The Green Mountain Boys were a militia group formed in the late 1760s in the area that is now known as Vermont. They were primarily composed of settlers who opposed the land claims of New York and sought to protect their own land rights. The group played a significant role in the early American resistance against British rule. Led by figures like Ethan Allen, the Green Mountain Boys gained fame for their surprise attack on Fort Ticonderoga in May 1775 during the American Revolutionary War. This victory provided crucial artillery for the Continental Army and marked a significant early success in the fight for American independence.