Why Were Maine and Vermont Excluded from the Original 13 Colonies?
The story of the original 13 colonies that formed the United States is well-documented and often romanticized. However, the historical background and geographical realities surrounding Maine and Vermont add a layer of complexity to this narrative. Maine and Vermont were not part of the original 13 colonies due to their unique colonial ownership, political disputes over territory, and the timing of their eventual statehood.
Maine
Colonial Ownership: Much of what is now Maine was originally part of the Province of Massachusetts Bay. This region was sparsely populated and focused on fishing and lumber, making it less economically significant compared to other colonies like Virginia or Pennsylvania.
Settlement Patterns: The settlement of Maine occurred later than other areas, and it was often seen as a frontier region. Maine only separated from Massachusetts to become a distinct state in 1820, nearly a century after the initial colonizations.
Vermont
Disputed Territory: Vermont's territory was claimed by both New York and New Hampshire. This territorial dispute prevented it from being included as a separate colony during the colonial period. Despite New Hampshire issuing land grants in the area, New York also made claims to the land.
Independent Republic: After the American Revolution, Vermont declared itself an independent republic known as the Vermont Republic from 1777 to 1791. It wasn't until resolving territorial disputes that Vermont became the 14th state in 1791.
Geographical and Political Realities of the Original 13 Colonies
The tale of the original 13 colonies is well-known, but Maine's story is often overlooked. Maine, now renowned for its lobster and picturesque New England charm, was actually part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. This meant that during the period when the original colonies were struggling for independence, Maine was under the umbrella of Massachusetts and not technically its own colony.
Despite its relative isolation and later settlement, Maine played a significant role in the American Revolution. The residents of what would become Maine were part of the movement for freedom, although they fought under the banner of Massachusetts. Notable examples include the burning of the British sloop HMS Margaretta in 1775 by the residents of Machias.
Missouri Compromise and Statehood
The status quo regarding Maine's inclusion in the colonies remained until the Missouri Compromise in 1820. This agreement allowed Maine to enter the Union as a free state while Missouri entered as a slave state, maintaining a delicate balance between the two sides.
The Massachusetts Bay Colony had acquired the region through a series of settlements and claims, including those by the Plymouth Company. However, these political intricacies meant that when the Revolution began, Maine was still under the control of Massachusetts. This is why, in the historical narratives of the 13 original colonies, Maine is often overlooked.
In conclusion, Maine and Vermont were excluded from the original 13 colonies due to geographical and political factors. Their unique histories and eventual statehood provide a rich tapestry of American colonial and revolutionary period lore.
Next time you enjoy a Maine lobster roll or visit a Vermont site, consider the complicated pathways history has woven. Maine was certainly part of the struggle for American independence, it just had to wait its turn to shine as a standalone state.