Keywords: 1775-1865
Item 10526
Governor King monument, Bath, ca. 1903
Contributed by: Patten Free Library Date: circa 1903 Location: Bath Media: Photographic print
Item 10596
Contributed by: Patten Free Library Date: circa 1806 Location: Bath; Augusta Media: Oil on Canvas
Exhibit
Maine's first governor, William King, was arguably the most influential figure in Maine's achieving statehood in 1820. Although he served just one year as the Governor of Maine, he was instrumental in establishing the new state's constitution and setting up its governmental infrastructure.
Exhibit
The history of the region now known as Maine did not begin at statehood in 1820. What was Maine before it was a state? How did Maine separate from Massachusetts? How has the Maine we experience today been shaped by thousands of years of history?
Site Page
Maine's Road to Statehood - The American Revolution and Early Attempts at Separation - Page 2 of 2
"The American Revolution and Early Attempts at Separation The committee sent a similar address to the citizens of Maine urging them to support…"
Site Page
Maine's Road to Statehood - The American Revolution and Early Attempts at Separation - Page 1 of 2
"The American Revolution and Early Attempts at Separation Overwhelmingly dedicated to independence from Britain, Mainers quieted any murmurs of…"
Lesson Plan
Grade Level: 9-12
Content Area: Social Studies
Maine's quest for statehood began in the years immediately following the American Revolution. Though the state of Massachusetts consented to the separation in 1819 and Maine would ultimately achieve statehood in 1820, Maine’s split from Massachusetts was not without controversy and was not universally supported by people living in Maine. Using primary sources, students will explore the arguments for and against Maine statehood. Students will gather evidence and arguments to debate the statement: It is in the best interests of the people of Maine for Maine to become its own state.
Lesson Plan
Becoming Maine: The Votes for Statehood
Grade Level: 3-5
Content Area: Social Studies
Maine became a state in 1820 after separating from Massachusetts, but the call for statehood had begun long before the final vote. Why did it take so long? Was 1820 the right time? In this lesson, students will begin to place where Maine’s statehood fits into the broader narrative of 18th and 19th century American political history. They will have the opportunity to cast their own Missouri Compromise vote after learning about Maine’s long road to statehood.
