National Register Listing

Elms, The

a.k.a. Boardman J. Stevens House, George W. Richards House

59 Court St., Houlton, ME
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture
Maine was the first state to adopt Prohibition: Maine was the first state to adopt Prohibition in 1851, almost 70 years before the rest of the country followed suit. However, it was also one of the first states to repeal Prohibition, doing so in 1934.
Maine random facts
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.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.