In partnership with the Maine Memory Network Maine Memory Network

Maine History Online

Maine History Online

A Maine Historical Society Website

Header Graphic

Prisoners of War

Prisoner of war picking potatoes, Houlton, 1945

Prisoner of war picking potatoes, Houlton, 1945

Item 13563 info
Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum

Once the U.S. entered the war, the base became available for other purposes.

About 3,000 German POWs were sent to the camp. They ranged in age from 15 to mid 30s.

With most of the able-bodied American men off to the war, the farms and other businesses of Aroostook County suffered labor shortages.