In a neighborhood once known as Little Canada in Lewiston, Maine, remnants of a bygone era still linger. The French-language newspaper is a thing of the past, the Grey Nuns’ hospital has long been closed, and the once-thriving textile mills now stand mostly silent.

Despite the changes, the descendants of the French Canadians who settled in the region are still present. A recent law that came into effect in December 2025 revealed that many of them have unknowingly been Canadian citizens their entire lives.

Revealing Numbers

Maine boasts the highest percentage of residents with French ancestry in the United States, with approximately one in five having such heritage. In Androscoggin County, where Lewiston is located, the figure rises to one in three. Similar patterns are seen in New Hampshire and Vermont, with Massachusetts having over 235,000 residents identifying as French Canadian.

The concentration of individuals with Canadian roots in this region is attributed to a lesser-known chapter of history.

The Migration Wave

Between 1840 and 1930, close to 900,000 French-speaking Canadians migrated to the northeastern United States, seeking employment in the textile mills that lined the rivers of New England. They established vibrant communities known as Petit Canadas, complete with French-language newspapers, schools, and hospitals.

Their cultural resilience, known as la survivance, allowed them to thrive for generations, maintaining their traditions and language. However, as industries shifted and assimilation took place, the once-prominent French Canadian presence began to fade.

Rediscovering Heritage

Despite the decline of the textile industry and the dispersal of the community, the legacy of the French Canadians in New England endures. Many individuals, unaware of their Canadian citizenship, have the opportunity to reconnect with their roots and explore their heritage.