1900-1929 The beginning of the 20th century was marked by the expansion of pulp and paper mills, including the new Great Northern Paper Company mill in Millinocket. Eastern Maunfacturing in Brewer became Eastern Fine Paper Company. Lakewood summer theater in Madison symbolized the growing summer tourist industry. The economy was strong enough for labor law…
1850-1899 Incorporations of new town across the state was a major theme of this period. Maine’s Hannibal Hamlin was elected Vice-President of the United States with Abraham Lincoln successful presidential campaign. James G. Blaine ran unsuccessfully for president. The Civil War saw 73,000 Maine soldiers serving; with one in ten killed. Joshua Chamberlain of Brewer,…
1820-1849 After a brief stint in Portland, in 1827 the permanent State Capital was designated to be Augusta; in 1832 the state government moved into the new, small State House. Expansions and improvements continued for decades. Maine’s northern boundary with Canada was in dispute, fostered the “Aroostook War,” and finally was settled by the Webster-Ashburtion…
1790-1819 1790 Portland Head Light lighthouse, located on Shore Road in what is now Cape Elizabeth, is established on order of President George Washington. Population 96,540, first U.S. census. 1791 Incorporation of the towns of Bangor, Camden, and Readfield. 1792 First official election on the question of Maine’s separation from Massachusetts, with low turnout and…
1775-1789 1775 Battle of Lexington and Concord begins the Revolutionary War. Second Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia. Benedict Arnold and his expedition reach Swan Island in the Kennebec River, move through the state to Quebec. The British ship Margaretta is captured by Maine citizens in Machias. Falmouth (Portland) is burned by British. Incorporation of the…