As anyone who has grown up in Maine can tell you, we’ve got a pretty long and storied history. From the early colonial settlers that made their way north in strenuous conditions to epic and destructive fires, it’s easy to see why Mainers are able to get through anything! In order to celebrate our strength and remember all that this state has seen, we’ve gathered a fascinating bunch of old photos of Maine allowing us all to take a trip down memory lane. Let’s explore these incredible images that tell some of the fascinating history of Maine.

1. The great fire of 1911, Bangor (1911)
By The Library of Congress [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
On April 30th, 1911, a fire began on Broad Street in downtown Bangor. High winds caused it to spread to Exchange Street and the Universalist Church on Center Street in just a few hours. It soon traveled to the residential neighborhood on Center Street Hill. The fire was so huge that the glow could be seen as far away as Belfast.
2. Camp Russell near Moosehead Lake (1888)
Mainememory.net / Wikimedia Commons
Never was there a more epic Maine camping photo than this one! It's hard to imagine camping in a suit, but these guys make it look manageable, if not easy! "John Dunn and his party of hunters built Camp Russell, an outpost at Russell Pond at the base of Russell Mountain, some fifteen miles north of Northeast Cove on Moosehead Lake, Maine. Dunn and his hunters likely took a steamship to the north end of Moosehead Lake and traveled by packhorse for another day to reach their remote camp." Credit: Maine Historical Society
3. Main Street in ghost town, Flagstaff (1915)
By Unknown photographer [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
It's hard to tell if Flagstaff would still look like this today. The town was abandoned and dismantled in 1950 for the construction of a hydroelectric dam on the Dead River. This enlarged Flagstaff Lake and submerged the site of the settlement.

For more about the sad story of Flagstaff Lake, click here.
4. Lover's Rock, Wilton (1905)
By Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Co., Belfast, Maine - http://www.mainememory.net/bin/Detail?ln=26091, Public Domain
"Lover's" might be a bit of an exaggeration based on the stoic poses of these folks, but we love this one nonetheless! Wilton was known as a mill town back when this photo was taken.
5. The Williamson House, Belfast (circa 1920)
By Unknown - from a c. 1920 postcard., Public Domain
6. Painters at Fish Beach, Monhegan Island (circa 1940)
By Warner Taylor - Boston Public Library, Public Domain
In this photo, American artist Sears Gallagher (left) paints Frank Pierce. Sears Gallagher was known for his artwork in multiple media: drawing, etching, watercolor and oil painting. His work consists of landscapes, seascapes, and cityscapes depicting his native Boston and northern New England, especially Monhegan Island, Maine.

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7. Sebago Lake, Cumberland County (1915)
By Unknown photographer [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
This photo looks like it could have been taken today with a fancy Instagram filter. The only thing that might give away its age are the trees. They're a lot bigger today!
8. Hard work at Pink Granite Quarry, Vinalhaven (1936)
rich701 / Flickr
Vinalhaven is known historically for its quarries, which is where this photo is from. Once filled, the entire truck bed full of stone would be lifted off the truck and hoisted out. Today, a hike through the Basin Preserve will reveal the unmistakable clean line remnants of granite quarry work.
9. A stone manufactory, Vinalhaven (circa 1880)
By Unknown - Original source: Robert N. Dennis collection of stereoscopic views.
This is another from Vinalhaven's granite history. It's nice to see that Mainers knew the importance of showing up to work dressed for success.
10. Mars Hill from a distance (1915)
By Unknown photographer - Reproduced from an original postcard published by the Eastern Illustrating Company, Belfast, Maine, Public Domain
Mars Hill is located in Aroostook County near the border of New Brunswick, Canada. Fun Fact: the town is named for Hezekiah Mars, who camped for three years at the base of Mars Hill Mountain. The first industry here was cutting timber.
11. Whaleback Lighthouse, Kittery (circa 1950)
PH3 Wade C. Midkiff, USCG., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
This is one of our favorites. It's incredible to know that these structures still stand. This lighthouse stands at the mouth of the Piscataqua River between New Castle, New Hampshire and Kittery. A light has been active at this location since 1820; the present tower was built in 1872.
12. Factories of Lewiston (1910)
River & factories, Lewiston, Me., c 1910. / Wikimedia Commons
This is another one that could have been taken today and edited. Looks like a cold and dreary workday day in Lewiston, Maine.
13. The Limerick Academy, Limerick (1915)
By Unknown photographer [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
The Limerick Academy served as a school from 1881 to 1925. Today, it is owned by the Limerick Historical Society and is accessible to the public for an annual open house featuring special exhibits. You can also make an appointment to stop in and see what's on display.

If you would like to explore the history of Maine, the Maine Historical Society Library is a great source of information. Check out this video: 

The old photos of Maine are interesting, but we bet they didn’t have this awesome ice cream trail back in those days! Check out the sweetest trail in Maine!

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MAINE'S HISTORY & RELATED INFO

Melanie J. | May 03, 2023

What are the best museums in Maine?

Our state has a rich history, and, in my opinion, you’ll get the best documented lessons from our museums. So, here are the best museums in Maine that are great for the history buff. 

  • Maine Maritime Museum, Bath
  • Victoria Mansion, Portland
  • Maine State Museum, Augusta
  • Cole Land Transportation Museum, Bangor
  • Owls Head Transportation Museum, Owls Head
  • The Northern Maine Museum of Science, Presque Isle
  • Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and Museum, Portland
  • Stanwood Homestead Museum & Bird Sanctuary, Ellsworth
  • Somesville Historical Museum & Gardens, Mount Desert Island
  • Seashore Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport


Here’s a previous article about some quirky museums in Maine that are worthy of a visit.  

What are some historical landmarks in Maine?

As one of the oldest cities in America, there are lots of historical landmarks in Maine. Here are 12 of the best landmarks in Maine that are a must-visit:

  • Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth
  • Kennebec Arsenal, Augusta
  • Portland Observatory, Portland
  • Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Brunswick
  • Maine State House, Augusta
  • Bowdoin Schooner, Castine
  • Victoria Mansion, Portland
  • Cushnoc Archeological Site, Augusta
  • Fort Kent Blockhouse, Fort Kent
  • Winslow Homer Studio, Scarborough
  • Seguin Lighthouse, Phippsburg
  • Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, New Gloucester


Be sure to check out our previous article with more information about these historical landmarks in Maine.

What are some fun facts about Maine?

If you’ve ever wondered what Maine is known for, then you’re in the right place. These are some fun facts about Maine, some of which you might not know about.

  • Maine has over 3,000 miles of coastline
  • Maine’s state nickname is The Pine Tree State
  • Maine produces 100 million pounds of lobster annually
  • Most of the lighthouses are haunted
  • The state bird is the Black-capped chickadee
  • The official song is “State of Maine Song”
  • Favorite desserts are whoopie and blueberry pies
  • Maine has over 150 breweries
  • World-renowned author Stephen King lived in Bangor
  • It is illegal to keep a Monk Parakeet and moose as pets


Check out our previous article for more fun facts about Maine.

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