Maine History Online
A Maine Historical Society Website
Welcome - Maine History Online tells the stories of Maine and its people through essays, exhibits, historical images, documents, and objects drawn from Maine Memory Network and its more than 200 contributing organizations across the state.
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Map of Maine, 1795/Maine Historical Society
Themes:
- Peopling Maine
Passamaquoddies, Portland, 1920 MHS-c/
Blethen Maine Newspapers Maine is not the homogeneous state it sometimes seems. The native population was first joined – and threatened – by English and French, but immigrants from around the world have settled in Maine and brought a sometimes surprising diversity. - Living Off the Land & Sea
Bryson Loggin Team, ca. 1915/
Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum The state's geology and geography have contributed to a resource-based economy and lifestyle. Timber harvesting, fishing, shipping, and tourism all have been important elements of Maine. - Leaders & Causes
Prohibition election card, 1911/
Maine Historical Society Mainers have been leaders in national politics, reform, protest, and social movements from the area's earliest history. Mainers have had an impact within and far beyond the state’s borders. - Trade & Transport
Schooner Kineo, ca. 1910/
Maine Maritime Museum Maine's long coastline, good harbors, timber supply, and proximity to Europe made it a leader in shipbuilding and shipping and its well-positioned rivers offered more transportation options. Some of those attributes continue to benefit the state. - Mainers Go To War
Nurses, Portland, ca. 1918/
Maine Historical Society Military leaders, individual heroes and heroines, anti-war protesters, peace advocates, prisoners of war, casualties, and those at home – all have been part of Maine's war experiences. For nearly two centuries after Europeans arrives, wars dominated the landscape. - Culture & Community
Topsham Fair exhibition hall, ca. 1890/
Pejepscot Historical Society From town meetings to the blessing of the fishing fleet, Maine’s community life and community celebrations reflect the unique character of its people, its place, and its resources Artists and writers as well as cultural institutions also have thrived in Maine. - Taking Care & Educating
Western Maine Sanatorium, 1929/
Maine Historical Society Improvement associations, asylums, academies and seminaries, poor farms and hospitals – public and private institutions have worked to care for those with special needs or illnesses as well as to provide education and training opportunities.
Time Periods:
- To 1500 People of the Dawn
Native American pottery shard/
Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands Maine is a crossroads of culture and seat of innovation as attested to by oral traditions, archaeology, and the area's geology. Native people inhabit the area for 12,000 years before Europeans arrive. - 1500-1667 Contact & Conflict
St. Georges Fort, 1610/
Maine Historical Society Fish, timber, ports and Maine's proximity to Europe make it attractive to Europeans, who initially see it as a paradise. French and British claims to the Wabanaki homeland set off clashes for supremacy and survival. - 1668-1774 Settlement & Strife
Thomas Child, Portland, ca. 1770/
Maine Historical Society Massachusetts Bay Colony claims Maine, but the century before the American Revolution is one of destructive wars among French and British colonists and Wabanaki peoples. Settlements increase, as do garrisons, militia and the infringement on Indian lands and lifestyles. - 1775-1820 Tension, War & Separation
Boxer and Enterprize, 1831/
Maine Historical Society Loyalists and Patriots often are at odds in the territory that is subject to both Massachusetts and Britain. Revolutionary events emphasize the state's economic and strategic importance and the difficulty of defending its long coastline. After the war, not everyone wants to remain part of Massachusetts. - 1820-1850 A New State & Prosperity
Gov. William King, ca. 1890/
Maine Historical Society Maine grows rapidly, bring land speculation as well as prosperity from lumbering, shipbuilding, shipping, and related activities. - 1850-1870 The Civil War
Civil War recruiting broadside, 1861/
Maine Historical Society Disagreements over slavery and temperance change the political landscape. Maine sends more soldiers per capital to the Civil War than any other state, affecting the social landscape. The war affects those at the front and those at home. - 1870-1920 End of Ocean Highway
Eastern Manufacturing pulpwood, Brewer, 1921/
City of Brewer As the age of sail draws to a close, Maine works to take advantage of its natural bounty with large and small industry, railroads, tourism, fishing, and farming. - 1920-1945 Countryside at Midcentury
CCC crew, ca. 1935/
Maine Historical Society Largely rural, Maine is proud of its sense of community and independence, which lead to resistance to Depression-era programs. Still Maine gradually modernizes and responds to the increasing threat of war with a vigorous shipbuilding program. - 1946-1970 A Different Place
Margaret Chase Smith campaign poster, 1964/
Margaret Chase Smith Library With farming and textile manufacturing declining, Maine comes out of WWII in the slow lane. Nevertheless, the state produces important political leaders, a strong voice for the environment, and begins to modernize industry. - 1970-present Rediscovery & Rebirth
Samantha Smith, 1983/
Maine State Library Maine moves to a more technological economy, even as it emphasizes a traditional way of life. Maine as Vacationland attracts visitors and brings new residents.
Pere Pole deposition, 1792/