Hancock Barracks facts for kids
Hancock Barracks was an important United States Army fort. It was built in the 1800s near Houlton, Maine. This fort was active from 1828 until 1847. It played a key role in protecting the border of the United States.
Why the Fort Was Built
After the American Revolutionary War ended in 1783, there was a big argument. The border between Massachusetts (which included Maine back then) and New Brunswick (in Canada) was not clear. During the War of 1812, British forces even attacked parts of coastal Maine.
Even after the War of 1812, the border problem continued. The United States Army thought there might be more conflicts. So, they decided to build a fort. In 1828, the Army bought 25 acres of land. This land was on Garrison Hill, east of Houlton, Maine.
Hancock Barracks was built to house about 200 soldiers. When it was finished, it was the most northeastern Army base in the entire United States. Soldiers and their families who died at the fort were buried in its cemetery. The fort also helped the local people. They got jobs supplying the troops, which boosted the local economy. New roads were built, connecting Hancock Barracks to Bangor, Maine by 1834.
The "Bloodless" Aroostook War
Arguments quickly grew over the border between Maine and New Brunswick. Both sides claimed ownership of the land. People who cut timber and settlers from both the US and Canada moved into the Aroostook region. This made the situation tense.
In October 1838, Major Reynold M. Kirby arrived at Hancock Barracks. He came with Captain Lucien B. Webster. They were there to help manage the growing tensions.
In 1839, a conflict known as the Aroostook War began. Three companies of the 1st Artillery Regiment were stationed at Hancock Barracks. Major Kirby led these troops. The Maine government sent twelve companies of its own state militia. Major Kirby worked to keep the militia from starting a real shooting war.
In 1839, Brigadier General Winfield Scott stepped in. He successfully negotiated a truce, which helped prevent major fighting. The border dispute was finally settled in 1842 by the Webster–Ashburton Treaty. This treaty clearly defined the border.
In 1840, Hancock Barracks became the main headquarters for the 1st Artillery Regiment. Even with the very cold weather, it was known as a good place to be stationed. American army officers sometimes even met with their British counterparts from nearby Woodstock, New Brunswick for friendly gatherings.
Decommissioning the Fort
The United States Army stopped using Hancock Barracks in 1847. Years later, in 1873, Congress allowed the War Department to sell the fort's buildings. They were sold at an auction.
