Maine Memory Network

Contributed by Acadian Archives

• MMN #149629
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Description

The international bridge in Van Buren opened to traffic in 1911. The customs house (or toll house) appearing in this photograph may date from that time.

For generations, Valley residents on both sides of the St. John River had crossed on the ice or on ferries. The construction of bridges in Van Buren, Madawaska, and Fort Kent in the twentieth century coincided with the development of the border patrol and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. By forcing traffic to specific crossing points, bridges helped customs officers and other officials monitor traffic along the border. Still, "going across" remained fluid and subject to few restrictions until the aftermath of September 11, 2001.

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About This Item

• Title: Van Buren port of entry, 1965
• Creator: Frank R. Soeder
• Creation Date: 1965
• Subject Date: 1965
• Location: Van Buren, Aroostook County, ME
• Media: Film transparency
• Dimensions: 2.0 cm x 2.0 cm
• Local Code: MCC-00422
• Collection: Frank Soeder Border Patrol Collection
• Object Type: Image

Cross Reference Searches

Standardized Subject Headings

• Bridges--Maine--Van Buren
• Customhouses--Maine--Van Buren
• Saint John River (Me. and N.B.)

Other Keywords

• Canada-U.S. border
• Customs
• Ports of entry
• St. John River

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Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.

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More to Consider

Item 20432

St. John River in Van Buren, ca. 1920

Item 31455

International Bridge, Van Buren, ca. 1920

Item 149628

Madawaska port of entry, 1947

Item 149662

International border, Fort Fairfield, ca. 1930

Item 155280

International bridge, Van Buren, ca. 1911

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