Fort Kent, Maine & the Aroostook War – Legends of America
Nestled in the northernmost reaches of Maine, where the Saint John and Fish Rivers converge, lies Fort Kent, a testament to a bygone era of border disputes and simmering tensions between the United States and Great Britain. This historic site, a Maine state park today, stands as a silent sentinel, a tangible reminder of the Aroostook War, a conflict often dubbed the "Pork and Beans War." This bloodless confrontation, fought not with bullets but with axes and rhetoric, unfolded in 1838 and 1839, born from a disagreement over the precise location of the international boundary separating New Brunswick, Canada, from the state of Maine.
The seeds of discord were sown long before the first tree was felled in anger. The Treaty of Paris in 1783, which officially ended the American Revolution, left the demarcation of the northeastern border ambiguous. While the Jay Treaty of 1797 resolved much of the eastern boundary, the upper reaches remained a contentious issue. As settlers from both sides of the border began to populate and develop the area, each seeking to solidify their claims, the underlying tensions gradually escalated. By the 1820s, authorities from both governments were actively working against each other’s settlers and agents, setting the stage for a potential conflict.
As the recurring dispute dragged on, the specter of war loomed large. In anticipation of potential hostilities, a series of fortifications were erected along the southern banks of the Saint John River. It was against this backdrop that Fort Kent came into being. In 1838, a Maine Civil Posse, initially under the command of Captain Nye and later Captain Stover Rines, established a blockhouse at the strategic confluence of the Saint John and Fish Rivers. This two-story structure, a symbol of American resolve, measured a modest 23.5 feet square. However, its sturdy construction spoke volumes. Built from squared cedar timbers, some a substantial 19 inches thick, and resting on a foundation of shale rock, the blockhouse was designed to withstand potential attacks. A unique feature of the design was the second story, which overhung the first by 15 inches on each side, providing defenders with a better vantage point and field of fire. Adding to its defensive capabilities, a powder magazine was incorporated into the base of the structure.
The year 1839 marked a turning point in the escalating tensions. The arrest of a US government agent in New Brunswick prompted the United States Congress to authorize the deployment of 50,000 federal troops to northern Maine. The arrival of these troops signaled a shift in the scale and intensity of the American response. The civil posse garrison was replaced by seasoned U.S. soldiers under the command of Captain John Winder. Under his direction, the original blockhouse was expanded to include barracks, officers’ quarters, and other essential buildings, transforming it into a more substantial military installation. In recognition of his role in the conflict, the fort was named in honor of Maine Governor Edward Kent.
As the military buildup continued, the situation teetered on the brink of open warfare. It was at this critical juncture that General Winfield Scott, a highly respected military figure, was dispatched to the region with the authority to negotiate a peaceful resolution. Scott’s arrival proved to be a turning point. Leveraging an existing friendship with New Brunswick Lieutenant Governor John Harvey, he skillfully de-escalated tensions and fostered an environment conducive to diplomacy. Their efforts paved the way for the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, which was successfully negotiated and signed in 1842. This landmark agreement finally resolved the border dispute, bringing an end to the long-standing conflict.
With the crisis averted and the border issue settled, the need for a large military presence diminished. In 1843, U.S. troops were withdrawn from Fort Kent, and the post was deactivated. The fort was officially abandoned in September 1845, its purpose served without ever having witnessed military action.
In 1857, the State of Maine acquired the property with the intention of establishing a park. However, these plans never materialized, and in 1858, the land was sold to a private individual. It wasn’t until 1891 that the property was returned to state ownership. Unfortunately, the fort suffered from neglect in the intervening years. It wasn’t until 1959 that concerted preservation efforts began, aimed at restoring and preserving this important piece of history. Over time, all of the structures except for the original blockhouse had deteriorated or been removed. Recognizing its historical significance, Fort Kent was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and further recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1973.
Today, the Fort Kent State Historic Site stands as a testament to the enduring power of history. The original log blockhouse, a tangible link to the Aroostook War, remains the only surviving American fortification built during those tense border years.
During the summer months, the blockhouse is open to visitors, offering a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers and civilians who once inhabited this remote outpost. Maintained by the Fort Kent Historical Society as a museum, the blockhouse serves as a repository of artifacts and stories, preserving the memory of the Aroostook War and the people who shaped its course. Admission to the site is free, although donations are gratefully accepted, ensuring that this important piece of history is preserved for generations to come.