History of Aroostook County, Maine

Aroostook County, Maine, located in the northernmost part of the state, is known for its expansive wilderness, rich agricultural lands, and significant historical role in both regional and national contexts. Established in 1839, Aroostook was named after the Aroostook River, a vital waterway that played an important role in the county’s early economic development. Historically, Aroostook has been a center for agriculture, particularly potato farming, and has seen key developments related to logging, transportation, and cross-border trade with Canada. Today, the county remains Maine’s largest and least populated county, a rural area known for its natural beauty and rich heritage.

Origins and Early History

The history of Aroostook County is deeply tied to the indigenous Wabanaki people, who lived in the region for centuries before European settlers arrived. These Native American tribes, including the Penobscot, Maliseet, and Passamaquoddy, relied on the Aroostook River for transportation, fishing, and hunting. The river was a major part of their lifestyle and culture. Early European settlers began to move into the area in the 18th century, attracted by the abundance of natural resources such as timber, fish, and fertile land for farming.

By the early 1800s, the land that would become Aroostook County was part of a contested area between Maine and New Brunswick, Canada. This dispute became known as the Aroostook War, a border conflict that occurred between 1838 and 1839, and was sparked by disagreements over the boundary between Maine and the Canadian provinces. The Aroostook War was a unique, largely bloodless confrontation that was resolved peacefully through diplomacy, but it helped to solidify the borders that shaped the county’s modern boundaries.

After the resolution of the Aroostook War, Maine established Aroostook County in 1839, carving it out from parts of existing counties. The county’s economy initially revolved around timber, with logging becoming one of the most prominent industries in the region. In the latter half of the 19th century, agriculture, especially potato farming, became a critical part of the county’s economic identity, a legacy that continues to this day.

The Aroostook War and Its Significance

The Aroostook War, though often overshadowed by other military conflicts, holds great significance in the history of the region. The war was essentially a diplomatic standoff between the United States and Great Britain, and it arose from conflicting interpretations of the boundary between the U.S. state of Maine and British-held Canada. The territory of Aroostook was seen as a valuable area for its timber resources, and tensions over its control led to a standoff.

The conflict reached its peak in 1839, when both Maine and New Brunswick sent militias to the border region, with skirmishes and standoffs occurring between the two sides. However, there were no significant battles, and the conflict ended without a loss of life. The issue was eventually resolved with the Webster-Ashburton Treaty in 1842, which established the present-day border between Maine and Canada and avoided further military confrontation. While the Aroostook War was largely symbolic in its violence, it was critical in defining the boundaries of Maine and cementing Aroostook County’s place within the United States.

Economic Development and Agriculture

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Aroostook County’s economy was shaped primarily by agriculture and natural resources. The county’s vast forests attracted loggers from across the country, who harvested timber and helped to fuel the expanding U.S. industrial economy. By the mid-19th century, Aroostook was a key provider of timber for the growing paper industry, particularly in nearby cities like Bangor.

However, it was agriculture that would come to define Aroostook County’s economic success. The county’s fertile soil, especially in the Aroostook River Valley, proved ideal for growing potatoes, and the county soon became known as the “Potato Capital of the World.” Aroostook’s agricultural output was not limited to potatoes, as farmers also grew oats, corn, and other crops, and raised cattle and poultry. Potatoes, however, were the mainstay of the county’s economy, and they played a key role in both domestic consumption and export trade. The Aroostook potato industry, which includes varieties such as the Russet Burbank, continues to be a key part of the region’s identity.

The construction of railroads in the late 19th century helped to open up the county to broader markets, making it easier for agricultural and forestry products to be transported across the state and beyond. Towns such as Presque Isle, Caribou, and Houlton became important centers of commerce and trade, with rail connections facilitating the movement of goods.

The 20th Century: Economic Diversification and Decline of Traditional Industries

The 20th century brought both prosperity and challenges to Aroostook County. While agriculture remained the backbone of the county’s economy, changes in global markets and technological advancements shifted the landscape. The rise of mechanized farming techniques allowed for increased productivity, but also led to fewer laborers working in the fields. At the same time, the timber industry saw its own decline, as fewer trees were available for logging and paper mills moved to other parts of the country.

