-
Use Cases
-
Resources
-
Pricing
History of Maine Timeline
(c. 11,000 BCE – Present)Maine's history spans thousands of years, beginning with the Wabanaki peoples, followed by French and English colonization, its role in colonial wars, and eventual separation from Massachusetts to become the 23rd U.S. state in 1820. The state later developed major industries in shipbuilding, lumber, fishing, and paper manufacturing. More Less
Indigenous and Early Exploration
Wabanaki peoples establish communities in Maine
3000 BC
The ancestors of the Abenaki, Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot peoples established seasonal and permanent settlements throughout Maine. They developed fishing, farming, hunting, and trade networks along the state's rivers and coast, forming part of the broader Wabanaki Confederacy.
Image source: Wabanaki Confederacy
John Cabot possibly sights Maine coast
Jun 1497
Italian explorer John Cabot, sailing under the English flag, likely became the first European to sight or land on the coast of Maine during his voyage to North America. His expedition opened the region to European fishing fleets in subsequent decades.
Image source: John Cabot
Estêvão Gomes explores Maine coast
1524
Portuguese navigator Estêvão Gomes mapped much of the New England coast, including Maine, while searching for a northwest passage for Spain. His detailed charts encouraged later French and English interest in the region's fisheries and furs.
Image source: Estêvão Gomes
Colonial Era
Samuel de Champlain explores Maine coast
1604
French explorer Samuel de Champlain surveyed the Maine coastline, including Mount Desert Island and the Penobscot Bay area, as part of his efforts to establish New France. His voyages produced some of the earliest accurate maps of the Maine coast.
Image source: Samuel de Champlain
Popham Colony founded at Sagadahoc
Aug 1607
The Popham Colony, established by English colonists at the mouth of the Kennebec River, was one of the earliest English settlement attempts in North America. Harsh winter conditions, internal disputes, and the death of its leader led to its abandonment within about a year.
Image source: Popham Colony
Virginia of Sagadahoc built
1608
Colonists at the Popham Colony constructed the Virginia of Sagadahoc, the first ocean-going vessel built by English settlers in North America. The ship carried surviving colonists back to England when the colony was abandoned.
First permanent English settlement at Kittery
1623
English settlers established the first lasting settlement in Maine at Kittery, near the Piscataqua River. The town grew into a center of shipbuilding and lumber production and remains Maine's oldest incorporated town.
Image source: Kittery, Maine
Province of Maine granted to Ferdinando Gorges
1639
King Charles I granted Ferdinando Gorges a royal patent making him proprietor of the Province of Maine. Gorges organized colonial government in the region before it was absorbed by the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 1650s.
Image source: Province of Maine
Massachusetts Bay Colony absorbs Maine
1652 - 1658
The Massachusetts Bay Colony extended its jurisdiction over Maine's settlements between roughly 1652 and 1658, incorporating towns such as Kittery and York. Maine remained under Massachusetts control until it achieved statehood nearly two centuries later.
Image source: Maine
King Philip's War devastates Maine settlements
1675 - 1678
During King Philip's War, Wabanaki forces allied with other tribes attacked English settlements across Maine, destroying many frontier towns. The conflict began decades of intermittent warfare that repeatedly devastated Maine's colonial population.
Image source: King Philip's War
Key Facts
- The Wabanaki Confederacy, including the Abenaki, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, and Micmac peoples, inhabited Maine for thousands of years before European contact.
- The first European settlement was established at Popham Colony in 1607, though it was abandoned within a year.
- Maine was part of Massachusetts from 1652 (officially 1691) until it gained statehood as a free state under the Missouri Compromise on March 15, 1820.
- Maine became the 23rd state admitted to the Union, with Augusta serving as its capital.
- In the late 19th century, Maine became a leading center of American shipbuilding, papermaking, and textile production.
Source
This History of Maine timeline was generated with the help of AI, using information found on the internet.
We work hard to keep these timelines accurate, but mistakes do get through. If you spot one, email us at [email protected] and we'll fix it for future visitors.
Want a timeline like this one?
Generate yours with AI or build it from scratch, for free.