Aroostook County, Maine is located in the northernmost part of the state and covers an area of 6,828 square miles. It is bordered by Canada to the north and east, New Brunswick to the east and south, and Quebec to the northeast. The county is divided into two parts by the Saint John River which runs along its western border.
The geography of Aroostook County consists of rolling hills, low mountains, and extensive forests. The majority of the county is covered in dense boreal forest with some areas featuring mixed deciduous forests as well. In addition to forests, there are several rivers and lakes throughout Aroostook County that provide recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating.
The climate in Aroostook County is classified as a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from -2°F in January to 70°F in July with average snowfall ranging from 30 inches in January to 2 inches in July. Precipitation levels are fairly consistent throughout the year with an average of around 2-3 inches per month.
Aroostook County has a population of approximately 73,000 people who live mainly in small towns scattered throughout the region. The largest city is Presque Isle which has a population of just over 10,000 people while other notable cities include Caribou (population 8,000), Fort Fairfield (population 4,500), Houlton (population 3,500) and Limestone (population 1,200).
Overall Aroostook County offers a unique combination of natural beauty and recreation opportunities combined with small-town charm that makes it an attractive place for those looking for a rural lifestyle or outdoor adventure.
Country seat and other main cities of Aroostook County, Maine
The county seat of Aroostook County, Maine is Houlton. The town was established in 1805 and is located in the southern part of the county. It has a population of just over 3,500 people and is home to the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Houlton serves as the economic and cultural center for the region with a variety of businesses ranging from retail stores to medical facilities. The town also features several historic sites such as Fort Fairfield and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians Museum which offers visitors a glimpse into the area’s rich history.
According to Countryaah, the largest city in Aroostook County is Presque Isle with a population of just over 10,000 people. Located near the northern border, Presque Isle is home to Northern Maine Community College and serves as an important economic hub for Aroostook County. The city features several restaurants, shopping centers, and other amenities that make it an attractive destination for tourists or those looking for a small-town atmosphere with plenty of amenities nearby.
Limestone is another major city located in Aroostook County with a population of about 1,200 people. Located near the Canadian border, Limestone has become an important center for commerce due to its proximity to Canada as well as its access to Interstate 95 which runs through town. In addition to its commercial appeal, Limestone also features several parks and recreational activities such as hiking trails, golf courses, and snowmobiling trails that make it an attractive destination year-round.
Fort Fairfield is another notable city located in Aroostook County with a population of about 4,500 people. Home to Northern Maine Medical Center hospital and several other medical facilities, Fort Fairfield serves as an important center for healthcare services in northern Maine while also providing visitors with access to outdoor recreation such as fishing on the nearby streams or exploring one of several nearby state parks like Big Rock Mountain State Park or Caribou Bog State Park.
History of Aroostook County, Maine
Aroostook County, Maine is a county located in the northern part of the state and is the largest county in the state. It was established in 1839 and named after the Aroostook River which flows through it. The county is largely rural with a population of approximately 70,000 people and covers an area of 6,828 square miles.
Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by several Native American tribes including the Maliseet and Abenaki. The French were the first Europeans to settle in Aroostook County, establishing trading posts along rivers such as the Saint John River and Penobscot River. The Treaty of Paris in 1763 gave control of Aroostook County to Great Britain but after gaining independence from Britain, Maine became part of Massachusetts until 1820 when it became its own state.
The early settlers to Aroostook County were mainly farmers who grew potatoes on small family farms. By 1850, potato production had become so successful that Aroostook County became known as “the Potato Capital of the World” due to its high yields and quality potatoes. In addition to potatoes, lumbering also played an important role in Aroostook’s economy with sawmills being established throughout the county.
During World War II, Fort Fairfield was used as a prisoner-of-war camp for German soldiers who had been captured during battles overseas. After World War II ended, many soldiers returned home and began farming potatoes once again while others moved into other industries such as manufacturing or tourism which helped boost economic growth in Aroostook County over time.
Today, while potato farming still plays an important role in Aroostook’s economy it has since been surpassed by other industries such as health care services, retail stores, manufacturing companies and tourism which have all contributed to economic growth over time making Aroostook one of Maine’s most prosperous counties today.
Economy of Aroostook County, Maine
Aroostook County, Maine is a largely rural county located in the northern part of the state. Established in 1839, the county has a population of approximately 70,000 people and covers an area of 6,828 square miles. The economy of Aroostook County has evolved over time from its traditional roots in potato farming to becoming a diverse and vibrant economy today.
Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by several Native American tribes including the Maliseet and Abenaki. The French were the first Europeans to settle in Aroostook County which eventually became part of Massachusetts until it became its own state in 1820. Early settlers to Aroostook were mainly farmers who grew potatoes on small family farms and by 1850, potato production had become so successful that Aroostook County became known as “the Potato Capital of the World” due to its high yields and quality potatoes. In addition to potatoes, lumbering also played an important role in Aroostook’s economy with sawmills being established throughout the county.
During World War II, Fort Fairfield was used as a prisoner-of-war camp for German soldiers which further boosted economic activity in the area. After World War II ended, many soldiers returned home and began farming potatoes once again while others moved into other industries such as manufacturing or tourism which helped boost economic growth in Aroostook County over time.
Today, potato farming still plays an important role in Aroostook’s economy but it has since been surpassed by other industries such as health care services, retail stores, manufacturing companies and tourism which have all contributed to economic growth over time making Aroostook one of Maine’s most prosperous counties today. The modern economy of Aroostook is now largely driven by service-oriented industries such as healthcare services and retail stores while manufacturing companies have also become increasingly important contributors to economic development in recent years. In addition to this, tourism has also grown significantly with visitors coming from all over the world being drawn by its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities like fishing and hunting.
Overall, Aroostook County has come a long way from its traditional roots as “the Potato Capital of the World” with its modern economy being driven by service-oriented industries such as healthcare services and retail stores while manufacturing companies are also becoming increasingly important contributors to economic development along with a booming tourism industry that draws visitors from all around the world looking for outdoor recreational activities like fishing or hunting.
