By Timothy Page

Woven into the very weft of the tapestry of American history, certain names resonate with patriotism and bravery – George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere, to name a few. However, there is one figure whose contributions to the Revolutionary War often go unsung: Seth Warner, the steadfast leader of the Green Mountain Boys from Vermont.

Born in 1743 in Woodbury, Connecticut, Seth Warner’s early life was marked by humble beginnings. As a young man, he ventured north to Bennington, Vermont, where he established himself as a prosperous farmer and landowner. Little did he know that his life would soon take a dramatic turn, propelling him into the heart of the American Revolution.

When tensions between the British and the American colonies escalated in the 1770s, Warner found himself drawn to the cause of liberty. He joined the Green Mountain Boys, a militia group formed to defend the interests of the settlers in the region against the claims of New York and the British authorities.

Under the leadership of Ethan Allen, the Green Mountain Boys quickly gained notoriety for their daring exploits. In May 1775, they captured Fort Ticonderoga, a strategic British outpost on Lake Champlain, in a daring raid that marked one of the first offensive actions of the Revolutionary War.

Seth Warner’s role in this pivotal event cannot be overstated. As a lieutenant colonel, he played a crucial part in the planning and execution of the operation, demonstrating his tactical acumen and unwavering courage.

Warner’s contributions to the war effort did not stop there. He went on to participate in numerous battles, including the Battle of Hubbardton in 1777, where his skilled leadership and tenacity allowed the Continental Army to retreat safely after a fierce engagement with British forces.

Perhaps his most significant achievement was his command at the Battle of Bennington in August 1777. Warner’s Green Mountain Boys, along with militia forces from Massachusetts and New Hampshire, decisively defeated a detachment of British and German troops, dealing a severe blow to the British campaign to divide New England from the rest of the colonies.

The victory at Bennington proved to be a turning point in the Revolutionary War, boosting morale among the American troops and garnering much-needed support from France. Yet, despite his pivotal role, Seth Warner’s name often fades into obscurity, overshadowed by more prominent figures of the era.

After the war, Warner’s legacy continued to shape the young nation he had fought so valiantly to establish. He served as a representative in the Vermont General Assembly, advocating for the rights and interests of his fellow citizens. His unwavering commitment to the principles of liberty and self-governance left an indelible mark on the state’s political landscape.

In the tumultuous political landscape of late 1770s and early 1780s Vermont, Seth Warner found himself at odds with the dominant forces shaping the state’s future. As Ethan Allen, fresh from his three-year imprisonment, joined forces with his brother Ira and Governor Thomas Chittenden, Warner’s influence waned amidst this powerful triumvirate.

The controversial “Haldimand Negotiations” with the British in Canada further exacerbated the rift between Warner and his contemporaries. While historians continue to debate whether the Vermont leaders genuinely sought reunification with Great Britain or merely used the discussions as a ploy to avoid war, Warner’s stance was clear – he stood in staunch opposition.

In March 1781, Warner confronted Ethan Allen, who publicly admitted to limited contact with the British regarding prisoner exchanges. This admission only deepened Warner’s resolve as the secret negotiations continued, with him firmly entrenched in the opposing camp.

The tensions reached a boiling point when Loyalist and British negotiator Justus Sherwood expressed his fears about Warner and Samuel Herrick, referring to them as “two rascals” who were “too cunning” to be brought into the negotiations. Sherwood’s words painted a vivid picture of the mistrust and animosity that had taken root between the two factions.

Amidst this political turmoil, Warner’s health began to fail. He returned to Woodbury, where he breathed his last on December 26, 1784, at the age of 41. His passing marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of financial insolvency, with his property sold to pay creditors, save for small holdings left for his widow.

Warner’s valor and leadership during the Revolutionary War inspired generations of Vermonters to follow in his footsteps. His exploits became the stuff of legend, passed down through oral traditions and celebrated in local folklore. Towns and landmarks across the state bear his name, a testament to the enduring impact of his contributions.

Even today, Seth Warner’s spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of those who cherish the freedoms he helped secure. His story serves as a reminder that the American Revolution was not merely a conflict waged by a select few, but a collective struggle in which ordinary citizens rose to extraordinary heights, driven by an unwavering belief in the principles of liberty and justice.

Today, as we reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for our nation’s freedom, it is essential to remember the contributions of unsung heroes like Seth Warner. His story serves as a reminder that the Revolutionary War was won not only by the famous names etched in history books but also by the countless individuals who risked everything for the dream of liberty.