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Before settlement by the Europeans, Maine was home to several indigenous tribes, including the Micmacs and the Abnakis. When Europeans first explored the Maine coastline is heavily disputed, but the area was first settled by the Plymouth Company in 1607. Permanent English settlements began to appear as early as the 1620s.
Settlement in this new area was a difficult affair. Winters were harsh, Native American raids and threats were numerous and taxation was high, leading many colonies to disperse. The land itself was a matter of great contention between the French and British until 1763, when the Treaty of Paris solidified English governance of the land. Only a decade later, this governance was challenged and the Revolutionary War began. The settlers actively defended their land and won their independence from Britain, though at the cost of around 1,000 lives.
The population, thereafter ruled from Boston, fought for statehood and self-governance and achieved it in 1820, when Maine became the 23rd state of the union. A rapid population explosion had occured and by the time it was awarded statehood, Maine had more than 300,000 inhabitants.
Rapid population growth dictated rapid economic growth and several industries began to flourish. Lumber, fishing and farming had become dominant industries and were followed by a boom in granite and lime quarries, leather and textiles. Industrial growth led to a decrease in agriculture, as small family farms were replaced with larger potato and dairy farms. Hydroelectric energy became an important industry by the beginning of the 20th century. Since the Great Depression, the majority of Maine’s economy has become a balance between the use of natural resources, such as fishing, and smaller manufacturing enterprises. High technology has become important in the last few decades.
Historically a Republican stronghold, Maine had two great causes: the temperance movement and the abolition of slavery. The Maine Law, passed in 1851, prohibited the manufacture or sale of liquor. This conservative law remained in effect for more than 80 years. Maine fought with the Union during the Civil War and was home to numerous active abolitionist societies. This unique northern state has since become a leader in the independent movement.
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