During the dispute over the status of Vermont in the 1770s and 1780s, a Yorker was any inhabitant of Vermont who took the position that Vermont was by rights a part of the state of New York, against the position that Vermont was entitled to the de facto independence that it had after January 15, 1777.[1] Under Vermont law, Yorkers and Loyalists were traitors to Vermont, subject to forfeiture of all property and banishment from Vermont.