Maine’s Historical Sites

Maine is filled to the brim with incredible history in many forms! Each of our regions have plenty of historical sites to explore, a few of which we have highlighted here!

Not only are these great for education, but many of the historical sites that Maine hosts are also great for sightseeing, and there is always plenty to do along the way as you are headed to them. Be sure to include some of these in with your next trip to Maine! For more historical sites, check out the appropriate section of the Destinations page, as linked here.

Aroostook County

The first historical site we are featuring this week is the Acadian Village located in the town of Van Buren in Aroostook County. The village offers a glimpse of the past, exemplifying what life was like for the Acadian people who settled the area centuries ago before being deported by British forces.

Acadians are those who are descended from the first French settlers of the (French: Village Acadien) area that is now eastern Canada and Maine. In a turn of events over years stemming from the Seven Years’ War, many Acadians ended up being sent to Louisiana, where there was cultural diffusion to create what is now known as Cajun culture, which comes from the word Acadian.

Address: 879 Main St, Van Buren, ME 04785

Phone Number: (207) 868-5042

Hours: 12pm – 5pm, June 15th – September 15th. (Admission – $7.00 adults, $4.00 kids)

Downeast

In the Downeast region, the beautiful town of Castine is home to a rich maritime history that spans several centuries. The town itself has been taken over and controlled by a few different countries over time, and as a result, a few forts built by different countries popped up across the landscape. The remnants and sites of these forts can still be seen and visited today. The most in-tact fort is that of Fort George (Britain, 1779), while the least-intact is that of the first Fort Pentagoet (built in the early 17th century as a fur-trading post and capital of Acadia).

 

 

Fort George: Wadsworth Cove Rd, Castine, ME 04421

Fort Madison: Perkins St, Castine, ME 04421

Fort Pentagoet: Perkins St, Castine, ME 04421

Western Maine

Western Maine is defined by its picturesque mountain ranges that create numerous valleys through which winding roads weave and towns pop up along the lakes and rivers that settle within. One of these lakes however, is only about 70 years old.

Flagstaff Lake was born out of a stream that was dammed off in the middle of the 20th century. Prior to that, a flourishing town called Flagstaff was located where the lake now sits. Entire buildings were moved, as people uprooted their lives and relocated to nearby towns such as Stratton, as the water level slowly took over the dirt roads, leftover cellars, and backyards. Some say that you can still see remnants of the town when the water level is low.

The lake itself is gorgeous, and it’s worth it to stop by and admire the peaceful atmosphere and scenery! The Dead River Guide Service offers tours of the lake, so check them out! Their contact information is below.

Phone: (207) 246-2277