Contributed by Acadian Archives
Description
The caption on the back reads, "Constructed in 1839 as a fortification during the Northeast Boundary Dispute between Maine and New Brunswick. Controversy settled by the Webster-Ashburton Treaty [1842]. Fort and grounds opened daily to the public."
The blockhouse fell out of military commission after the boundary dispute and was briefly a private residence. As related MMN items indicate, it became a park in the 1950s and it is now maintained by Fort Kent's Boy Scout Troop 189 in collaboration with the State of Maine. Surviving the floods and fires that have occasionally plagued Fort Kent, this blockhouse is the only military structure in the St. John Valley that dates from the time of the Aroostook War. The blockhouses in Edmundston (Fortin du Petit-Sault) and in Fort Fairfield are reproductions.
The back of the postcard credits the photograph to Fred Bush. Another card credited to Bush in this collection is dated 1979; this one bears no date. Eastern Illustrating, located in Tenants Harbor, Maine, published the card.
About This Item
- Title: Blockhouse, Fort Kent, ca. 1979
- Creator: Eastern Illustrating Company
- Creation Date: circa 1979
- Subject Date: circa 1979
- Location: Fort Kent, Aroostook County, ME
- Media: Photographic postcard
- Dimensions: 9.0 cm x 14.0 cm
- Local Code: MCC-00461
- Collection: Jean Paul Michaud Collection II
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Aroostook War, 1839
- Fort Kent (Me.)--History
- Fortification--Maine--Fort Kent
- Webster-Ashburton Treaty (1842 August 9)
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Acadian ArchivesUMFK, 23 University Drive, Fort Kent, ME 04743
(207) 834-7535
Website
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.
More to Consider
Item 10024
Fort Kent Blockhouse, ca. 1900
Item 10115
Fort Kent Block House, 1910
Item 31460
Block house, Fort Kent, 1911
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