On July 20, 1764, King George III established the boundary between Connecticut New Hampshire and New York along the west bank of the River, north of Massachusetts and south of 45 Degrees north latitude. Under this decree, Albany County, New York, would have gained the land that was presently known as Vermont. However, New Hampshire had issued 135 land grants before then, which New York refused to recognized. Colonists dissatifised colonists organized in opposition. Among these was Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys, which protected the original New Hampshire colonists. On July 4, 1776, the independent Vermont was declared, however the rebellion was soon put down by the British.