Why Was Maine Not One of the Original Thirteen Colonies?

The history of the United States is filled with tales of thirteen original colonies that played a significant role in its establishment and growth. However, the story of Maine is often overshadowed by these more prominent settlements.

Geographical and Political Reasons

At the time of the establishment of the original thirteen colonies, the area now known as Maine was largely unexplored and uninhabited by Europeans. It was seen as part of the larger claims made by the Massachusetts Bay Colony. This geographical and political situation meant that Maine was not initially recognized as a separate colony.

Integration into Massachusetts

In 1652, the region of Maine was officially incorporated into the Massachusetts Bay Colony. This decision tied Maine's governance and development closely to that of Massachusetts, which overshadowed any attempt at independent colonial development. This integration made it difficult for Maine to gain recognition as a separate entity.

Late Settlement and Economic Factors

Significant settlement in Maine only began in earnest in the late 17th century, several decades after the establishment of the original colonies. The first permanent settlement, York, was established in 1624. However, the economic factors also played a role in Maine's late development. The region's economy was based primarily on fishing, timber, and fur trading, which were less lucrative than the agricultural economies of the southern colonies.

This made Maine less attractive for early colonial investors and settlers. Economically, Maine was not as developed or dynamic as the southern colonies, which contributed to its delayed status as a separate colony.

Path to Statehood

Maine eventually gained its independence and became a state in 1820 as part of the Missouri Compromise. This agreement allowed Maine to enter the Union as a free state while Missouri entered as a slave state, maintaining a delicate balance between the two sides. Prior to this, Maine was not officially recognized as a separate state but remained a district under the governance of Massachusetts.

The Revolutionary War and Maine’s Involvement

Despite not being considered a separate colony during the early years of the American Revolution, Maine was deeply involved in the fight for independence. The Pine Tree State, as Maine would later be known, experienced its own share of revolutionary fervor and fighting. For instance, the burning of the British sloop HMS Margaretta in 1775 by residents of Machias is a significant event that underscores Maine's role in the Revolution.

However, in the annals of history textbooks, Maine's revolutionary story is often overshadowed by the well-documented events of the thirteen original colonies. This is why, when we read about the early days of the American colonies, Maine is often left out of the narrative.

Nevertheless, the story of Maine's path to statehood is a tale of perseverance and resilience. Its journey from an unexplored frontier to a fully integrated state is a testament to the strength and determination of early American settlers.