Overview

The history of the Revolution in Maine is the story of a people who did not really want a revolution--at least at first. Since the middle of the seventeenth century, the powerful Massachusetts Bay Colony had exercised an increasing hegemony over the settlements downeast--a hegemony legalized in the Massachusetts royal charter of 1691. From then until 1820, when it became a state, Maine remained an integral part of Massachusetts. Geographically isolated from the Bay Colony by the province of New Hampshire, and dependent on Massachusetts for its very existence, Maine was indeed a colony, in every sense of the word. The larger Massachusetts context has tended to obscure Maine as a legitimate object of study, nowhere more than in the period of the American Revolution. Even historians in Maine have slighted the period of the American Revolution. Where appropriate, town historians devote a chapter or so to the event, but only in the context of a particular community. In his book, Leamon aims to meet that deficiency by drawing together town and general histories, specialized studies, and primary sources, both published and unpublished. He examines why and how Maine fought the Revolution and the changes that occurred in Maine during and after the war.

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9780870239595

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Reviews

A valuable addition to the state's historic record, Revolution Downeast sheds welcome light on Maine's role in the birth of a nation.--Down East Magazine Although Leamon has a sobering tale to tell, he narrates it so lucidly, concisely, and vividly that Revolution Downeast is a compelling read. Leamon brings an impressive clarity to his narration of the war's diverse and often chaotic events, interweaving the social, political, cultural and the military into a compelling picture.--New England Quarterly A useful, well-cited exploration of Maine as an entity tied to Massachusetts. . . . This well-written work flows through the Stamp Act crises, the onset of revolution, military activity, British occupation, and the efforts toward statehood without being cumbersome. Of particular interest is the constant reference to trading with the enemy permitted by both sides and the importance of the naval-oriented timber trade.--Choice

A valuable addition to the state's historic record, Revolution Downeast sheds welcome light on Maine's role in the birth of a nation.--Down East Magazine Although Leamon has a sobering tale to tell, he narrates it so lucidly, concisely, and vividly that Revolution Downeast is a compelling read. Leamon brings an impressive clarity to his narration of the war's diverse and often chaotic events, interweaving the social, political, cultural and the military into a compelling picture.--New England Quarterly A useful, well-cited exploration of Maine as an entity tied to Massachusetts. . . . This well-written work flows through the Stamp Act crises, the onset of revolution, military activity, British occupation, and the efforts toward statehood without being cumbersome. Of particular interest is the constant reference to trading with the enemy permitted by both sides and the importance of the naval-oriented timber trade.--Choice

Author Information

James S. Leamon is professor of history emeritus at Bates College and author of Revolution Downeast: The War for American Independence in Maine (University of Massachusetts Press).

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