Van Buren
According to Maine an Encyclopedia, “Van Buren is a town in Aroostook County, incorporated on February 11, 1881 from Van Buren Plantation. Named for the eighth U.S. President, Martin Van Buren, the area was a haven for Acadians escaping the British oppression of 1755. In 1791 they settled near Keegan, a village just north of the main settlement, to farm and work in the lumbering industry. A model 鈥淎cadian Village鈥 is near Keegan village.”
The population today is about 2,038 at the 2020 census (Wikipedia). Located at the junction of Route 1 and 1A, it calls itself the “Gateway for the St. John Valley”.
Activities
859 Main St, Van Buren, ME 04785 | (207) 868-5042
Home to the Living Heritage Society of Van Buren, Village Acadien is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been recognized as a Historical National Landmark.
Aroostook Painting llc in Van Buren 860-305-4305. Brian Levesque
Grant Street, Van Buren, ME, United States, Maine
Maine Emblem Moose Statue Dufour Dr, Van Buren, ME 04785
You won’t want to miss this life-sized bronze statue of Maine’s most famous mammal. A great stop for a Maine-themed photo opportunity!
Original Nature-Inspired Art Made with Beach Glass, Pebbles & Driftwood from the Aroostook River in Caribou, Maine
Van Buren Ice Rink 5 Champlain St, Van Buren, ME 04785 | (207) 868-3395|Outdoor ice rink in Van Buren!
Fortunat O. Michaud House 231 Main Street, Van Buren.
Built between 1911 and 1917, the Michaud house is a remarkably intact Queen Anne style frame residence. It was made for local merchant and former state legislator Fortunat O. Michaud.
Additional activities are available in nearby Hamlin and Madawaska!
Dining & Lodging
564 Main Street Van Buren, ME, 04758 / (207)-868-4077
“Convenience store, Deli, fresh sandwiches made to order, Pie, cheesecake, snacks, beverage, beer and more…”
. 66 main st, Van Buren, ME 04785 | (207) 868-4012
“We are a specialty bakery offering made from scratch Kolaches, incredible melt in your mouth scones, excellent coffee, and fresh made salads and soups. We strive to blend interesting flavors, and hold a firm belief in quality, utilizing fresh ingredients, staying far away from industrial seed oils, and most importantly, offering the community things that are new and exciting and a place to get together to share a bite.”
232 Main St, Van Buren, ME 04785 | (207) 868-3011
Additional dining options can be found in nearby Madawaska
162 State St, Van Buren, ME 04785
“At York’s Kitchen, we鈥檙e a family-run business, and everything we do is a labor of love. From roasting our own coffee to baking all our treats from scratch, we use only the finest, wholesome ingredients to create flavors that feel like home. Every cup and bite is made with care, bringing you the comforting taste of something familiar and delicious. We work together as a family to offer you a warm, welcoming experience, and we hope you feel the love in every visit.”
95 Main St, Van Buren, ME 04785 | (207) 484-6200
Family run inn that prides themselves on treating their guests as part of their family!
For more lodging options, visit nearby Madawaska!
Shops & Services
200 Champlain St, Van Buren, ME 04785 |(207) 868-2727
This gas station and convenience store offers a wide variety of products, and it also serves as a wild game tagging station!
for Root and Rise psychotherapy
More shops & services can be found in Madawaska!
History
Van Buren was originally home to the Wabanaki people, and was first settled in 1790 by French speaking Acadian refugees during the Great Upheaval. Approximately 10,000 Acadians were deported by Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and parts of New Brunswick for refusing to swear unconditional allegiance to the British Crown. They were later joined by Anglo-American and French-Canadian settlers. The town was officially established in February 1881 and named after the eighth U.S. President, Martin Van Buren. Van Buren thrived as a mill town, and even was home to St. Mary’s College for over 30 years. Over the years, Van Buren blossomed into a thriving town with many stores, and even three movie theatres. Van Buren had its highest growth period in the 1950s, however, the closure of the Air Force base led to a population decline, and loss of jobs.
Revitalization
Van Buren is working to revitalize its downtown and strengthen the community through local projects and resident-driven planning. Current efforts include new public art installations, community greenhouse projects, support for small businesses, and improvements to town facilities and public spaces. These initiatives aim to boost economic activity, build community pride, and create a more vibrant future for Van Buren. More projects and revitalization efforts are planned for the future to continue growing and improving the town.
