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1778 Vermont Republic gubernatorial election
The 1778 Vermont Republic gubernatorial election took place on March 12, 1778, and resulted in the selection of Thomas Chittenden as the republic's first governor.[1] This was Vermont's first gubernatorial election after declaring independence in 1777.[2] After declaring themselves independent, the former New Hampshire Grants were first known as New Connecticut, but soon changed their name to Vermont.[3] In early 1778, the council of safety that temporarily governed the new republic invited each Vermont town to elect two delegates to meet at a convention in Windsor.[4] The delegates assembled on March 12 and organized themselves into the first Vermont House of Representatives.[4] They then proceeded to the election of a governor, lieutenant governor, treasurer, and members of a governor's council, who would serve until elections could be held in October.[4] Thomas Chittenden, who had served as president of the council of safety,[5] was chosen for governor.[4][6] Joseph Marsh was elected lieutenant governor, and Ira Allen was the convention's choice for treasurer.[4][7] The names of candidates and balloting totals were not recorded, but the convention's secretary noted that Chittenden was elected "by a great majority of votes."[4] On October 8, 1778, the Vermont General Assembly met in Windsor.[8] Members of the House of Representatives voted for governor, lieutenant governor, treasurer, and members of the governor's council.[9] Chittenden, Marsh, and Allen were elected to one-year terms, though the recorder did not report the vote totals.[9] Results
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