William P. Dillingham was elected as one of Vermont’s United States Senators on this day in 1914.

Dillingham, a man from Waterbury, had served as U.S. Senator before, but this time was different. Different, in fact, than for anyone from Vermont who had ever been a U.S. Senator before. Dillingham had been elected by popular vote...he was the first U.S. Senator from Vermont directly elected by the voice of Vermonters.

Previously, the Vermont Legislature had determined the Senators who would represent the state.

Dillingham was very popular with Vermonters, serving as U.S. Senator until his death in 1923.

Historic image courtesy Vermont Historical Society