In this episode of Ben Franklin’s World, Joshua Smith, the interim director of the American Merchant Marine Museum in Kings Point, New York, and author of the book Making Maine: Statehood and the War of 1812 (University of Massachusetts Press, 2022), leads us on an exploration of Maine’s journey to statehood.
Article IV, Section 3 of the United States Constitution establishes guidelines by which the United States Congress can admit new states to the American Union. It clearly states that “no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State…without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.”
Five states have been formed from pre-existing states: Vermont, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Maine. How did the process of forming a state from a pre-existing state work? Why would territories within a state want to declare their independence from their home state?
During our conversation, Josh reveals: Maine’s early history and how this territory became a part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony; The benefits and challenges Mainers faced as residents of Massachusetts’ northern and eastern districts; And how the War of 1812 grew the momentum for Mainers’ calls for independent statehood.
You can listen to the podcast here.
Ben Franklin’s World is an award-winning podcast. It’s for people who love history and for those who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our world. Each episode features an interview with a historian who shares their unique insights into our early American past. It is a production of Colonial Williamsburg Innovation Studios.
For a full list of New York Almanack podcasts announcements click HERE.
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