College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

This illustrated presentation by Liam Riordan explores the long statehood process in Maine, which culminated in 1820, with formal separation from Massachusetts. That struggle engaged a range of challenging public issues that are still recognizable in contemporary Maine politics and culture.  The talk focusses on four themes that bridge 200 years in telling ways: the “two Maines” and sharp partisan conflict, the explosive place of slavery vis-a-vis the Maine-Missouri Compromise, Wabanaki sovereignty, and the uncertain location of the international border to at least 1842. Professor Riordan is planning a scholarly conference (that will be open to the public) in Orono and Augusta in early June 2019. For more information about the bicentennial of the state of Maine, please visit: umaine.edu/mhc/me-bicentennial