In 1902, the arrival of the Bangor and Aroostook in Fort Kent marked a period of rapid economic growth as potatoes, hay, lumber, and people could move efficiently south. This remote French-speaking Valley, with close Canadian connections, was opened more fully to English-speaking American markets and trade and experienced growing influence from the English language. Fort Kent's waiting room bustled with passengers, including soldiers leaving for war, students traveling to seminary, young people heading south for factory jobs, and elected officials bound for Augusta. Retired in 1979, the station now serves the Valley as the Fort Kent Historical Society Museum.