Aroostook County, often simply called "The County" by locals,
forms the northernmost expanse of Maine and aligns perfectly
with the boundaries of Aroostook County itself. This vast,
sparsely populated region spans over 6,800 square miles—larger
than Rhode Island and Connecticut combined—featuring rolling
farmlands, dense forests, pristine rivers, and a rich Acadian
cultural heritage influenced by its proximity to the Canadian
border. Known for its potato production, stunning fall foliage,
and abundant outdoor recreation, it's a haven for those seeking
tranquility away from urban hustle, with a population of around
67,000 residents spread across small towns and rural areas.
Aroostook County is dotted with charming small communities, each
offering unique attractions, history, and access to nature. Here's an
expanded list of key ones:
Caribou – Often dubbed the "Most
Northeastern City in the United States," this hub features the Nylander
Museum of Natural History, excellent snowmobiling trails, and serves as
a central point for exploring the county's agricultural roots.
Frenchville – A quaint Acadian-influenced town near the St. John River,
known for its French heritage, scenic river views, and proximity to the
Northern Aroostook Regional Airport.
Fort Kent – Home to the historic
Fort Kent Blockhouse and the starting point of U.S. Route 1 (America's
First Mile), this border town hosts the Can-Am Crown International Sled
Dog Race and offers cross-country skiing and river paddling.
Fort
Fairfield – Famous for its annual Maine Potato Blossom Festival in July,
celebrating the region's potato farming legacy with parades, music, and
family-friendly events.
Grand Isle – A peaceful riverside spot along
the St. John Valley, ideal for fishing and enjoying quiet Acadian
culture, with nearby access to the International Appalachian Trail.
Houlton – The county seat and southern gateway, boasting the Southern
Aroostook Agricultural Museum, vibrant arts scene, and the annual
Houlton Agricultural Fair.
Limestone – Site of the former Loring Air
Force Base, now home to the Maine Solar System Model (a scale model of
the solar system along Route 1) and the Loring Commerce Centre for
outdoor adventures.
Littleton – A rural gem with the Southern
Aroostook Agricultural Museum showcasing farming history, plus nearby
hiking at Shin Brook Falls.
Madawaska – Known as the "Four Corners of
America" (northernmost town in the contiguous U.S.), it features the
Madawaska Four Corners Park, Acadian festivals, and strong
French-Canadian ties.
Mars Hill – Famous for BigRock Mountain Ski
Area, offering year-round activities like skiing, mountain biking, and
hiking, with panoramic views from the wind turbines atop Mars Hill
Mountain.
Oakfield – A quiet area surrounded by lakes and forests,
perfect for fishing, boating, and accessing the Aroostook Valley Country
Club for golfing.
Presque Isle – The largest city in the county, with
the University of Maine at Presque Isle, the Northern Maine Fairgrounds,
and a bustling downtown for shopping and events.
Van Buren – Along
the St. John River, this town highlights Acadian history through the
Acadian Village museum and offers scenic byways for cycling or driving.
Reaching Aroostook County typically involves a mix of air, road, or
even scenic drives from southern Maine.
By Plane: The primary
commercial airport is Presque Isle International Airport (PQI), located
at 650 Airport Drive in Presque Isle (+1 207-764-2550). It offers daily
nonstop flights to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) via United
Airlines, with connections to major U.S. hubs. Check for seasonal
adjustments or additional routes. Northern Aroostook Regional Airport
(WFK) near Frenchville serves general aviation and charter flights but
has no scheduled commercial service.
By Car: Interstate 95 ends in
Houlton, providing easy access from southern Maine (about 5 hours from
Portland) or New Brunswick, Canada. U.S. Route 1 runs north-south
through the county, offering picturesque drives.
By Bus: Limited
intercity options exist; Greyhound connects to southern points, but
local transport is sparse.
