Fort Kent, Maine
Fort Kent
Fort-Kent | |
|---|---|
| Town of Fort Kent Ville de Fort-Kent(French) | |
 TheFort Kent Railroad Stationis listed on theNational Register of Historic Places | |
| Motto: The Little Town That Could[1] | |
 Location of Fort Kent, Maine | |
  Fort Kent Location of Fort Kent in Maine  Fort Kent Location of Fort Kent in the USA | |
| Coordinates:47°14′31″N68°34′20″W/ 47.24194°N 68.57222°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| County | Aroostook |
| Incorporated | February 23, 1869 |
| Villages | Fort Kent Fort Kent Mills Bradburys |
| Area | |
| • Total | 55.15 sq mi (142.84 km2) |
| • Land | 54.17 sq mi (140.30 km2) |
| • Water | 0.98 sq mi (2.54 km2) |
| Elevation | 610 ft (186 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 4,067 |
| • Density | 75/sq mi (29.0/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5(Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4(EDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 04743–04744 |
| Area code | 207 |
| FIPS code | 23-25755 |
| GNISfeature ID | 0582477 |
| Website | www |
Fort Kent(French:Fort-Kent) is atowninAroostook County,Maine,United States, situated at the confluence of theFish Riverand theSaint John River,on the border withNew Brunswick,Canada. The population was 4,067 in the2020 census.[3]Fort Kent is home to an Olympicbiathletetraining center, an annual CAN-AM dogsled race,[4]and theFort KentBlockhouse,built in reaction to theAroostook Warand in modern times designated a national historic site. Principal industries include agriculture (particularly potatoes and forestry) and textiles. Fort Kent is the northern terminus ofU.S. 1and the ending point of theNorthern Forest Canoe Trail.
History[edit]
Fort Kent was erected in the summer of 1839 as an American border outpost during the undeclaredAroostook War.The blockhouse, the first structure built in what is the present-day city of Fort Kent, was named after then-governor of MaineEdward Kent.[5][6][7]The Saint John River was alog drivingroute from upstreamforeststo downstreamsawmillsandpaper millsuntil theBangor and Aroostook Railroadand trucks began transportingpulpwood.[8]
2008 flooding[edit]
After receiving nearly 200 inches (510 cm) of snow during the 2007–2008 winter season, theSaint John Riverbegan to flood on April 29. Nearly two days of nonstop rain also contributed to the flooding. As the river rose, it poured into the downtown area. More than 600 of Fort Kent's 4,233 residents were evacuated. The river's water level rose to nearly 31 feet (9.4 m), which was 6 feet (1.8 m) above flood stage.[9]
GovernorJohn Baldaccideclared a state of emergency for the region, flying fromAugustato see the damage first-hand. TheFish Riverdid most of the damage, flooding St. Louis Catholic church and an apartment building.
Relationship with French Canada[edit]
The town is economically and culturally linked to theCanadiantowns ofClairandSaint-François-de-Madawaska,both inMadawaska County,New Brunswick,directly across theSaint John River.Most children on the Canadian side attendFrench-speakingschool while their American counterparts are taught mainly inEnglish.
Sixty-two percent of the residents[10]of Fort Kent are regular speakers of French. The variety of French spoken in Fort Kent, and most of the Saint John River Valley, closely resembles the French spoken inQuebecand New Brunswick. It is referred to asNew England French,"ValleyFrench ", or"Brayon".Many residents have American-Canadiandual citizenship.
