Aroostook War
The Aroostook War, often referred to as the Bloodless War or the Pork and Beans War, is frequently overlooked in the history of Maine. This conflict began in February 1839 and lasted just over a month. It arose from a long-standing dispute over the international boundary between the United States and the Canadian provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick.
The origins of this dispute can be traced back to the end of the Revolutionary War with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783 which established questionable boundary lines in the northern part of what’s now Maine. The quality and value of the pine stands in that area led to tensions around who had timbering rights on it. The situation peaked in 1838 when lumberjacks from both sides of the border were caught cutting timber on disputed land and troops were called in on both sides to maintain order.
The US and British governments agreed to establish a definitive boundary in March of 1839 and after several years of surveying and discussions, the Webster-Ashburton Treaty was signed in 1842, clearly defining the international boundary.
The US and British governments agreed to establish a definitive boundary in March of 1839 and after several years of surveying and discussions, the Webster-Ashburton Treaty was signed in 1842, clearly defining the international boundary.