Beginning in the early 1700s the Irish and Scotch Irish began immigrating to North America establishing some of their first permanent settlements in the State of Maine. In fact it was these people who first introduced the practice of farming potatoes to the state, a major economic driver for Aroostook County for well over a century.

As settlers made their way to Aroostook County, many of them were Irish and Scotch Irish. Coming from the settlements in Southern Maine and the Maritime Provinces these hearty individuals brought their culture and flair to the region. A great example of this is the town of Allagash, with its unique Irish/Scotch culture imbedded in the French dominated St. John Valley.