Maine History

The state of Maine has a rich history. From the Native Americans of long ago to the present; the early European settlers; the days of being part of Masschusetts; our very own Civil War Hero; and so much more. Maine is like a still pool along a flowing river: it is quite peaceful to enjoy and behold, but there is much more to it than meets the eye.

Join us here as we explore the past events of our beautiful Maine, and find out what has contributed to making the Pine Tree State what it is today.

Maine - the History of the Pine Tree State

A historical look at how the Pine Tree State came to be known as "The Way Life Should Be."

The History of Maine: Long before Europeans arrived in what is now Maine, the Native Americans known as the Abenaki made this beautiful place their home. Today, while the people and lifestyles have changed, the land remains the same. Mainers understand that the rugged, natural beauty and mystique of their treasured state is, next to the people themselves, its greatest asset.
Maine State Government: It is always important to know the innerworkings of any state government. Here, you will find information on the capital city of Augusta as well as the Maine State Constitution, the branches of government, and the state legislature; meet the governor and the other elected officials; take a tour of the State House; find access to Maine laws and even register to vote!
Joshua Chamberlain - Civil War Hero: Joshua Chamberlain is best known for his firm stance at Little Round Top during the battle of Gettysburg in the Civil War. He led the 20th Maine to hold the far left flank of the Union line against a pursuing Confederate attack. But there is so much more to this brave man...
Maine State Facts: Every 4th grader and middle schooler in the state of Maine must take a class on Maine State History. Here, students will find helpful facts about the state of Maine including the flag, the motto, the state bird, the state flower, and even the state insect, plus much, much more!
E.B. White - a Biography: a heartfelt story about the beloved Maine author of Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan.
Timeline of Maine History: From ancient times until present day, this is a helpful timeline of how life has progressed in the state of Maine.
Maine History Page for Kids!: This site was made up as a place for kids to go and learn about Maine History - but it's a great resource for us older kids, too!
Maine Historical Society: Maine Historical Society is dedicated to the preservation, understanding, and enjoyment of Maine history
Maine Black History: There are rich deposits of black history throughout Maine, starting with the Cape Verde fishermen who chased cod along our shores before colonization. Blacks accompanied the European explorers and settlers, and some were settlers themselves; and many came enslaved. The African migration to Maine had begun, and it continues today.
Lumbering in Maine: Not surprisingly, the Pine Tree State's lumber industry has been important to the state of Maine from when the first Europeans arrived until present day.
Women's History in Maine: In the eighteenth century, Fort Western was established near Augusta to protect British interests on the Maine frontier. It was home to some of the first women of European descent to settle the area, the site of the first store, and a center for early settlement life.
Bar Harbor, Maine - Yesterday and Today: The Native Abnakis were the original summer people of what is now known as Bar Harbor, and it became a summer resort long before Champlain's trip to this land in 1604. Today Bar Harbor is a vacationers paradise nestled between the rugged mountains of Acadia National Park and the clear blue Atlantic.
Augusta - Maine's State Capital: Augusta is a hilly city huddled on the Kennebec River in central Maine. It is a small city, on a national scale, but fairly large by Maine perspectives. Although Augusta is known as the capital city of Maine, complete with government agencies, tourism, and the like, there is so much more to this beautiful area...
Covered Bridges in Maine: Early Mainers depended on ferries and barges to cross Maine's many rivers and waterways, but in time, populations grew as did mobility; thus, bridges were built. The bridges were covered for one reason - to keep the rain and snow from the massive working timbers. The alternate wetting and drying out of uncovered wooden structures would have resulted in rot and failure decades sooner. Read on...

New The Link List

Visit some of our favorite Maine Blogs

The Way Life Should Be: This is a blog that celebrates a day in the life of living in Maine - from season to season, amidst the challenges that face the state; and many ponderings on why Maine certainly is the way life should be.
Northern Maine in Pictures: This colorful blog is dedicated to photos of nature, wildlife, and the breath-taking beauty of northernmost Maine. Includes Aroostook County and other points north.
Maine Coast Dream: And now that I know that all dreams are possible, I have set my sights on yet another life goal. I wish to live in a home by the sea on the coast of Maine. And so the journey begins. I WILL be living in a home by the sea within 5 years. My journey will be chronicled here.