National Register of Historic Places listings in Aroostook County, Maine facts for kids
Welcome to Aroostook County, Maine! This area is home to many special places that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This register is like a national list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its historical value and efforts are made to protect it.
Aroostook County has 59 properties and districts on this important list. One of them, Fort Kent, is even a National Historic Landmark, which is the highest honor a historic place can receive in the United States! Some places that were once on the list have since been removed, often because they were damaged or torn down. Let's explore some of these amazing historic sites.
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Exploring Aroostook's Historic Places
Aroostook County is full of history, from early settlements to important community buildings. Each place on the National Register tells a unique story about the people and events that shaped this part of Maine. Protecting these sites helps us learn about the past and understand how our communities grew.
Fort Kent: A National Historic Landmark
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One of the most important historic sites in Aroostook County is Fort Kent. It's located where the Fish River meets the St. John River. This fort was built in 1839 during a disagreement with Great Britain over the border between Maine and Canada. This event was called the "Aroostook War," though thankfully, no actual battles were fought. The fort helped protect American interests in the area. Today, it stands as a reminder of this peaceful resolution and is a National Historic Landmark.
Historic Buildings and Homes
Many of the places on the list are old buildings that show us how people lived and worked long ago.
Acadian Village Museum
North of Van Buren, you'll find the Acadian Historic Buildings at the Acadian Village Museum. These buildings give us a peek into the lives of the Acadian people who settled in this region. They show how early settlers built their homes and communities.
Acadian Landing Site
Near Madawaska, along the St. John River, is the Acadian Landing Site. This spot marks where many Acadian families first arrived in the area. They were looking for new homes after being forced to leave their lands in Nova Scotia. It's a very important place for understanding the history of the Acadian culture in Maine.
Old Town Halls and Libraries
Public buildings also hold a lot of history. The Aroostook County Courthouse and Jail in Houlton, built on Court Street, is a great example of historic government buildings. The Bridgewater Town Hall and Jail on U.S. Route 1 also served as important community centers.
Libraries are often historic too! The Cary Library in Houlton and the Fort Fairfield Public Library are both on the list. These buildings have been places of learning and gathering for many years. The Fort Fairfield library is a "Carnegie Library," meaning it was built with money from famous businessman Andrew Carnegie.
Churches and Granges
Churches and granges (community halls for farmers) are also important historic sites. The Gustaf Adolph Lutheran Church in New Sweden shows the heritage of Swedish immigrants in the area. The Maple Grove Friends Church in Fort Fairfield and St. David Catholic Church in Madawaska also represent the spiritual life of early communities.
Granges like the Monticello Grange No. 338 and Oakfield Grange No. 414 were vital social hubs. Farmers and their families would meet there for events, education, and community support.
Historic Districts
Sometimes, it's not just one building that's historic, but a whole group of buildings or an area. These are called "historic districts."
Market Square Historic District
In Houlton, the Market Square Historic District includes Market Square and parts of Main, Water, and Court Streets. This area was the heart of commerce and community life for a long time. Walking through it can feel like stepping back in time!
Donovan-Hussey Farms Historic District
The Donovan-Hussey Farms Historic District in Houlton shows us how farming was done in the past. These farms are important examples of agricultural history in Aroostook County.
Other Unique Sites
Watson Settlement Bridge
The Watson Settlement Bridge, located southeast of Littleton, is a historic covered bridge. Covered bridges are special because they protect the wooden structure of the bridge from the weather, helping them last longer. This bridge crosses the Meduxnekeag River and is a beautiful piece of engineering from the past.
U.S. Inspection Stations
Several U.S. Inspection Stations, like those in Fort Fairfield, Limestone, and Orient, are also on the list. These buildings were used for border control and customs, showing the history of trade and travel between the U.S. and Canada.
Images for kids
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VanBurenME AcadianLandingCross.jpg
The cross marking the Acadian Landing Site
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Cary Library in Houlton
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Fort Fairfield Public Library
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Fort Kent Railroad Station
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Governor Brann School, now Cyr Plantation's town hall
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Gray Memorial United Methodist Church and Parsonage
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Gustaf Adolph Lutheran Church
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Island Falls Opera House
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Isaie and Scholastique Martin House
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Oakfield Grange No. 414
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Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church
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Blackhawk Putnam Tavern
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Philo Reed House
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St. David Catholic Church
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William Sewall House
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Unitarian Church of Houlton
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U.S. Inspection Station-Fort Fairfield
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U.S. Inspection Station-Orient
