A Map of the State of Vermont

As a map of Vermont, Allen’s has at least two curious features, one glaring, the other all-but hidden. The first is the coverage: Allen’s map takes in not just the state, but almost all northern New England, Northeaster New York and a large swathe of Quebec (“Lower Canada”). The other is the “Proposed Canal” connecting the Richelieu River (aka the “ R. Sorel”) with the east bank of the St. Lawrence across from Montreal. A full explanation of these features would require many pages, and indeed volumes have been written about Ira Allen, his better-known brother Ethan, and their vital role in the early years of Vermont.