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History of Presque Isle, Maine, USA
Journey back in time to Presque Isle, Maine, USA
(Maysville)
Explore Presque Isle, Maine, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Presque Isle Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Presque Isle: The largest town in Aroostook County, Presque Isle is known for its role as a regional service hub. It offers outdoor activities like hiking and skiing, as well as cultural attractions such as the Northern Maine Museum of Science.
Presque Isle was settled in 1828 and incorporated on April 4, 1859 from Plantations from F, G and H. It annexed the town of Maysville in 1883 and was incorporated as a city on January 1, 1940.
The French presque isle means "almost an island," based on the twists and turns of the Aroostook River and the Presque Isle Stream. maineanencyclopedia.com
Explore even more about Presque Isle, Maine, USA. Keep reading!
Presque Isle Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to PRESQUE ISLE

I Love MAINE Mug – Lobster Rolls, Blueberries & Whoopie Pies Coffee Cup
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MAINE ROOTS - I'm from MAINE! Ceramic Mug - Celebrating Moose, Lobster, and Blueberries
Start your day with a touch of Maine magic! Our Maine-inspired ceramic mug features the charming caption, "I'm from Maine! That explains a lot about my love for moose, lobster and blueberries."

MAINE Roots - Genealogy-Themed Ceramic Coffee Mug Gift Idea
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Discover Presque Isle: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1854 - Presque Isle
Presque Isle, a post-office of Aroostook co., Maine.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
Presque Isle, a post-office of Aroostook co., Maine.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
1883 - Towns Combine
In 1883, the town of Maysville became a part of Presque Isle.
In 1883, the town of Maysville became a part of Presque Isle.
1886 - Presque Isle
Presque Isle lies in the second range of townships in Aroostook County, a few miles south of Aroostook River. It is bounded on the north by Maysville, south by Westfield Plantation, east by Easton, and west by Chapman and Mapleton plantations. The Presque isle Stream enters on the west side of the town and leaves it on the north. Presque Isle Village, the principal centre of business, is situated on the stream near the northern line. In the southern part, a little west of a middle line, in Quaggy Joe Lake, one mile in length, having Arnold Brook as an outlet. On this, near the pond, is the small village of Spragueville. South by south-west of the village is the four-peaked "Green Mountain," lying in a true north and south line. The middle of the town generally is elevated, and there are still extensive forests in the western, southern and eastern parts. There is a lumber and a cabinet mill at Spragueville, and at Presque Isle Village are two lumber-mills, a grist-mill, a. wool-carding ... Read MORE...
Presque Isle lies in the second range of townships in Aroostook County, a few miles south of Aroostook River. It is bounded on the north by Maysville, south by Westfield Plantation, east by Easton, and west by Chapman and Mapleton plantations. The Presque isle Stream enters on the west side of the town and leaves it on the north. Presque Isle Village, the principal centre of business, is situated on the stream near the northern line. In the southern part, a little west of a middle line, in Quaggy Joe Lake, one mile in length, having Arnold Brook as an outlet. On this, near the pond, is the small village of Spragueville. South by south-west of the village is the four-peaked "Green Mountain," lying in a true north and south line. The middle of the town generally is elevated, and there are still extensive forests in the western, southern and eastern parts. There is a lumber and a cabinet mill at Spragueville, and at Presque Isle Village are two lumber-mills, a grist-mill, a. wool-carding ... Read MORE...
1895 - Presque Isle
Presque Isle, a post-village in Presque Isle township, Aroostook co., Me., near the Aroostook River, 42 miles N. by W. of Houlton. It contains 3 churches, the Presque Isle Academy, a newspaper office, a starch-factory, and several saw-mills.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Presque Isle, a post-village in Presque Isle township, Aroostook co., Me., near the Aroostook River, 42 miles N. by W. of Houlton. It contains 3 churches, the Presque Isle Academy, a newspaper office, a starch-factory, and several saw-mills.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1906
Presque Isle, a post-village in Presque Isle township (town), Aroostook co., Me., near the Aroostook River, 42 miles N. by W. of Houtlon, on the Bangor and Aroostook and the Canadian Pacific Rs. It has manufactures of starch, lumber, etc. Pop. in 1900, 1256; of the town, 3804.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
Presque Isle, a post-village in Presque Isle township (town), Aroostook co., Me., near the Aroostook River, 42 miles N. by W. of Houtlon, on the Bangor and Aroostook and the Canadian Pacific Rs. It has manufactures of starch, lumber, etc. Pop. in 1900, 1256; of the town, 3804.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
1909 - MANY HOUSES BURNED DOWN. THOUSAND PEOPLE HOMELESS AT PRESQUE ISLE, ME. RAVAGES RESIDENCE SECTION. FIRE DESTROYS ONE HUNDRED DWELLINGS, THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, THE MASONIC HALL AND SEVERAL OTHER STRUCTURES
HIGH WIND LARGELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EXTENT OF THE DISASTER. SEVERAL PERSONS INJURED.
