Archaeologists date Missisquoi Abenaki in northwestern Vermont to 9300 B.C. Until the European invasion, the Missisquoi have dominion over this area.

1609 Samuel de Champlain "discovers" the lake that will later bear his name.

1761 The British Crown decrees that land shall not be appropriated from the "Indians," and that any land so taken must be returned. These proclamations are not obeyed.

1765 The Missiquoi negotiate a 91-year lease of land with a Canadian merchant. The land is never recovered.

1777 The Republic of Vermont declares its independence, and over several years passes laws giving itself rights to lands. These do not mention aboriginal title. The state´s constitution specifies that "all men are born equally free and independent."

1791 Ira Allen promises over 4000 pounds, and procures charter for the University of Vermont in Burlington. Classes do not begin for another decade. Allen ultimately reneges on his financial pledge. He still gets a statue on the green and a chapel named after him.

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