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HISTORY AND GROWTH POTENTIAL
The first settlers in Van Buren were French speaking Acadians who had been expelled from Nova Scotia in the late 1700's for their refusal to swear allegiance to the British Crown. Early settlers had been lured to the area by its rich timber resources. Still under British rule in the closing years of the eighteenth century, Van Buren, at the time of the Bloodless Aroostook War and the boundary dispute of 1839, was known as Violette Brook after an early settler, Francois Violette. Placed under the jurisdiction of the United States as part of the newly created State of Maine by the Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842, the village then voted to adopt the name of the eighth president of the United States, Martin Van Buren. Van Buren was incorporated as a town in March 1881.Van Buren has a significant potential for growth. There is ample vacant land suitable for any and all purposes. Many, who in years past, had left the area for employment in the relative abundance of jobs in more urbanized areas, are returning. The lure of a home away from crowded and polluted cities, the joy of open spaces and clean, healthy air is bringing many home. Some are returning to open small businesses. Diverse small mills have sprung up to make use of a new growth of pine and cedar, and a corp of enthusiastic men and women has formed to seek means of bringing new commerce and employment to the area. Progress is slow but the momentum is growing. Most importantly, Van Buren actively promotes planned industrial growth. We are seeking new industries to locate in our industrial park and surrounding area. The Town officials, along with regional development groups, stand ready to assist any interested industry to locate in town. Newcomers are assured a warm welcome from all in the Community. |
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