The militia of Grand Isle County, under the command of General Ira Allen, surrounded a British fort in North Hero on this day in 1794.

The fort had been built at Blockhouse Point in 1781. It continued to be occupied by the British until 1796, 12 years after the end of the Revolutionary War and five years after Vermont joined the Union.

The British and Vermonters lived together in harmony until Lord Dorchester proclaimed that he wouldn’t be surprised if England and the United States were at war by the end of the year. Diplomats resolved the issue within a few months, and the Grand Isle militia was called off without incident.

The Vermont Book Of Days image, with a special thanks to Fran and Joe Dotoli. Location of old block house is now a private residence.