How Maine Became a State

Maine is a beautiful state located in the northeastern corner of the United States. It is known for its rocky coastline, lighthouses, and seafood. Maine was originally part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, but it was eventually granted statehood in 1820.

Pre-Statehood History

Maine’s early inhabitants

Maine has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of Paleo-Indian cultures dating back to at least 9,000 BCE. The first known inhabitants of the area were the Abenaki, a Native American tribe that lived in the region for centuries before European settlers arrived. The Abenaki were a semi-nomadic people who lived off the land, hunting, fishing, and gathering wild plants for food. They also traded with other Native American tribes and with the French and English colonists who began to settle in Maine in the early 1600s.

Maine’s colonial history

Maine was initially part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, which was established by the English in 1620. In 1652, the Massachusetts General Court granted a charter to the Province of Maine, which was then a part of Massachusetts. During the colonial period, Maine was an important source of timber and fish for the Massachusetts Bay Colony. In the late 1700s, Maine was the site of several battles during the American Revolution, including the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Battle of Yorktown. After the Revolution, Maine remained part of Massachusetts until 1820, when it became a separate state.

The Road to Statehood

The separation of Maine from Massachusetts

In 1819, the people of Maine voted to separate from Massachusetts and become their own state. This was a result of a long-standing dispute between the two states over the border between them. The border dispute had been ongoing since the original Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded in 1620. The people of Maine wanted to be their own state and have the ability to make their own laws and govern themselves. This was a major step in the process of Maine becoming a state.

The Maine Constitution

In 1819, the people of Maine began to draft their own state constitution. This document outlined the structure of the state government and the rights of the citizens of Maine. It also established the three branches of government: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This document was ratified by the people of Maine in 1820 and became the foundation of the state government.

The Compromise of 1820

The Compromise of 1820 was an agreement between Maine and Massachusetts that allowed Maine to become a state. The agreement was that Maine would become a state, but Massachusetts would retain control over the disputed border between the two states. This compromise was accepted by both states and was the final step in the process of Maine becoming a state. On March 15, 1820, Maine officially became the 23rd state in the United States of America.

Maine Becomes a State

Maine’s Admission to the Union

Maine's admission to the Union was a long and drawn out process. It began in 1819 when Maine petitioned to become a state, separate from Massachusetts. The petition was approved by the Massachusetts legislature and a convention was held in Portland to draft a state constitution. The constitution was approved by the people of Maine in a referendum and submitted to Congress for approval. Congress debated the issue for several months, but ultimately approved Maine's admission to the Union on March 15th, 1820. This made Maine the 23rd state in the Union.

The Celebration of Maine’s Statehood

The people of Maine celebrated their statehood with great enthusiasm. On March 16th, 1820, a parade was held in Portland to commemorate the occasion. The parade featured a large procession of floats and banners, and the people of Maine cheered and sang as the parade passed by. After the parade, a large banquet was held in the city hall, where speeches were made in honor of Maine's statehood. Later that evening, fireworks were set off in the harbor, and the people of Maine celebrated until the early hours of the morning. The celebration of Maine's statehood was a momentous occasion, and it was remembered fondly by the people of Maine for many years to come.