Friday, May 9—CASTLETON—A major historical milestone occurs in Castleton on Friday, May 9. The city will commemorate the 250th anniversary of Ethan Allen’s famed council of war with a free public event. “Ethan Allen in Castleton” will feature open historic buildings, a parade, a live theatrical performance, commemorative souvenirs, and special postal services, all centered around Castleton’s Revolutionary War heritage.
In anticipation of the event, the Castleton Historical Society will open two of its historic buildings—Buel Block and the Higley Homestead—for free public tours from 4-6 p.m. on May 9. The Buel Block, Castleton’s oldest commercial building, and the Higley Homestead, located at the corner of the village green, will showcase Green Mountain Boys memorabilia, century-old panoramic photographs, and artifacts dating back to Castleton’s 1925 Ethan Allen celebration.
The evening celebration will begin with a patriotic parade at 6 p.m., followed by activities on the Castleton village green, including a staged reenactment of the Green Mountain Boys’ final preparations before capturing Fort Ticonderoga. The live dramatization, written by award-winning playwright James Thatch of Bennington and directed by Kevin Commins of Weybridge, will feature 15 speaking roles, including Ethan Allen, Major Beach, and Castleton tavern keepers Zadock and Anne Remington.
From 6-8 p.m., visitors can also browse and purchase commemorative souvenirs, including $5 coin-shaped tokens designed by Joe Vyvial, $20 Green Mountain Boys flag baseball caps, slate coasters, cheeseboards, and Vermont-themed Christmas ornaments. Special “Ethan Allen in Castleton” cacheted envelopes with a 1955 3¢ Ticonderoga stamp will be available for 250¢ each. The Castleton Post Office will hand-cancel these envelopes on-site, marking them with “Castleton Station” and the anniversary date.
Community members have volunteered for the event, offering costume creation, stage setup, and acting in the historical reenactment. As they have every 50 years—first in 1925, then 1975, and now 2025—Castleton residents honor their town’s pivotal role in Revolutionary War history and celebrate their shared heritage with pride.
Every 50 years, Castleton re-claims its Revolutionary history. Celebrate this half-a-century tradition as the Castleton community honors its past legacy.
For more information, visit: castletonvermont.org.
