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History of Old Town, Maine, USA
Journey back in time to Old Town, Maine, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Old Town, Maine, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Old Town
Old Town: Situated in Penobscot County, Old Town is known for its historic ties to the paper industry and its location along the Penobscot River. The town offers access to outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, and exploring nearby nature trails.
Old Town was incorporated on March 16, 1840 from a portion of Orono. After annexing land from Argyle, Argyle Plantation, and Alton, it was incorporated as a city in 1891.
The "Old Town" reference is to the ancient use of the area by the earliest natives, the "red paint people."
Since 1669, the area has been the principal home of the Penobscot Indians. At that time it was known as Pannawambskek, "where the ledges spread out" according to Eckstorm.
The French established missions there in the 1680’s, but the English speaking settlers did not arrive from almost a hundred years later, in 1774. In 1798, Richard Winslow built a dam to support a double sawmill on Old Town Falls, marking the beginning of mills and lumbering that would grow substantially in the area throughout the 19th century. maineanencyclopedia.com
Old Town was incorporated on March 16, 1840 from a portion of Orono. After annexing land from Argyle, Argyle Plantation, and Alton, it was incorporated as a city in 1891.
The "Old Town" reference is to the ancient use of the area by the earliest natives, the "red paint people."
Since 1669, the area has been the principal home of the Penobscot Indians. At that time it was known as Pannawambskek, "where the ledges spread out" according to Eckstorm.
The French established missions there in the 1680’s, but the English speaking settlers did not arrive from almost a hundred years later, in 1774. In 1798, Richard Winslow built a dam to support a double sawmill on Old Town Falls, marking the beginning of mills and lumbering that would grow substantially in the area throughout the 19th century. maineanencyclopedia.com
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VINTAGE OLD TOWN
Old Town Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Old Town, Maine, USA
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Bickmore Morticians Powder
The Bickmore Company
Proprietary Manufacturers
Old Town, Maine, U.S.A.
The Bickmore Company
Proprietary Manufacturers
Old Town, Maine, U.S.A.
Old Town, Maine, USA
Postcard
Woolen Mills, 1905
Old Town, Maine, USA
Postcard
Main St., Oldtown, Me., 1906
Old Town, Maine, USA
Postcard
Indian Island Reservation, 1907
Old Town, Maine, USA
Postcard
Oldtown, Me., Main Street, 1908
Old Town, Maine, USA
Postcard
Post Office
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Old Town, Maine, USA
Postcard
Eagle House, Old Town, Me.
A. G. Pero, Prop.
A. G. Pero, Prop.
Old Town, Maine, USA
Postcard
Indian Reservation and Ferry
Old Town, Maine, USA
Postcard
Folsom Square, Old Town, Me.
Old Town, Maine, USA
Postcard
Main Street
Old Town, Maine, USA
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The Helen Hunt School
Old Town, Maine, USA
Postcard
High School, 1941
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to OLD TOWN
I Love MAINE Mug – Lobster Rolls, Blueberries & Whoopie Pies Coffee Cup
Celebrate the flavors and charm of Maine with this vibrant ceramic mug! Featuring iconic treats—lobster rolls, juicy blueberries, and classic whoopie pies—plus the “I Love Maine” slogan, it’s perfect for locals, state lovers, and food enthusiasts alike.
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
Celebrate your deep New England heritage with our "Maine Roots" Genealogy-Themed Ceramic Coffee Mug. Whether you're sipping your morning brew while tracing your family tree or reminiscing about summers on the Maine coast, this mug is the perfect companion for your journey through the branches of your ancestry.
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Old Town: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Old Town through the years.
1854 - Old Town
Old Town, a thriving post-village of Penobscot county, Maine, on the right bank of the Penobscot river, at the northern terminus of the Bangor and Piscataquis railroad, 70 miles N. E. from Augusta. The village contains a bank, and is the seat of an extensive lumber trade. Population of the township, 3087.
1871 - Clock Accident
A few days ago, while the clock on the St. James Episcopal Church, in Old-town, Me., was being wound up, the chain attached to one of the wights parted, and the ponderous iron weight went crushing through the ceilings and floorings, passing directly through the chancel in to the basement of the building.
1871 - Social Party
At a social party in the Town Hall of Oldtown, Me., a few nights ago, a young lady, who wished to get a better view of the dancers, attempted to lift herself by a lamp-bracket affixed to the gallery, when its fastenings gave way, and the three lamps upon it were dashed in pieces upon the floor. The kerosene spread over a considerable area and ignited. A scene of terror and confusion ensued, which might have resulted fatally to some present had not a young man leaped from the gallery, regardless of the height, torn off his overcoat, and throwing it upon the burning oil, extinguished the flames. Several other gentlemen hastened to his aid, and with the putting out of the fire, the excitement subsided.
