New Brunswick Historical Tidbits

The Madawaska Conflict

By Mitch Biggar

In 1827 a major dispute erupted along the Madawaska settlements. The dispute started when John Baker and a group of Americans raised an American Flag and would not allow the postman passage on his Fredericton to Quebec route.

At this time in history Madawaska settlers were mainly exiled Acadians who took part in New Brunswick elections and were also part of the province's militia. However Americans at the time were rapidly pouting into the rich timberlands, which the State of Maine also claimed.

Under orders from Lieutenant Governor Douglas, the Sheriff of York County arrested John Baker. Baker was then taken to Fredericton and jailed. Baker was then tried and found guilty of conspiracy and sedition. Baker was fined and sentenced to two months in jail. Baker's sentence raised threats of military action from Governor Lincoln of Maine.

Finally both sides agreed to let the King of the Netherlands settle the dispute. The King allowed the north side of the St. John river to New Brunswick and allowed communication with Quebec, but the agreement also gave 20,841 square kilometres to the Americans.

The Americans rejected the agreement and constructed a fort at Houlton and the British built a fort at Edmunston.

This page was designed by Irene Doyle September 1999