In the war of 1812, although it was unpopular with her people, Maine shirked no responsibility. It is said that more soldiers were enlisted in the District of Maine, in proportion to it population, than in any of the states. The whole number of militia, ever ready to march, amounted to twenty-one thousand one hundred and twenty-one men.

During the first two years of the war Maine was not actually invaded by the enemy, though often menaced. During the summer of 1814, however, the towns of Castine, Belfast, Bangor and Hampden were captured and plundered by a strong British force. The region between Passamaquoddy Bay and the Penobscot River passed under the control of the British. Castine was made the port of entry and a custom-house was open at Hampden.

A naval engagement off the coast near Portland on September 5, 1814, in which the American brig "The Enterprise" captured the British brig "The Boxer" is probably the most noteworthy battle in which Maine men participated.

MEGenWeb Project War of 1812 resources:

Source(s) for narrative on this page: The Maine Book, by Henry E. Dunnack, Librarian of Maine State Library. Augusta, Maine 1920. pages 3-8.

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State Coordinator ~ Tina S. Vickery. SPECIAL NOTE: Tina Vickery is ill at this time and Betsy Mills will be serving as a temporary contact until she is able to return. Special thanks to David Colby Young, Maine's previous State Coordinator.