Maine Memory Network

Prentiss Mellen to William King regarding the Missouri Compromise, Washington, DC, 1820

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1820-01-25 Location: Washington; Boston Media: Ink on paper

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Senator Holmes justifying vote for the Missouri Compromise, 1820

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1820-04-10 Location: Washington Media: Ink on paper

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Slavery's Defenders and Foes

Mainers, like residents of other states, had differing views about slavery and abolition in the early to mid decades of the 19th century. Religion and economic factors were among the considerations in determining people's leanings.

State of Mind: Becoming Maine

The history of the region now known as Maine did not begin at statehood in 1820. What was Maine before it was a state? How did Maine separate from Massachusetts? How has the Maine we experience today been shaped by thousands of years of history?

Maine's Road to Statehood - The Missouri Compromise: A Moral Dilemma

"… [33] For a thorough analysis of the Missouri Compromise, Maine’s position within the compromise, as well as the tumult that came of it, see Mason…"

Maine's Road to Statehood - Overview: Road to Statehood

"… Historical Society Many know that the Missouri Compromise brought Maine into the Union as a free state in 1820, allowing politicians in Washington…"

A Note from a Maine-American
by William Dow Turner

With 7 generations before statehood, and 5 generations since, Maine DNA carries on.

Maine Statehood and the Missouri Compromise

Grade Level: 9-12 Content Area: Social Studies
Using primary sources, students will explore the arguments for and against Maine statehood and the Missouri Compromise, and the far-reaching implications of Maine statehood and the Missouri Compromise such as the preservation and spread of slavery in the United States. Students will gather evidence and arguments to debate the statement: The Missouri Compromise was deeply flawed and ultimately did more harm to the Union than good.

Becoming Maine: The Votes for Statehood

Grade Level: 3-5 Content Area: Social Studies
Maine became a state in 1820 after separating from Massachusetts, but the call for statehood had begun long before the final vote. Why did it take so long? Was 1820 the right time? In this lesson, students will begin to place where Maine’s statehood fits into the broader narrative of 18th and 19th century American political history. They will have the opportunity to cast their own Missouri Compromise vote after learning about Maine’s long road to statehood.