The economic diversification of Aroostook County became increasingly important as the traditional industries waned. The U.S. military played a role in this diversification during World War II, when military bases such as Loring Air Force Base in Limestone were established. These bases brought jobs and infrastructure improvements to the area, but the closure of Loring in 1994 resulted in a significant blow to the local economy.

Since the late 20th century, Aroostook County has focused on revitalizing its economy by focusing on tourism, outdoor recreation, and high-tech agriculture. Efforts have been made to develop renewable energy industries, such as wind power, and to promote the county’s rich history and natural beauty as a tourist attraction.

Key Historical Sites in Aroostook County

Aroostook County is home to several historical sites that reflect its cultural and industrial past, particularly its role in early agriculture, its contributions to the timber and oil industries, and its contested history during the Aroostook War.

The Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum

Overview: The Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum, located in Presque Isle, offers exhibits on the region’s agricultural, industrial, and cultural history. The museum showcases the role of Aroostook County in the potato industry, the logging and timber trade, and its settlement by early European colonists. It also features art galleries that highlight the works of local artists.

Location: 122 Main St, Presque Isle, ME 04769
Ticket Price: Adults $5, Seniors $3, Children under 12 free.
Parking Information: On-site parking is available at no charge.

The Aroostook War Memorial

Overview: The Aroostook War Memorial in Houlton commemorates the events of the Aroostook War, the 1838-1839 border dispute between Maine and New Brunswick, Canada. The memorial marks the peaceful resolution of the conflict and the important role it played in defining the U.S.-Canada border. Visitors can learn about the diplomatic efforts that led to the Webster-Ashburton Treaty.

Location: 15 Court St, Houlton, ME 04730
Ticket Price: Free
Parking Information: Free parking is available on-site.

The Maine Potato Blossom Festival

Overview: Though not a static historical site, the Maine Potato Blossom Festival, held annually in Fort Fairfield, celebrates Aroostook County’s rich history of potato farming. The festival includes agricultural exhibitions, parades, and educational activities that highlight the county’s role as the “Potato Capital of the World.” It offers visitors a chance to explore the county’s farming legacy while enjoying cultural performances and local food.

Location: Fort Fairfield, ME 04742
Ticket Price: Varies depending on events (most are free)
Parking Information: Free parking available at festival venues.

The Loring Air Force Base Museum

Overview: The Loring Air Force Base Museum in Limestone celebrates the history of the base, which was a key military installation during the Cold War. The base played a critical role in national defense from the 1950s until its closure in 1994. The museum features artifacts and exhibits detailing the base’s impact on the local community and its role in U.S. military history.

Location: 27 Loring Blvd, Limestone, ME 04750
Ticket Price: Free (donations welcome)
Parking Information: On-site parking available.

County Facts

Geography and Climate

Aroostook County is the largest county in Maine, covering an area of 6,828 square miles. It is located in the northernmost part of the state, bordering both New Brunswick, Canada, and the state of Quebec. The county is known for its rugged terrain, with vast forests, rivers, and lakes that contribute to its natural beauty. The Aroostook River is one of the region’s most important waterways, historically facilitating transportation and trade.

The climate of Aroostook County is classified as humid continental, characterized by cold winters and warm, humid summers. Winter temperatures can dip well below freezing, with significant snowfall, while summers are relatively short and can be quite warm, with average highs in the 70s (°F). The region receives moderate rainfall throughout the year, with the heaviest precipitation occurring in the spring and summer months.

Key County Facts

• Year Founded: 1839
• County Seat: Houlton
• Population: Approximately 67,000 (as of 2020)
• Population Density: 9.8 people per square mile
• Largest Cities: Presque Isle, Caribou, Houlton
• Major Highways: U.S. Route 1, U.S. Route 2, Maine Route 11
• Adjacent Counties: Piscataquis County, Penobscot County, Washington County, and the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec.