ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. Once Maine became a separate state
there followed a period of tremendous economic growth in which
a number of important mining and manufacturing industries emerged.
In addition to lumbering, the traditional fishing and shipbuilding
pursuits entered a boom period. Ice harvesting, granite and lime
quarrying also developed as important industries.
Water-powered factories began to spring up beside the numerous
sawmills already located along Maine's important rivers. Textiles,
paper and leather products all became primary sources of manufacturing
employment.
Fishing and farming were also important, but were subject to greater
economic fluctuations. The overall economic picture - although
periodically disturbed by such developments as the Civil War and
the Industrial Revolution - continued on a relatively prosperous
course throughout the remainder of the 19th century.