Geography[edit]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau,the town has a total area of 55.15 square miles (142.84 km2), of which 54.17 square miles (140.30 km2) is land and 0.98 square miles (2.54 km2) is water.[2]
Climate[edit]
Fort Kent has ahumid continental climate(Koppen:Dfb). There are four distinct seasons, with winter being the longest, typically beginning during November or late October and lasting well into April many years. Summers are very pleasant, with warm days and cool nights. Fort Kent receives a large amount of snowfall every year, averaging 97 inches (250 centimeters) of snowfall. The highest single day snowfall recorded is 20.4 in (52 cm), which took place on January 30, 1945. The highest snow depth recorded is 63 in (160 cm) and occurred on January 20, 1955. Temperature records range from −42 °F (−41 °C) on January 14–15, 1957 and February 20, 1966, to 98 °F (37 °C) on June 29, 1893. The coldest maximum recorded is −16 °F (−27 °C); this occurred on January 4, 1981. The warmest minimum recorded is 76 °F (24 °C), which occurred on June 20, 2024. On average, the last and first freeze dates are May 25 and September 21, giving Fort Kent an average growing season of 119 days.[11]
| Climate data for Fort Kent, Maine (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 59 (15) |
59 (15) |
77 (25) |
83 (28) |
95 (35) |
98 (37) |
96 (36) |
97 (36) |
92 (33) |
83 (28) |
73 (23) |
60 (16) |
98 (37) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 41.0 (5.0) |
41.9 (5.5) |
52.3 (11.3) |
67.3 (19.6) |
81.1 (27.3) |
87.0 (30.6) |
88.0 (31.1) |
86.7 (30.4) |
81.7 (27.6) |
71.1 (21.7) |
58.7 (14.8) |
45.6 (7.6) |
90.2 (32.3) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 18.9 (−7.3) |
22.6 (−5.2) |
32.9 (0.5) |
45.8 (7.7) |
61.4 (16.3) |
70.9 (21.6) |
75.8 (24.3) |
74.6 (23.7) |
66.0 (18.9) |
52.0 (11.1) |
38.3 (3.5) |
25.8 (−3.4) |
48.7 (9.3) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 7.9 (−13.4) |
10.0 (−12.2) |
20.9 (−6.2) |
35.4 (1.9) |
49.4 (9.7) |
59.1 (15.1) |
64.8 (18.2) |
62.9 (17.2) |
54.3 (12.4) |
41.8 (5.4) |
30.3 (−0.9) |
17.0 (−8.3) |
37.8 (3.2) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | −3.2 (−19.6) |
−2.7 (−19.3) |
9.0 (−12.8) |
25.1 (−3.8) |
37.4 (3.0) |
47.3 (8.5) |
53.7 (12.1) |
51.2 (10.7) |
42.7 (5.9) |
31.7 (−0.2) |
22.3 (−5.4) |
8.1 (−13.3) |
26.9 (−2.8) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | −24.4 (−31.3) |
−23.0 (−30.6) |
−15.5 (−26.4) |
10.2 (−12.1) |
26.0 (−3.3) |
34.8 (1.6) |
43.3 (6.3) |
40.1 (4.5) |
29.6 (−1.3) |
19.3 (−7.1) |
4.6 (−15.2) |
−13.3 (−25.2) |
−27.6 (−33.1) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −42 (−41) |
−42 (−41) |
−34 (−37) |
−12 (−24) |
17 (−8) |
28 (−2) |
33 (1) |
31 (−1) |
14 (−10) |
7 (−14) |
−14 (−26) |
−33 (−36) |
−42 (−41) |
| Averageprecipitationinches (mm) | 2.78 (71) |
2.34 (59) |
2.75 (70) |
3.17 (81) |
3.31 (84) |
4.42 (112) |
4.52 (115) |
3.73 (95) |
3.72 (94) |
4.26 (108) |
3.23 (82) |
3.38 (86) |
41.61 (1,057) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 20.3 (52) |
21.0 (53) |
19.0 (48) |
6.6 (17) |
0.1 (0.25) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
1.1 (2.8) |
8.9 (23) |
22.3 (57) |
99.3 (252) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in) | 13.4 | 11.2 | 10.9 | 11.7 | 14.0 | 13.7 | 15.1 | 13.2 | 12.4 | 13.7 | 12.6 | 13.7 | 155.6 |
| Average snowy days(≥ 0.1 in) | 9.0 | 8.0 | 6.9 | 2.7 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.6 | 4.3 | 8.6 | 40.3 |
| Source:NOAA[12][13] | |||||||||||||
Demographics[edit]
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1870 | 1,034 | — | |
| 1880 | 1,512 | 46.2% | |
| 1890 | 1,826 | 20.8% | |
| 1900 | 2,528 | 38.4% | |
| 1910 | 3,710 | 46.8% | |
| 1920 | 4,237 | 14.2% | |
| 1930 | 4,726 | 11.5% | |
| 1940 | 5,363 | 13.5% | |
| 1950 | 5,343 | −0.4% | |
| 1960 | 4,761 | −10.9% | |
| 1970 | 4,575 | −3.9% | |
| 1980 | 4,826 | 5.5% | |
| 1990 | 4,268 | −11.6% | |
| 2000 | 4,233 | −0.8% | |
| 2010 | 4,097 | −3.2% | |
| 2020 | 4,067 | −0.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[14] | |||
2010 census[edit]
As of thecensus[15]of 2010, there were 4,097 people, 1,747 households, and 1,062 families living in the town. Thepopulation densitywas 75.6 inhabitants per square mile (29.2/km2). There were 1,922 housing units at an average density of 35.5 per square mile (13.7/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 94.9%White,0.8%African American,0.8%Native American,0.7%Asian,0.1% fromother races,and 2.7% from two or more races.HispanicorLatinoof any race were 0.7% of the population.
