Maine - The 23rd State (The Development)

Maine’s economy prospered in the 1840’s, due in part to the emerging cotton and woolen textile industries.  At the same time, many residents committed themselves to the reform movements sweeping the country.  In 1846, Maine became the first state to pass a prohibition law.  Celebrated abolitionist and Brunswick resident Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote the anti-slavery book Uncle Tom’s Cabin that was published in 1852.  About 73,000 Maine residents fought for the Union in the Civil War.

In addition to timber, Maine became a leading manufacturer of paper in the late 19^th century.  Having changed from wooden to iron and steel ships, Maine’s shipbuilding capability was vital to America’s efforts in World War I and World War II.

Although the paper and timber industries flourished after World War II, foreign competition and out-of-state labor eroded Maine’s manufacturing base starting in the 1960’s.  To counter the loss of jobs and revenue, Maine encouraged tourism and attracted service industries.  From 1970 to 1980 the state experienced a population growth that exceeded the national average.

At the beginning of the 21^st century, tourists flocked to quaint towns such as Bar Harbor, and Kennebunkport along the Atlantic coast.  Other attractions included Acadia National Park, Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park, Allagash Wilderness Waterway, the Sebago Lake region, and coastal forts dating from the 1690’s.