Most People Have No Idea There's An Underwater Ghost Town Hiding In Maine
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Michelle
Author
While I might be biased, I believe that the history in Maine is the most interesting in the country. We’ve had legendary Civil War generals, prolific authors, cause fighters and of course all the regular people that gave this state the culture it has today. I am constantly in awe of the people who lived here and paved the way for us to all have a home in Vacationland. That being said, not every story is beautiful. There are some that are downright sad. The history of Flagstaff Plantation is one of those stories.
The real tale behind Flagstaff Lake and what lies beneath its surface is one worth remembering.
The first settlers of Flagstaff Village, which took its name from the flagpole erected by Benedict Arnold and his men, came in the 1800s. Drawn by the rich soil found in the Dead River and the local timber resources, those who called the area home were rewarded with the eventual creation of a gristmill and sawmill. This led to additional settlement of the surrounding areas of Dead River and Bigelow Plantations. Life was not without hardship, but it was a beloved community. That is, until 1949.
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In the mid-1900s, in an effort to consolidate Maine’s electrical production, Walter Wyman of the Central Maine Power Company (CMP) began acquiring local power companies. Soon, CMP was building hydroelectric dams in Maine. To continue and expand, Wyman recognized the need to build a dam that would control the waters of the Kennebec River. This plan would only be approved by Maine legislature if he agreed to lease the land that was to be in the flood zone.
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Wyman didn't want to spend the money on this. Instead, he set his sights on a plan that put Flagstaff Village and Dead River Plantation in the way of ultimate destruction. This plan meant the construction of a dam in the Dead River at Long Falls. By 1930, CMP was buying land from Flagstaff Village and Dead River Plantation. By 1948, the land was cleared. By 1949 it was burning, sending smoke billowing for miles.
In 1950, Long Falls Dam was built and lives were forever changed.
In 1950, Long Falls Dam was built and lives were forever changed.
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Many of the town's important buildings, such as the schoolhouse, were demolished, while some of the lucky ones were moved. But, the most unfortunate of cases were the folks that never came to a monetary agreement with CMP. These homes simply remained, waiting for the incoming flood waters to overcome them.
The first photo below is the home of Mae Savage. Under that is what became of her home when the diverted waters of the Dead River overtook it.
The first photo below is the home of Mae Savage. Under that is what became of her home when the diverted waters of the Dead River overtook it.
In July of 1949, the town of Flagstaff Village had one last hurrah. In a two-day event that brought out 300 people, local folks somberly remembered all that had been built – family, community and love – over the last century. During the celebration, the clearing fires blazed sending smoke above the town revelers. It was surely an unnecessary reminder of what was to come.
Most residents relocated to the nearby areas of Eustis and Stratton. But, their families have not forgotten about the town their loved ones once called home. The Dead River Area Historical Society does an incredible job creating events and curating collections to ensure that these lost communities are not forgotten. Visit them on Facebook for an incredible collection of photos and information.
Today, Flagstaff Lake offers a respite from busy days in Maine. But, below are the fading foundations and reminders of a community that flourished. There was a time when some even reported finding relics, such as cutlery, of days gone by near the shores. The next time you visit, take a moment to remember your past and those whose past lies beneath the surface of Flagstaff Lake.
Now that you know the story, listen to this musical rendition of what happened in the song "Below" by Slaid Cleaves.
Today, Flagstaff Lake offers a respite from busy days in Maine. But, below are the fading foundations and reminders of a community that flourished. There was a time when some even reported finding relics, such as cutlery, of days gone by near the shores. The next time you visit, take a moment to remember your past and those whose past lies beneath the surface of Flagstaff Lake.
Now that you know the story, listen to this musical rendition of what happened in the song "Below" by Slaid Cleaves.
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