Penobscot County, Maine

Abbott Memorial Library Adams-Pickering Block All Souls Congregational Church Allan, Harold, Schoolhouse Bangor Children's Home Bangor Fire Engine House No. 6 Bangor Hose House No. 5 Bangor House Bangor Mental Health Institute Bangor Standpipe Bangor Theological Seminary Historic District Bank Block Battleship Maine Monument Blake House Bodwell Water Power Company Plant Bradford Farm Historic District Brewer High School Broadway Historic District Bryant, Charles G., Double House Building at 84-96 Hammond Street Bussey, Louis I., School Cliffwood Hall Colburn, William, House Colonial Apartments Congregational Church of Medway Connors House Corinth Town Hall and Corinthian Lodge #59, I.O.O.F. Corinth Village Curtis, John B., Free Public Library Cushman, Abial, Store Dexter Grist Mill Dexter Universalist Church District #5 School House District No. 2 School Dixmont Corner Church Dixmont Town House East Eddington Public Hall Enterprise Grange, No. 173 Farrar, Samuel, House Garland Grange Hall Godfrey-Kellogg House Gordon Fox Ranch Grand Army Memorial Home Great Fire of 1911 Historic District Hamlin, Hannibal, House Hammond Street Congregation Church Hampden Academy Hampden Congregational Church Harmony Hall Hexagon Barn Holden Town Hall Jenkins, Charles W., House Jonas Cutting-Edward Kent House Kinsley, Martin, House Knowlton, Jabez, Store Low, Joseph W., House Maine Experiment Station Barn Mallett Hall Milford Congregational Church Morse & Co. Office Building Mount Hope Cemetery District North Newport Christian Church Old Fire Engine House Old Tavern Orono Main Street Historic District Patch, Edith Marion, House Penobscot Salmon Club and Pool Phi Gamma Delta House Robyville Bridge Sargent, Daniel House Sargent-Roberts House Smith, George W., Homestead Smith, Zebulon, House Springfield Congregational Church St. Anne's Church and Mission Site St. James Episcopal Church St. John's Catholic Church Stetson Union Church Stewart Free Library Symphony House Treat, Nathaniel, House United Baptist Church University of Maine at Orono Historic District University of Maine Historic District Boundary Increase US Post Office-Old Town Main US Post Office-Orono Main Veazie, Jones P., House Wardwell-Trickey Double House Washburn, Gov. Israel, House West Market Square Historic District Wheelwright Block Whitney Park Historic District Williams, Gen. John, House Zions Hill

Penobscot County, located in the state of Maine, has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. Before European settlers arrived, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Penobscot tribe, who were a part of the larger Wabanaki Confederacy. They relied on the abundant natural resources of the region, including fishing, hunting, and gathering.

In the early 17th century, European explorers and fur traders began to make contact with the Penobscot tribe and establish trade relationships. However, tensions between European settlers and Native Americans grew as more settlers arrived and claimed the land for themselves. This culminated in the 17th and 18th centuries with conflicts known as the Indian Wars, which resulted in the displacement and marginalization of Native American populations.

The area was officially incorporated as Penobscot County in 1816, named after the Penobscot River which flows through the region. The county quickly became an important center for timber and shipbuilding as the logging industry boomed, taking advantage of the extensive forests in the area. Sawmills and lumberyards sprang up along the river, contributing to the county's economic growth.

In the 20th century, Penobscot County continued to develop and diversify its economy. The area became a hub for agriculture, manufacturing, and trade. The city of Bangor, located in the county, emerged as a major cultural and commercial center. Today, Penobscot County is known for its natural beauty, with its forests, lakes, and rivers attracting outdoor enthusiasts. It also boasts a strong educational and healthcare system, as well as a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Brief timeline of the history of Penobscot County, Maine:

  • 1786 – Penobscot County established as a county in the state of Maine.
  • 19th century – The region experiences growth in agriculture and lumber industry.
  • 1830s – Bangor becomes a major lumber port, attracting settlers and businesses.
  • 1880s – The railroad reaches Penobscot County, promoting further economic development.
  • 20th century – The county goes through periods of economic prosperity and decline.
  • Mid-1900s – The decline of the lumber industry leads to a shift towards manufacturing and services.
  • 1967 – The Great Northern Paper Company, once a major employer, closes its mills.
  • 1980s – Efforts for revitalization and diversification of the local economy begin.
  • Present – Penobscot County is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a mix of rural and urban areas.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Penobscot County, Maine.