The Green Mountain Boys, whose famed leader was Ethan Allen, was a military force of Vermonters who fought against New York to protect their land holdings. After the start of the Revolutionary War, the Green Mountain Boys helped to capture Fort Ticonderoga from the British. On September 25, 1775, during the invasion, Ethan Allen was taken prisoner. He was released in May 1778 and received the brevet rank of colonel in the Continental Army, although he did not serve. Although not recognized as independent by the Continental Congress, Vermont had declared itself a republic in 1777. After the Treaty of Paris in 1783, Vermont continued to resist New York's claims to Vermont.