Houlton Live Cam

Market Square Historic District, encompasses that town's historic late-19th century central business district



History

Houlton is a town located in Aroostook County, Maine, United States. The town was first settled in 1805 and incorporated in 1831. The town's history is closely tied to its location along the border with Canada and its role as a transportation hub.

In the early years of the town's history, Houlton was primarily a farming community. However, in the mid-19th century, the construction of the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad connected the town to the rest of Maine and facilitated the shipment of goods. This led to the growth of Houlton's timber and potato industries and helped establish the town as a center of commerce and industry.

Houlton's location along the border with Canada also played an important role in the town's history. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Houlton was an important stop for travelers heading north to Canada. The town served as a customs and immigration station, and many businesses in the town catered to Canadian tourists.

In addition to its economic and transportation importance, Houlton has also played a role in American military history. During World War II, the town was the site of the Houlton Army Air Base, which was used as a training base for American and British pilots. The base was closed after the war, but the airport is still in use today.