Appendix H - Historical Archaeological and ... - CBP.gov

Structures
The most imposing historic structures are the various dams on the state’s rivers, especially in the
southern half of the state. Maine has a long history of hydropower, both in support of small- and
large-scale manufacturing and in the generation of electricity. Many of the dams that allowed for
the use of that hydropower remain, from small-scale masonry dams, often under 15 feet high, to
larger concrete dams that support hydroelectric generation. In addition to dams, the SHPO has in
recent years paid attention to the state’s bridges. The SHPO, working with the Maine DOT, has
completed surveys of the historic bridges in the state in recent years.
Districts
In the central and southern portions of the state, historic districts are located primarily in cities
and villages. In addition, however, several farmsteads have been identified as historic districts,
particularly in Aroostook County where five of the seven NRHP historic districts are farms.
While there are some historic districts that relate primarily to the eighteenth century, particularly
in the coastal cities, most urban historic districts in Maine have as a period of significance the
late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These districts tend to revolve around some
combination of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Important historic districts can
be found in Farmington, Auburn, Lewiston, and Livermore, though many of the smaller cities
and villages in the central and northern parts of Maine have not been surveyed and thus may
contain significant historic districts.
Objects
Objects that are eligible for the NRHP frequently include public monuments. Like historic
districts, NRHP eligible or listed objects are found most frequently in towns and cities, where
they commemorate veterans or military endeavors. One type of monument, however, is likely to
be found in the extreme northern parts of the state: border monuments. These monuments are
small obelisks, approximately three feet high, and are made of either concrete or metal. One
border monument identified in a 2009 survey of the Hamlin LPOE at the northeastern corner of
Maine was recommended eligible for the NRHP. It is not known how many border monuments
are in Maine. However, given the importance of the border dispute with Canada in the history of
the state, it is likely that other border monuments may be found eligible for the NRHP as well.
Sites
Sites that are eligible for the NRHP tend overwhelmingly to be archaeological in nature.
However, the Maine SHPO takes linear features into account in assessing effects to aboveground
resources. Most frequently, these linear features tend to be former railroad rights of way,
though historic roads may also be significant. Perhaps the most significant historic linear feature
is the Arnold Trail to Quebec, which has been listed on the NRHP. This linear feature represents
the route that Benedict Arnold took during the Revolutionary War, leading a force of 1,100
Continental Army troops in a planned assault on the British stronghold at Quebec. Arnold’s
route passed through the western portions of Maine and crossed into Canada at what is now
Coburn Gore.
3.1.2 STATES OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND VERMONT
The listing of historic properties in Vermont and New Hampshire is an ongoing process and the
number of actual inventoried properties and those nominated to the federal register changes. A
Northern Border Activities H-135 July 2012