Malta War facts for kids
The Malta War was a local disagreement over who owned land in what is now the state of Maine. This conflict became most serious in 1808 and 1809. It happened near a town called Malta, which today is known as Windsor, Maine.
Contents
What Was the Malta War?
The Malta War wasn't a big battle with armies. It was a time of tension and arguments between different groups of people. These groups were fighting over land ownership. The events took place in a rural area.
Who Were the Squatters?
Some people, called squatters, were living on and clearing land. They were cutting down trees and building homes. However, this land was actually owned by a company from outside the area. The squatters believed they had a right to the land because they were working on it.
Why Was There Conflict?
The company that owned the land saw the squatters as breaking the law. Sometimes, the squatters were arrested for trespass, which means being on someone else's property without permission. These arrests made the squatters very angry.
A Tragic Event
In 1809, the conflict became much more serious. A person named Paul Chadwick, who worked as a surveyor (someone who measures land), was sadly killed. Many believed this was an act of revenge by some of the squatters.
Arrests and a Stand-Off
After Paul Chadwick's death, seven of the squatters were arrested. They were held in the Malta jail. About seventy men, who supported the squatters, gathered around the jail. They wanted to free the arrested men.
Governor Sends Help
The Governor of the state, Levi Lincoln Sr., heard about the situation. He decided to send the militia to protect the jail. The militia were like local citizen soldiers. They came from nearby towns to help keep order.
No Battle, Just Tension
Even though many soldiers were sent, there was no actual fight. The militia stayed to defend the jail and its prisoners. There were many rumors and worries during this time. The soldiers remained for a while, and it cost the state about $11,000 to keep them there. This was a lot of money back then!
The End of the Conflict
After about six weeks, the arrested squatters went to trial. A trial is when a judge or jury decides if someone is guilty or innocent. In this case, the defendants were found not guilty. This decision helped to calm things down, and the Malta War finally ended.
