Aroostook County, Maine

Acadian Historic Buildings Acadian Landing Site Amazeen House Anderson Bros. Store Aroostook County Courthouse and Jail Bridgewater Town Hall and Jail Cary Library Church of the Advent Clase, Nicholas P., House Cleveland, Edward L., House Daigle, Jean-Baptiste, House Donovan-Hussey Farms Historic District Duncan, Beecher H., Farm Elms, The First National Bank of Houlton Former Town Office and Jail Fort Fairfield Public Library Fort Kent Fort Kent Railroad Station Freeman Barn Frenchville Railroad Station and Water Tank Governor Brann School Gray Memorial United Methodist Church and Parsonage Gustaf Adolph Lutheran Church Island Falls Opera House Jacobson, Pehr J., House Larsson-Noak Historic District Leavitt, A. B., House Mansur, Walter P., House Maple Grove Friends Church Market Square Historic District Martin, Isaie and Scholastique, House Michaud, Fortunat O., House Monticello Grange #338 Oakfield Grange, #414 Oakfield Station Olsson, Anders and Johanna, Farm Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church Presque Isle National Bank Putnam, Blackhawk, Tavern Reed School Reed, Philo, House Roosevelt School Roosevelt School Sewall, William, House Sodergren, John J. and Martha, Homestead St. David Catholic Church St. John Catholic Church Sunset Lodge Timmerhuset U.S. Inspection Station-Fort Fairfield, Maine U.S. Inspection Station-Limestone, Maine U.S. Inspection Station-Orient, Maine Unitarian Church of Houlton US Post Office-Presque Isle Main Watson Settlement Bridge White Memorial Building Wilder, Benjamin C., House

Aroostook County, located in the state of Maine, has a rich history that is influenced by both Native American and European settlers. The region was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Maliseet and Micmac. They relied on fishing, hunting, and gathering for survival and established settlement areas along the rivers.

European colonization began in the late 18th century when European-American settlers arrived in the area. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 confirmed the region as part of the United States, and American settlers began to establish permanent communities. The fertile soils and vast expanses of land in Aroostook County made it ideal for agriculture, and farming quickly became a primary industry in the area.

In the mid-19th century, Aroostook County experienced a period known as the Aroostook War or the Bloodless War. The conflict arose due to boundary disputes between the United States and Canada, which wanted to claim the region. Although no blood was shed, tensions ran high, and the resolution of the dispute through diplomatic negotiations solidified the current border between the two countries.

Throughout the 20th century, Aroostook County's economy diversified beyond agriculture. Forestry, manufacturing, and tourism became important industries. The county is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including numerous lakes, rivers, and mountains, which attract visitors from around the world. Today, Aroostook County remains an important agricultural region, producing potatoes, blueberries, and other crops, while also embracing its cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Brief timeline of the history of Aroostook County, Maine:

  • 1784: Aroostook County was part of the British colony of New Brunswick until the Treaty of Paris transferred it to the United States.
  • 1807: The military road in Aroostook County was built, connecting Bangor to Houlton.
  • 1839: The Webster-Ashburton Treaty officially established the border between the United States and Canada, securing the boundary of Aroostook County.
  • 1840s: Settlement in Aroostook County increased with the arrival of Scottish and Irish immigrants, attracted by the fertile land.
  • 1839-1842: The Aroostook War, a boundary dispute between Maine and New Brunswick, resulted in a peaceful resolution and reinforced US jurisdiction over Aroostook County.
  • 1895: The last major Aroostook War event, known as the Pig War, took place when Canadian settlers and American farmers clashed over the Pig War Bridge.
  • 20th century: Agriculture, logging, and the development of potato farming became the main industries in Aroostook County.
  • 1976: The 5th Maine Regiment of Volunteers Memorial, honoring the Civil War regiment from Aroostook County, was dedicated.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Aroostook County, Maine.