice commanded.

Subconsciously, I did what he told me despite disagreeing with his authoritative tone. I sat on the sofa facing the window, awkwardly sitting on edge while York left the room for a moment. When he came back, he brought a giant stack of papers I guessed to be the paperwork relating to our meeting. He sat on the sofa opposite to me, facing me without saying a single word. He just glared at me, trying to intimidate and make me as uncomfortable as possible.

I should've felt some kind of hatred flowing in my veins. Yet, I pity him. Thirteen years ago and now, he was the same boy, the same rude Yank without a soul. I would've been frightened, stuttering every sentence and wincing every time he yelled at me. Quaking like a maple leaf, on the verge of tears, that was the old me. That was me on edge before calling him childish things, and leaving him without saying a word.

But this is different. I've matured since then. I've also become more calculated with the things I say. I hadn't said a word to him since my arrival at the steps of his home, yet he's already judging me, thinking I'm the same boy he can order around. He'll disappointed to see I'm not that same timid boy. I've become more patient. I've become more understanding. I could speak better for myself and others like my own people whom are counting on me. While I'll admit fault on my immature insults years ago, I'm willing to apologize and work with him for the sake of us getting along.

I won't give in to this domineering glare. I won't fall for his spiteful words. I won't yell. I won't cry. I will stand my ground and talk to him as an equal. He may not admit it, but I'm willing to compromise and set this problem straight. No matter what happens, I will become the fourteenth state whether he likes it or not.

"I know you hate me, but this has gone on for too long. No matter what, I'm going to keep my independence," I stated. "However, I've also learned a lot from my thirteen years as a republic. I learned being alone and shut out from the rest of the world has its disadvantages. Thus, I wish to be a part of the Union. Not only do I want to contribute, but I also want to get along with everyone. Whether you're willing or not, everyone else is rooting for me. Knowing this, I won't give up until I become a State like you."

Silence filled the room, chilling my passionate words to my discontent. I waited for the blue flames of his eyes to call me something mean to me. I kept my lavender eyes on him, doing my best to look stoic and confident as possible. Yet, deep down I couldn't help, but worry how much I've compromised this meeting. Oh no! What have I done?! Maybe I should've kept my mouth shut.

Just as I was about to apologize, York spoke first. "Okay," was all he said.

"... Eh?" I cocked my head. I couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic or not. What did he mean by okay?

York sat back on the sofa, uttering out a sigh as though he had it built up in his system. "It's like you said. This has gone on for too long," he agree with me which is surprising to say the least. "The others keep nagging me to let you in. Because of them, I can't get anything done without them telling me to let you in. For their sake as well as mine, I'm willing to hear you out and make a compromise."

Huh... That was easier than expected...

Unable to keep in my excitement, I happily cried out, "Thank you so much! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

York rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Let's just get this over with."

For the next couple of months, we settled our disputes. We set up the boundaries between our homes. York guaranteed his consent on my statehood in exchange for my promise to compensate the New York landowners who were in my home. Once all the issues have been settled, York granted me his permission, allowing me to be looked over by Congress as a potential state. And in the following year, Congress finally accepted my admission into the Union.

I, Vermont, became the fourteenth state of the Union.

"Hey, Vermont. Why do you want to join us so badly?" New Hampshire asked as the Original Thirteen, America, and I celebrated at an oyster bar.

"Yeah! Didn't you threaten us saying you're joining Canada or England if we didn't accept you?" Connecticut inquired with drunk giggles.

"Well...you know... It's a secret." I rubbed the back of my neck in awkward chuckles.

"A secret? Spit it out! You can tell us! We're your friends, right?"

"Nah! It's a dumb excuse!" 

Truly, I admire the Original Thirteen, the heroes of democracy and freedom. I've always wanted to be a part of their club. Its seems silly to admit it, but I really do find them amazing in what they accomplished and believed in. It was a dream come true now that I'm a part of their family. Soon, there'll be more states like me who'll join their family.

With a pint of beer in hand, I cheered, "To statehood!"

"To statehood!" they cheered with me.

We clink our glasses and drank until the last drop that late evening.

☆☆☆☆☆

+ In some ways, Vermont owes its existence to New Hampshire being salty over New York's claims to the territory. Basically, New Hampshire said, "If I can't have Vermont, NO ONE CAN!" Thus, the New Hampshirites who lived in the area declared their independence from New York in 1777. If it wasn't for the American Revolutionary War, New York would've probably taken matters into their own hands.

- Vermont would govern itself as a sovereign entity for fourteen years, unable to join the Union due to New York claiming them as a part of him. Pressured by Congress and their fellow states regarding the balance between free and slave states (Kentucky was getting ready to join the Union as a slave state), New York was forced to settle his dispute with Vermont and acknowledge Vermont as their own entity. Negotiations were successful, and Vermont joined the Union on March 4, 1791.

~

Feel free to vote or comment any thoughts on Vermont or the chapter here.