1886 - Oldtown
Oldtown, in Penobscot County, lies on the west side of Penobscot River, 12 miles north of Bangor. The towns which bound it are Alton and Argyle on the north, Hudson and Glenburn on the west, Orono on the south and Milford on the east. The last is separated from it by the river. The surface of the town is generally quite even; but 2 hill of the kind known as a "horse back," runs the entire length north and south. Besides the Penobscot, the water-courses are Pushaw and Birch streams. The first is the outlet of Pushaw Lake, which lies on a portion of the west line of the town. Another stream is the so-called Stiliwater River, which is fed by Birch and Pushaw streams, and discharges into the Penobscot by three mouths, two of which are in Oldtown, and one in Orono. Between these and the Penobscot are several islands, of which the largest extends from the middle of the town into Orono on the south. Upon the eastern side of this is situated Oldtown village, and on the west the little hamlet...
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1895 - Old Town
Old Town, a post-village of Penobscot co, Me. in Old Town township, near the W. bank of the Penobscot River, and on the European & North American Railroad, at its junction with the Bangor & Piscataquis Railroad, 13 miles N.N.E. of Bangor. It contains 6 or 7 churches, a bank, and numerous saw-mills. It has extensive water power, and is chiefly supported by lumber-business, having it is said, the largest lumber-mill in the world, where 100 saws are at work. A railroad bridge across the Penobscot connects Old Town with Milford. Pop, of the township in 1890, 5312.
1898 - TRAIN WRECKED IN MAINE.
OLD TOWN, Me., Jan. 29. - The St. John Train No. 29, or what is called down here the Provincial Express, was wrecked in the cut at Orono Basin Mills at 3:45 this afternoon, and six cars, including the smoker, were turned topsy-turvy into the ditch. One of the passenger cars was almost entirely demolished. Two persons were killed and more than a score injured severally probably fatally. The dead are Jennie S. Murray, St. Stephen, N. B.; Mrs. D. Cunningham, Troy, Me. The fatally injured are Daniel Cunningham, Troy, Me.; Howard L. Maddox, Skowehegan, Me.; Stanley Bean, Bertin Falls, N. B., and C. E. Whittier, Skowhegan, Me.
The train was running over the Maine Central tracks and left Bangor a little late. At the time of the derailment, which was due to spreading rails, the train was running about thirty-five miles an hour. It was made up of a combination baggage, and mail car, parlor car Claribel, smoking car, two passenger coaches, and the private car of President F. A. Wilson of the ...
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The train was running over the Maine Central tracks and left Bangor a little late. At the time of the derailment, which was due to spreading rails, the train was running about thirty-five miles an hour. It was made up of a combination baggage, and mail car, parlor car Claribel, smoking car, two passenger coaches, and the private car of President F. A. Wilson of the ...
1906
Oldtown, a banking post-village of Penobscot co., Me., near the W. bank of the Penobscot River and on the Maine Central and the Bangor and Aroostook Rs., 12 miles NNE. of Bangor. It has extensive water-power and is chiefly supported by its lumber-mills and manufactures of boots and shoes, woollens, boats and canoes. A railroad bridge across the Penobscot connects Oldtown with Milford. Pop. in 1900, 5763.
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Old Town:
Penobscot River: Take a stroll along the Penobscot River, which runs through Old Town. Enjoy the scenic views and maybe bring a picnic to relax by the river.
Hirundo Wildlife Refuge: Nature enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to Hirundo Wildlife Refuge. Explore the trails, observe local wildlife, and enjoy the tranquility of the natural surroundings.
Old Town Canoe Company Museum: Learn about the town's heritage and the history of canoe manufacturing at the Old Town Canoe Company Museum. It's a fascinating glimpse into the town's industry.
Leonard's Mills: Step back in time at Leonard's Mills, a historic site that features reconstructed 18th and 19th-century buildings. It provides insight into the region's logging and milling history.
University of Maine:
Collins Center for the Arts: Check the schedule for performances at the Collins Center for the Arts on the University of Maine campus.
Fogler Library: Explore the university's library, which has a collection of books...
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Hirundo Wildlife Refuge: Nature enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to Hirundo Wildlife Refuge. Explore the trails, observe local wildlife, and enjoy the tranquility of the natural surroundings.
Old Town Canoe Company Museum: Learn about the town's heritage and the history of canoe manufacturing at the Old Town Canoe Company Museum. It's a fascinating glimpse into the town's industry.
Leonard's Mills: Step back in time at Leonard's Mills, a historic site that features reconstructed 18th and 19th-century buildings. It provides insight into the region's logging and milling history.
University of Maine:
Collins Center for the Arts: Check the schedule for performances at the Collins Center for the Arts on the University of Maine campus.
Fogler Library: Explore the university's library, which has a collection of books...
GENEALOGY IN OLD TOWN
Discover YOUR Roots: Old Town Ancestry
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BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Old Town, Maine, USA
We currently have information about 22 ancestors who were born or died in Old Town.
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Updated: 3/11/2026 11:43:28 PM
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