Ambajejus Boom House
About 11 mi. NW of Millinocket and Ambajejus Lake, Millinocket, ME Local significance of the building: Industry
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Maine was the first state to adopt Prohibition: Maine was the first state to adopt Prohibition in 1851, almost 70 years before the rest of the country followed suit. However, it was also one of the first states to repeal Prohibition, doing so in 1934.
About Piscataquis County
Piscataquis County Timeline
Piscataquis County, located in the state of Maine, has a rich history that spans many centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, namely the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for their sustenance. European settlers began arriving in the 17th century, with English explorers claiming the area in the name of the English Crown.
In the early 19th century, Piscataquis County experienced significant growth and development. The town of Dover (now called Dover-Foxcroft) was settled in 1803 and became the county seat. Its location along the Piscataquis River made it an important center for the lumber industry, which boomed in the late 1800s. Sawmills were established, and the county's vast forests were harvested for their timber, which was used in construction and shipbuilding.
The development of railroads in the late 19th century further contributed to Piscataquis County's growth. The Bangor and Piscataquis Railroad connected the region to larger markets, facilitating the transport of timber, goods, and people. This led to the establishment of more towns and villages along the rail line, such as Milo and Brownville Junction.
However, the decline of the timber industry in the early 20th century had a significant impact on Piscataquis County. As the demand for lumber decreased and forests became depleted, many sawmills closed down and the population declined. Today, the county's economy is more diversified, with industries such as tourism, agriculture, and healthcare playing a significant role.
Overall, Piscataquis County's history reflects the interconnectedness between natural resources, settlement, and economic development. From its Indigenous roots to the rise and fall of the timber industry, the county's past continues to shape its present and future.
In the early 19th century, Piscataquis County experienced significant growth and development. The town of Dover (now called Dover-Foxcroft) was settled in 1803 and became the county seat. Its location along the Piscataquis River made it an important center for the lumber industry, which boomed in the late 1800s. Sawmills were established, and the county's vast forests were harvested for their timber, which was used in construction and shipbuilding.
The development of railroads in the late 19th century further contributed to Piscataquis County's growth. The Bangor and Piscataquis Railroad connected the region to larger markets, facilitating the transport of timber, goods, and people. This led to the establishment of more towns and villages along the rail line, such as Milo and Brownville Junction.
However, the decline of the timber industry in the early 20th century had a significant impact on Piscataquis County. As the demand for lumber decreased and forests became depleted, many sawmills closed down and the population declined. Today, the county's economy is more diversified, with industries such as tourism, agriculture, and healthcare playing a significant role.
Overall, Piscataquis County's history reflects the interconnectedness between natural resources, settlement, and economic development. From its Indigenous roots to the rise and fall of the timber industry, the county's past continues to shape its present and future.
Piscataquis County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Piscataquis County, Maine.
- Early 1600s: Native American tribes, including the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy, inhabit the region now known as Piscataquis County.
- 1604: French explorer Samuel de Champlain visits the area and establishes friendly relations with the Native American tribes.
- Early 1700s: British settlers begin arriving in the region, leading to conflicts with Native American tribes.
- 1789: Piscataquis County is officially established as a county in the state of Maine.
- Mid-1800s: The lumber industry booms in Piscataquis County, attracting settlers looking for work.
- 1853: The town of Dover is incorporated and becomes the county seat of Piscataquis County.
- 19th century: Piscataquis County experiences significant economic growth due to the logging, agriculture, and textile industries.
- Early 1900s: The population of Piscataquis County reaches its peak as the county's industries thrive.
- 1959: The Great Northern Paper Company establishes a mill in Millinocket, providing a major economic boost to the county.
- Late 20th century: Piscataquis County, like other rural areas, faces economic decline and population loss due to changes in the timber industry and other factors.