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Maine Acadian Culture panoramic view of river
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Maine Acadian Culture
Fort Kent Blockhouse
Fort Kent Blockhouse

Fort Kent Blockhouse

Memorial Day to Labor Day: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Admission is free; donations are accepted.

The Fort Kent Blockhouse is located at the confluence of the Fish River and the St. John River in Fort Kent, Maine. The blockhouse is the only fortification relating to the "Bloodless" Aroostook War of 1838-1839, and the border dispute between Great Britain and the United States. The signing of the Webster-Ashburton Treaty in 1842 settled the boundary dispute between Maine and New Brunswick and reduced the need for a fort, although federal troops remained there until 1845 to protect Maine’s and the United States’ interests in the region.

The blockhouse is a two-story structure. Its walls are built of square-hewn cedar logs, some of which measure over 19 inches in width. It is an excellent example of early 19th-century military architecture.

The blockhouse serves as a museum and is maintained by local Eagle Scouts in cooperation with the Bureau of Parks and Recreation, Maine Department of Conservation. The state-owned blockhouse is on the National Register of Historic Places as well as being a National Historic Landmark.

 
blockhouse

Fort Kent Blockhouse (2 Photos)

Images of the blockhouse
little red schoolhouse

Governor Brann Schoolhouse (2 Photos)

Images of the well-restored little red schoolhouse.
red log cabin

Acadian Landing and Tante Blanche (7 Photos)

Home to the Madawaska Historical Society, this site was the first museum in the St. John Valley.
Acadian Village Historical Site sign

Acadian Village (9 Photos)

A selection of images from the Acadian Village Historical Site, Van Buren
vaulted cathedral ceiling

Musée Culturel du Mont-Carmel (5 Photos)

Historical treasure located in the St. John Valley
woman at weaving loom

Fort Kent Railroad Station (3 Photos)

Images of the Fort Kent Historical Society Museum and the station.
two buildings and path

St. Agathe Museum House (5 Photos)

Ligorie Marquis House and Cutural Preservation Center
turntable sign

B&A Railroad Turntable (4 Photos)

The St. Francis Historical Society preserves the site of the last stop on the B&A line.
green water tower

Frenchville Caboose and Water Tower (3 Photos)

These essential stops along the railroad have been preserved by the Frenchville Historical Society.
red building

Allagash (4 Photos)

Artifacts from the Allagash Historical Society Museum and scenery of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway

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Former Mont Carmel Church in Lille, Maine

Did You Know?
French language, family, religion, and attachment to the land and waterways of the Upper St. John Valley are key identifiers of Maine Acadian identity.
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Last Updated: August 01, 2008 at 14:49 MST