Presque Isle, Me., June 8. - The entire northeasterly section of this village, comprising the district where were situated the most pretentious residences, was swept by fire, a high wind carrying the flames and embers from street to street until 100 dewelling houses and the Congregational church, the Masonic hall and several other structures had been reduced to ashes. The Canadian Pacific railroad station and two large storehouses for potatoes were burned. The total loss is estimated at $300,000.
Upward of 1,000 persons are homeless.
A high wind which prevailed all day is responsible largely for the extent of the disaster. It carried blazing embers a distance of a quarter of a mile in many cases, and new fires started after the first was well under way.
Several persons were reported injured, but there were no fatalities.
The burned section covers an area of half a square mile, including ... Read MORE...
HIGH WIND LARGELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EXTENT OF THE DISASTER. SEVERAL PERSONS INJURED.
Presque Isle, Me., June 8. - The entire northeasterly section of this village, comprising the district where were situated the most pretentious residences, was swept by fire, a high wind carrying the flames and embers from street to street until 100 dewelling houses and the Congregational church, the Masonic hall and several other structures had been reduced to ashes. The Canadian Pacific railroad station and two large storehouses for potatoes were burned. The total loss is estimated at $300,000.
Upward of 1,000 persons are homeless.
A high wind which prevailed all day is responsible largely for the extent of the disaster. It carried blazing embers a distance of a quarter of a mile in many cases, and new fires started after the first was well under way.
Several persons were reported injured, but there were no fatalities.
The burned section covers an area of half a square mile, including ... Read MORE...
On January 1, 1940, Presque Isle was incorporated as a city.
Presque Isle is the wettest city in Maine, averaging 103 days of precipitation each year.
National Weather Service
National Weather Service
Presque Isle, Maine, has a lot to offer! Here's a list of places to go and things to do in this charming town:
Aroostook State Park:
Start your adventure with a visit to Aroostook State Park. It's a fantastic spot for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The park is open year-round, offering different activities in each season.
Presque Isle Historical Society and Museum:
Get a glimpse into the town's past at the Presque Isle Historical Society and Museum. Explore exhibits that showcase the history and heritage of the region. It's a great place to learn about the people and events that shaped Presque Isle.
The Aroostook Centre Mall:
If you're in the mood for some shopping, head to The Aroostook Centre Mall. You'll find a variety of stores, from clothing to electronics, making it a one-stop destination for all your shopping needs.
Northern Maine Community College:
Check out the Northern Maine Community College campus. The college often hosts events, and the grounds are pleasant for a stroll. If there's a performance or lecture happening, it's a... Read MORE...
Aroostook State Park:
Start your adventure with a visit to Aroostook State Park. It's a fantastic spot for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The park is open year-round, offering different activities in each season.
Presque Isle Historical Society and Museum:
Get a glimpse into the town's past at the Presque Isle Historical Society and Museum. Explore exhibits that showcase the history and heritage of the region. It's a great place to learn about the people and events that shaped Presque Isle.
The Aroostook Centre Mall:
If you're in the mood for some shopping, head to The Aroostook Centre Mall. You'll find a variety of stores, from clothing to electronics, making it a one-stop destination for all your shopping needs.
Northern Maine Community College:
Check out the Northern Maine Community College campus. The college often hosts events, and the grounds are pleasant for a stroll. If there's a performance or lecture happening, it's a... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Presque Isle Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Presque Isle, Maine, USA
We currently have information about 37 ancestors who were born or died in Presque Isle.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Presque Isle, Maine, USA
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