Aroostook's rural layout makes personal vehicles essential for flexibility, with well-maintained roads like Route 1 and Route 11. Rent cars at PQI or in Presque Isle. For public options, Aroostook Regional Transportation System (ARTS) provides affordable door-to-door rides (book in advance: +1 207-764-1290) covering areas like Caribou, Fort Kent, and Presque Isle, ideal for those without cars or needing medical transport. In winter, snowmobiles are popular on over 2,300 miles of groomed trails. Cycling and walking are feasible in towns, but distances between sites can be long.
Aroostook brims with natural and historical sights:
Aroostook
State Park near Presque Isle: Maine's first state park, with lakes for
swimming, hiking trails to Quaggy Jo Mountain, and camping.
Allagash
Wilderness Waterway: A 92-mile canoe route through remote forests and
rapids, perfect for wildlife spotting.
Maine Solar System Model: A
40-mile scale model along Route 1 from Houlton to Presque Isle, the
world's largest.
Acadian Village in Van Buren: Historic buildings
showcasing 19th-century Acadian life.
Fort Kent Blockhouse: A
National Historic Landmark from the 1839 Aroostook War.
Outdoor enthusiasts thrive here year-round:
Snowmobiling and
ATVing on extensive trail networks (over 2,300 miles for snowmobiles
alone).
Hiking mountains like Haystack, Mars Hill, or Quaggy Jo.
Fishing or canoeing on the St. John River and lakes.
Skiing at
BigRock Mountain or Quoggy Jo Ski Center.
Attend festivals like the
Crown of Maine Balloon Fest or Potato Blossom Festival.
Birdwatching
or hunting in wildlife refuges.
Local cuisine emphasizes fresh potatoes, seafood, and Acadian staples
like ployes (buckwheat pancakes). Top spots include:
Two Rivers
Lunch in Allagash: Classic diner fare with river views.
The Vault in
Houlton: Upscale pub grub and craft beers.
Rodney's at 436 Main in
Presque Isle: Farm-to-table meals with scenic vibes.
Northern Maine
Brewing Company in Caribou: Brewpub with inventive dishes like poutine.
Swamp Buck Restaurant & Lounge in Fort Kent: Surf-and-turf specials.Try
roadside stands for fresh produce or Amish bakeries in Smyrna for
homemade goods.
Nightlife is relaxed, focusing on breweries and pubs:
Northern
Maine Brewing Co. in Caribou: Aroostook's first craft brewery, offering
IPAs, stouts, and live music events.
Black Moon Public House in
Presque Isle: Craft cocktails and local wines in a cozy atmosphere.
Bastions Tavern in Houlton: Lively spot for beers, trivia nights, and
pub fare.
Irish Setter Pub in Presque Isle: Patio drinks and seasonal
specials.Local distilleries and wine tastings are emerging, often tied
to festivals.
Aroostook County ranks among the safest areas in the United States, with low crime rates—violent crime at 9.4 per 1,000 residents (below the national average of 22.7) and overall safety in the 59th percentile. Residents often leave cars running in store parking lots or homes unlocked in rural spots, reflecting the trusting community vibe. However, exercise caution in winter with icy roads, prepare for remote areas without cell service, and follow outdoor safety tips like dressing for weather changes and informing others of hiking plans. The region is resilient to extreme weather but can see heavy snow; check forecasts.
Pre-Colonial and Indigenous History
Aroostook County, located in
the northernmost part of Maine, has a rich indigenous history rooted in
the Wabanaki people, meaning "People of the Dawn." The region falls
entirely within the traditional territory of the Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet)
Nation, known natively as Wolastokuk, which translates to "beautiful
river" in reference to the Saint John River. The Wolastoqiyik were part
of the broader Wabanaki Confederacy, which also included neighboring
tribes such as the Mi'kmaq and Abenaki. This confederacy formed during
the era of European and British colonization as a means of mutual
defense and cooperation. The area was sparsely populated by Native
Americans, particularly the Dawnlanders, who lived in small communities
along the Atlantic coast on the disputed border between English
Massachusetts and French Acadia. Following the French and Indian Wars
(1754–1763), as England gained dominance over the Gulf of Maine, many
indigenous occupants retreated up large rivers into the interior to
escape hostile European colonists.
