Madawaska

Madawaska is a town in Aroostook County, Maine, United States. It lies along the Saint John River directly opposite the Canadian city of Edmundston, New Brunswick, and is connected to it by the Edmundston–Madawaska Border Crossing.

The area was settled in the 19th century and developed as a river port and crossroads for logging and agriculture. The border in this region was clarified by the Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842, which solidified Madawaska’s status as a cross-border community with strong ties to Canada. The town and surrounding valley have a substantial Francophone heritage, with a population that reflects both English and French-speaking residents.

Today, Madawaska’s economy centers on cross-border trade, forestry-related industries, and local services that support residents and visitors. The community maintains cultural links with Edmundston and other towns in the Saint John Valley and often exhibits a blend of Acadian and New England influences in daily life and local events.

Geographically, the town sits in riverine lowlands along the Saint John River and is characterized by rural landscapes and access to outdoor recreation along the river and nearby woodlands. As a border town, Madawaska embodies the historical and ongoing cross-border connections that shape the region’s economy, culture, and identity.