These islands were first seen by a European in 1609, when Samuel De Champlain explored the lake that bears his name and claimed them for the King of France. Ceded in 1763 to Britain, they became part of the Royal Colony of New York. After 1776, several American Revolutionary heroes received land grants here, and two islands were so named. In 1783 this area joined the Free and Independent Republic of Vermont. The area is associated with the history and legend of the famous Allen family, the Green Mountain Boys, Rogers’ Rangers, and many others.