Most People Have No Idea This Underwater City In Maine Even Exists

Maine's history just might be the most interesting in the country. From legendary war generals to well-known authors to poets that loved our state as we love it today, there's a lot to learn about Maine. The people who have come before us have helped not only shape this state but also shape the people we are as Mainers. It's important to remember this history, even when it's not happy. The story of this underwater city in Maine is a perfect example.

The first permanent settlers of Flagstaff Village, which took its name from the flagpole erected by Benedict Arnold and his men, came in the 1800s.

In the mid-1900s, the Central Maine Power Company (CMP) began acquiring local power companies to build hydroelectric dams in Maine.

But, in order to expand, CMP recognized the need to build a dam that would help the ebb and flow of the Kennebec River.

And this plan would only be approved by Maine legislature if CMP agreed to lease the land that was to be in the flood zone.

This was, of course, not something they were interested in.

Instead, they began construction on a dam in the Dead River at Long Falls - a dam that would eventually flood Flagstaff Village and Dead River Plantation.

By 1930, CMP was buying land from Flagstaff Village and Dead River Plantation.

By 1948, the land was cleared and by 1949 it was burning, smoke billowing for miles.

In 1950, Long Falls Dam was finally built and lives were forever changed.

Homes were forever lost - submerged when the flood waters came in. The town's important buildings were moved, but others were simply demolished. The most unfortunate of cases were the folks that never came to a monetary agreement with CMP.

In July of 1949, the town of Flagstaff Village, Maine had a two-day event where local families somberly remembered all that had been built – family, community, and love – over the last century.

Many of the residents moved to the Eustis and Stratton areas.

Today, a visit to the lake is a reminder of what Mainers have sacrificed.

Watch this video footage of Flagstaff Lake by YouTube user Andrew Nesbitt, and imagine the ruined town lying beneath its waters:

The Dead River Area Historical Society is a wonderful resource for remembering these lost communities. Visit the Dead River Area Historical Society Facebook page to see its collection of photos and information.

Want to read about another community completely disappeared from an area of Maine? It's the Malaga Island mystery and it's quite a famous Maine tale!