Historical Markers in
Waldo County, Maine

A Benevolent Bequest / Un legs généreux A Grand Plan A Question of Boundaries Belfast City Hall / L'Hôtel de Ville de Belfast Belfast Historian's Home / La Maison Williamson Belfast, Maine Biggest Little City / Une Grande Petite Ville Broiler Capital of the World / Capitale du poulet rôti Captain Albert W. Stevens / Le Capitaine Albert W. Stevens Carver Memorial Library / La Bibliothèque Carver City Park / Le Jardin Public Civil War Hero / Héros de la guerre de sécession Civil War Soldiers' Monument / Monumnet aux soldats et La Guerre de Sécession Conflict and Prosperity on the River Cpl. Clair Goodblood Memorial Digging Down and Building Up Downtown Main Street / La rue principale en centre-ville Early Banking / Les premières banques Education First and Foremost / L'éducation, d'abord et surtout Firing a Cannon First Church First Day at Central School: Circa 1900 / Premier jour d'école : Central school ca. 1900 Five-Masted Beauty / Une beauté à cinq mâts Fort Knox Fort Point State Park Fort Pownall Fort Pownall, 1759-1775 French's Beach Home of Clara Pendleton Blanchard 1843-1931 / La maison de Clara Pendleton Blanchard 1843-1931 Liberty Tree Memorial Lincolnville Center Lincolnville War of 1812 Cannon Lincolnville's Town House Main and High / Au carrefour de main et de high Main Street, 1875 Making a Living / Gagner sa vie Making a Living / Gagner sa vie Memorial Bridge Near this Site in 1770 On this site Pemtegwacook Peter Ward, Ship Carpenter: Living and Working in a Neighborhood of Artisans Post Office Square / La place de la poste Raising the Flag / Hisser le drapeau Regal Passenger Steamer / Un paquebot à vapeur majestueux Searsport Cyclone May 22, 1921 / Le Cyclone de Searsport, le 22 mai 1921 Searsport House Stylish Lodging / Une résidence chic Terreplein The Architecture of Defense The Belfast Historical Society Museum The Casemate - Key to Fort Design The Circus Comes to Town / Le cirque arrive ! The Finest and the Fastest / Le plus rapides et les plus racés The First Mayor / Le premier maire The Great Conflagration / La grande conflagration The Growth of Ship Building: Isaac Carver / Le développement des chantiers navals : Isaac Carver The Heart of the Fort The Home of a Hero / La maison d'un héros The James P. White House / La maison de James P. White The Nut House / Ah ! La noix The Oldest Manufacturer / Le plus ancien fabricant The Opera House / L'Opéra The Penobscot Expedition The Silver Screen / Le septième art The Site of a Lumber Mill 1890 / Site d'une scierie, 1890 The Windsor Hotel / L'Hôtel Windsor Union Hall Union School Where Did the Soldiers Sleep? Whitcomb-Baker VFW Post 4633 Veterans Memorial World War I Memorial
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.
Maine random facts
Waldo County, located in the beautiful state of Maine, has a rich and interesting history that has shaped its development over time. The area was initially home to Indigenous peoples, particularly the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes, who lived in the region for thousands of years before European settlers arrived.

In the early 17th century, English explorers and traders established contact with the Native communities along the coast of present-day Maine, and by the mid-1600s, European settlement began. The land that is now Waldo County was part of the expansive Plymouth Colony before it was later incorporated as part of Massachusetts.

During the American Revolution, the area around present-day Waldo County played a significant role. Supporting the ideals of independence, local militias actively fought against British forces and participated in several key battles and skirmishes. The town of Castine, located in present-day Waldo County, was actually occupied by the British for a period of time during the war.

In 1827, Waldo County was officially established and named after Samuel Waldo, a prominent landowner and colonial leader. The county's growth and development were largely influenced by the agriculture and maritime industries. Coastal towns like Belfast and Searsport became major centers for shipbuilding and shipping, contributing to the county's prosperity. The industrial revolution in the 19th century brought further economic growth and diversification to the area.

Today, Waldo County is known for its picturesque landscapes, charming small towns, and strong sense of community. Its rich history can still be seen in the preserved historic buildings, museums, and cultural events that celebrate the region's past.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Waldo County, Maine.

  • 1789: Waldo County is established as a county in the state of Maine.
  • 1808: The county's first courthouse and jail are built in Castine, the original county seat.
  • 1827: The county seat is moved from Castine to Belfast, where a new courthouse and jail are constructed.
  • 1861-1865: Waldo County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1873: The Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad is completed, connecting the county to the rest of Maine's railway network.
  • 1874: The town of Swanville is incorporated in Waldo County.
  • 1901: Unity College, a private college, is founded in Unity, Maine.
  • 1937: The Penobscot Narrows Bridge, connecting Waldo County to Prospect, is completed.
  • 1967: The Waldo-Hancock Bridge, a suspension bridge spanning the Penobscot River, is opened to traffic.
  • 1989: The Waldo County Village of Heritage Park is established in Unity, showcasing historic buildings of the area.