Fort Kent

(Fort Kent, Maine)

French Acadians, deported by the English from Nova Scotia, fled up the St. John River to escape from the British. British ships were unable to navigate the St. John's enormous waterfalls, so the Acadians were free to establish settlements on both sides of the river. Many people were lured further up the area, because of the rich timberland. The area is now Fort Kent.

A border dispute arose in 1839 between Maine and New Brunswick over the U.S./Canadian boundary line. The area became Fort Kent when a blockhouse was constructed in 1840 and named in honor of Maine Governor Edward Kent.

After the fort was built, troops were dispatched to guard the fort and the area's thriving lumber interests. No battles were ever fought. The border dispute became known as the "Bloodless Aroostook War." Legend has it that the only casualty was a cow shot by mistake. The Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842 established the current boundary and ended the hostilities.

The Boy Scouts maintain the restored blockhouse, which is now a National Historic Site.

Visitor Information: Open Memorial Day - Labor Day.