The Parade

Historical marker location:

The Parade, Shelburne, Vermont

( Marker is on Church Street east of Shelburne Road (U.S. 7), on the left when traveling east.)

Marker installed: 1977

Vermont was the first state to abolish slavery through its state constitution: In 1777, Vermont became the first state in the United States to abolish slavery through its state constitution. The constitution declared that all men are born free and equal, and that no male person, born in the country or brought from overseas, could be held in slavery or servitude.