Say It’s Not So: Freeport Had Nothing to Do With Maine’s Statehood (Portland Press Herald)

It says it right there on the plaque at the now-closed Jameson Tavern and on the shoulder patches worn by the town’s police officers: Freeport is the “birthplace” of Maine, where 19th century leaders signed papers that brought statehood to what had previously been a part of Massachusetts. But according to the town’s own historical society, it just isn’t so.