Political Quotes

“Madam President, today I wish to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the town of Fort Kent, ME. The motto of our State's northernmost community, ``The Little Town That Could,'' describes a past of hard work, courage, and determination. ``The Little Town That Can'' describes Fort Kent today: a wonderful place to live, work, and raise families. Located where the Fish River joins the St. John River, Fort Kent has a rich history. For thousands of years, the region has been the home of the Micmac and Maliseet. French explorers, led by Samuel de Champlain, first visited the area in 1604. In the early 1800s, French-speaking Canadians began settling in the area, laying the foundation for the robust Acadian culture that is so important in Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and as far away as Louisiana. The Acadian settlers created a vibrant community. They cleared farmland, established lumber and grain mills, schools, and churches. The namesake of the town is the Fort Kent Blockhouse, a fort named for then-Governor Edward Kent and carefully preserved today, which was built in 1839 during a long-running border dispute between the United States and British Canada. Settlement to the region increased dramatically when the ``Bloodless Aroostook War'' ended peacefully with a treaty in 1842. Fort Kent's dedication to education began shortly after the town became established.…”