Conducted in 1820 by Maj. Joseph Treat, it was ordered by Gov. William King who was hoping to claim territory that was under dispute between British North America and the United States.

In the survey, Treat relied on the culture, knowledge, and expertise of Penobscot Lt. Gov. John Neptune, to guide him through the tribe’s lands. During the trip, Treat chronicled his experiences and drew detailed maps. He included in his journal the interactions he had with the Wabanaki people and their connection to the land.

“A lot of my place names came from this survey,” Penobscot Nation historian James Eric Francis Sr. said.