Maine has a long history. It’s one we love. Mostly. You see, some of our history is a bit eerie. While we appreciate it all, we’re especially interested in some of the stories that tell the tale of people who were here far before us. There are a few communities in Maine that have been abandoned. You might know the story what lies beneath Flagstaff Lake. But, the one we’re telling you about today was new to us and might be new to you, too.

Riceville is located near present day Township 39 between Penobscot and Hancock counties.
Abandonment of Maine / YouTube
In the late 1870s, it was home to a tannery built by leather making giant, F. Shaw and Brother's Company.
Abandonment of Maine / YouTube
The employees of the tannery lived around their place of work, creating a small community known as Riceville.
Abandonment of Maine / YouTube
It was named for James Rice who ultimately came to own the tannery.
Abandonment of Maine / YouTube
While hiking the area around Milford and Township 39, it might be hard to tell that anyone ever lived here.
Abandonment of Maine / YouTube

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But, if you look closely you might see small vestiges of the folks who once called it home.
Abandonment of Maine / YouTube
Census records from 1900 reflect a population of 75 people.
Abandonment of Maine / YouTube
But by 1910...those people had completely vanished.
Abandonment of Maine / YouTube
One story says that a group came upon the community to find everyone inexplicably dead. They buried the people in unmarked graves and moved on.
Abandonment of Maine / YouTube
But, no graves have been found.
Abandonment of Maine / YouTube
The more likely story is one related to cholera. In 1908 there was an outbreak of the disease related to tainted water. One belief is that the community either moved along once they realized there was no safe water, or they died before they could ever understand.
Abandonment of Maine / YouTube

For more information, check out this short video created during exploration of the area:

While we’re exploring abandoned areas of Maine, be sure to read about the history of Malaga Island. It’s heartbreaking.

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