There were 1,747 households, of which 25.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.5% weremarried couplesliving together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.2% were non-families. 31.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.83.
The median age in the town was 42.7 years. Of residents 19.9% were under the age of 18; 12.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.7% were from 25 to 44; 29.5% were from 45 to 64; and 17.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.0% male and 52.0% female.
2000 census[edit]
| Languages (2000)[16] | Percent |
|---|---|
| SpokeFrenchat home | 49.24% |
| SpokeEnglishat home | 50.76% |
As of thecensus[17]of 2000, there were 4,233 people, 1,735 households, and 1,106 families living in the town. The population density was 78.2 inhabitants per square mile (30.2/km2). There were 1,824 housing units at an average density of 33.7 per square mile (13.0/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 96.95%White,0.38%BlackorAfrican American,0.76%Native American,0.87%Asian,0.28% fromother races,and 0.76% from two or more races.HispanicorLatinoof any race were 0.50% of the population.
There were 1,735 households, out of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.0% weremarried couplesliving together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.2% were non-families. Of all households 29.3% were made up of individuals, and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the town, the population was spread out, with 22.3% under the age of 18, 11.3% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.7 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $29,547, and the median income for a family was $41,616. Males had a median income of $35,325 versus $19,146 for females. Theper capita incomefor the town was $16,403. About 9.5% of families and 14.5% of the population were below thepoverty line,including 13.7% of those under age 18 and 18.2% of those age 65 or over.
Arts and culture[edit]
International Muskie Derby[edit]
Fort Kent is home to the InternationalMuskieFishing Derby. The Derby was started in 2003 to provide a platform to showcase the new fishery and continues today. It has brought attention to the new fishery and helped bring attention to national TV shows such as ESPN 2'sBeat Charlie Moore.This show and other future shows will help showcase the fishery to not only potential derby contestants but for a more secure and expanded tourist based fishery. The St John Watershed is a unique muskie habitat. Several factors make it acceptable and necessary to remove some fish from the ecosystem for the fishery to remain healthy.[18]
Ploye Festival[edit]
Along with the Muskie Derby is the Fort Kent Ploye Festival, one of the featured events is the making of the world's largestploye.This event attracts hundreds of spectators, making it the highlight of the Ploye Festival. The massive ploye, which thus far, measures 12 feet in diameter, can only be accomplished with the help of friends and family of Bouchard Family Farm, producers or the ploye mix. It requires approximately fifteen bags of charcoal to ready the metal pan to the accurate temperature in order for the ploye to be cooked to perfection. It also needs about fifty pounds of ploye mix, much water (which is then mixed in five-gallon pails) and plenty of muscle to stir the mix. Five people are required to transport the mix from the pails to the awaiting pre-heated pan and also four people to spread the mix out as fast as possible. The thin batter cooks quickly, so time is of the essence. Once cooked, the enormous pan is then removed from the coals, and the ploye is taken off with huge spatulas. Pieces of the giant ploye are then plopped onto large trays and brought to nearby tables where they can be buttered with brushes, and distributed to the eagerly awaiting crowd.[19]
World Cup IBU[edit]
The Fort Kent Outdoor Center (previously known as 10th Mountain) has hosted a multitude of World Cup biathlon events, including the largest events in 2004 and 2011, where racers from around the globe took part in various biathlon events in Fort Kent. During the 2011 World Cup Biathlon, Chicago Bulls superstarScottie Pippenvisited Fort Kent to witness the race.2010–11 Biathlon World Cup – World Cup 8The World Cup Biathlon will be returning to Northern Maine in 2023.[20]
World Acadian Congress[edit]
Northern Maine and parts of New Brunswick and Quebec participated in the World Acadian Congress to celebrate the richAcadianshistory of the area in 2014. Multiple family reunions and events took place during the time, including concerts, parades, and festivals.[21]
Can Am Crown International Sled Dog Race[edit]
TheCan-Am Crown International Sled Dog Racewas first held on Tuesday, February 16, 1993. Nine teams from Maine, Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick competed in that race. In 1994 sixteen teams competed in the 250-mile race and eleven in the newly introduced 60-mile race. In 1997 a 30-mile race was added to the itinerary. That same year, the first Saturday in March was established as the official start date for all three races. The race begins on Main Street in Fort Kent, sloping underneath the international bridge to Canada, then extending into the western parts of the Allagash wilderness, and finishes back in Fort Kent. Three races are part of the CAN-AM Crown, consisting of a 30-mile, 60 mile, and anIditarod Trail Sled Dog Racequalifying 250 mile race.[22]
Education[edit]
Fort Kent is served byMaine School Administrative District 27.Schools in the town include Fort Kent Elementary School, Valley Rivers Middle School and Fort Kent Community High School.
