Editor’s note: The following article is a synopsis written by staff members and volunteers of the Cary Public Library highlighting one of the suggested reading books, as determined by their staff.
A few weeks ago a prolific historical writer and researcher from Canada spoke to interested people about the “Aroostook War of 1839.” He autographed his book by the same name for the library and for those who purchased it.
His book is a unique perspective to Houlton history buffs as it is written by “the other side” of the conflict. Readers are introduced to a well-researched time line of both sides (and some middle men!) and explain why the “War” was so long a political conflict between so many factions.
With communications spinning from Great Britian, France, Spain and the U.S. (involving both Massachusetts and Washington D.C.), it is a wonder an agreement without war was achieved.
Although there was little actual battling, there were many men trooping up and down various routes in Maine and Canada who were poised to do battle in several areas. And remember a road needed building, food and supplies transported at great effort. Just imagine the heat, mud, mosquitoes, black flies and no rest stops.
Rivers played a large part in the negotiations, as did certain ‘highlands’ and commercial interests in timber harvesting. Interesting, as the through-Maine highway to Quebec tends to raise the ire of both pros and cons.
Let’s just hope no barracks are needed with the current controversy. A good book to remind us of the efforts which gave us our advantages.
The Cary Public Library is open Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 532-1302.