The town is home to the campus of theUniversity of Maine at Fort Kent.
Infrastructure[edit]
Transportation[edit]
U.S. Route 1begins in Fort Kent near theClair–Fort Kent Bridge,continues 2,209 miles (3,555 km), and ends inKey West, Florida.[23]
Fort Kent signed a lease agreement with the Fish River Flying Club on July 8, 2011, to repair, maintain, and operate the local municipal airport, which had been closed since the 1980s.[24]
Notable people[edit]
People born in Fort Kent:
- Benjamin Collings(born 1976), politician
- Mike Daisey(born 1976), monologist[25]
- Clair Goodblood(1929-1951), recipient of theMedal of Honor
- Helen Hamlin(1917-2004), author
- Troy Dale Jackson(born 1968), politician
- Ellis Paul(born 1965), singer-songwriter
- Austin Theriault(born 1994), NASCAR driver and politician
- Don Voisine(born 1952), abstract artist
References[edit]
- ^Stemming from a local during the 2004Biathlon World Cup
- ^ab"US Gazetteer files 2010".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedDecember 16,2012.
- ^"Census - Geography Profile: Fort Kent town, Aroostook County, Maine".RetrievedJanuary 15,2022.
- ^"CAN-AM CROWN INTERNATIONAL SLED DOG RACE".can-am.sjv.net. Archived fromthe originalon April 16, 2010.RetrievedJuly 14,2010.
- ^"Fort Kent Chamber of Commerce".www.fortkentchamber.com.RetrievedJanuary 19,2011.
- ^"Fort Kent Blockhouse".NPS-Maine Acadian Culture.U.S. National Park Service.RetrievedJanuary 19,2011.
- ^"Maine - Aroostook County".National Register of Historical Places.RetrievedJanuary 19,2011.
- ^United States Department of Transportation (1974).Rail Service in the Midwest and Northeast Region.United States Government Printing Office.
- ^"A FLOOD FOR THE AGES".The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram.Maine Today Media. March 17, 2008. Archived fromthe originalon July 28, 2011.RetrievedJuly 14,2010.
- ^"Fort Kent town, Aroostook County, Maine - DP-2. Profile of Selected Social Characteristics: 2000 (Total population)".factfinder.census.gov. Archived fromthe originalon February 12, 2020.RetrievedJuly 14,2010.
- ^Team, National Weather Service Corporate Image Web."NWS Caribou, ME Climate".w2.weather.gov.RetrievedAugust 1,2020.
- ^"NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data".National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.RetrievedMay 22,2021.
- ^"Station: FT Kent, ME".U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020).National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.RetrievedMay 22,2021.
- ^"Census of Population and Housing".Census.gov.RetrievedJune 4,2015.
- ^"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedDecember 16,2012.
- ^"Data Center Results".
- ^"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedJanuary 31,2008.
- ^"Catch and Release".www.fortkent-muskie.com.
- ^"Bouchard Family Farms Ployes Festival".Archived fromthe originalon August 28, 2015.RetrievedAugust 26,2015.
- ^"Welcome to the Fort Kent Outdoor Center - Fort Kent Outdoor Center".Fort Kent Outdoor Center.
- ^"2014 World Acadian Congress - Home".2014 World Acadian Congress.Archived fromthe originalon September 10, 2015.RetrievedAugust 26,2015.
- ^"Can-Am Crown Race Statistics".www.can-am-crown.net.
- ^"German film crew arrives in Fort Kent".The Bangor Daily News.September 20, 1994. p. B3.
- ^"Recreational Aviation Foundation".theraf.org.
- ^"Q&A Mike Daisey, Apr 15 2011 - Video - C-SPAN.org".C-SPAN.org.
External links[edit]
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| National | |
| Geographic | |
| Other | |