Acadians fleeing the Acadian
Expulsion (Le Grand Dérangement) in 1755 also sought refuge in the
region, with some communities remaining in what became the United
States, including the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians (Metaksonekiyak
Wolastoqewiyik). The Mi'kmaq Nation and the Houlton Band of Maliseet
maintain a central presence in Aroostook County due to their deep
ancestral connections to the land. Today, this heritage is celebrated
through annual events like the Maliseet Indian Recognition Day in
Littleton, Maine, held on the second weekend of September to commemorate
their federal recognition on October 10, 1980, featuring cultural
displays, dancing, drumming, and honoring resilient traditions. The
Mi’kmaq Nation hosts the Mawiomi of Tribes on the third weekend of
August at Spruce Haven in Caribou, a three-day public event showcasing
Wabanaki cultural traditions. Indigenous craftsmanship and agriculture
thrive, with the Mi'kmaq Museum in Presque Isle displaying weavings,
beadwork, artifacts, art, tools, and baskets reflecting Mi’kmaq and
Maliseet heritage. Mi'kmaq Farms in Caribou offers orchard produce,
u-pick options, and fish hatchery tours for Maine brook trout, while
local artisans sell items like signature Brown Ash Baskets at markets
and stands. Sites like Spruce Haven serve as venues for Wabanaki
ceremonies, underscoring the ongoing living traditions in the county.
European Exploration and Early Settlement
Maine's timber
resources attracted British interest as early as the 16th century, with
the region used for masts and shipbuilding. The North Maine Woods,
encompassing the headwaters of the Saint John, Penobscot, and Kennebec
Rivers, became a refuge during the colonial era for those fleeing
oppressive governments, including Native Americans evading colonists and
smugglers trading between English Massachusetts and French Acadia. Under
U.S. control after the Revolutionary War, the area was initially
dominated by lumber manufacturing, though agriculture grew as the
population increased. Settlement intensified in the 1820s, driven by
timber operations, but the region remained isolated on the border
frontier, fostering an independent cultural identity. Transportation
relied on the Saint John River and early rail connections to New
Brunswick, creating strong business ties with Canada until the Bangor
and Aroostook Railroad linked it to the U.S. network in 1894. The county
also played a role in the Underground Railroad, serving as one of the
last stops before Canada, where escaped slaves would hide in deserted
areas or at the Friends Quaker Church near Fort Fairfield.
Formation of the County
Aroostook County was officially formed on May
1, 1839, carved from portions of Penobscot and Washington counties. Its
name derives from a Native American word meaning "beautiful river,"
referring to the Aroostook River. Between 1843 and 1844, it acquired
additional land from Penobscot County and exchanged territory with
Piscataquis County. In 1889, it gained a small piece from Penobscot,
which it returned in 1903, solidifying its current boundaries. Caribou
serves as the county seat. Some of the territory was central to the
border disputes that precipitated the Aroostook War.
The
Aroostook War (1839)
The Aroostook War, often called the "Pork and
Beans War" due to its bloodless nature, was a territorial dispute
between Maine and New Brunswick over the boundary in the region around
the Aroostook, Allagash, and St. John rivers. Rooted in ambiguities from
the 1783 Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War, the
conflict arose from competing claims to timber-rich lands: Maine
asserted the boundary north of the St. John River, while New Brunswick
claimed the Penobscot watershed. An 1831 arbitration by the King of the
Netherlands proposed a compromise line, but Maine rejected it amid
political resistance. Tensions escalated in the 1830s as lumber
operators from both sides encroached, with accusations of settlement
encouragement and timber theft. In 1839, Maine deployed troops to Forts
Fairfield and Kent, prompting New Brunswick to mobilize forces across
the St. John River. Federal intervention by President Martin Van Buren,
including negotiations led by General Winfield Scott, averted actual
combat. The dispute was resolved in 1842 by the Webster-Ashburton
Treaty, negotiated by U.S. Secretary of State Daniel Webster and British
diplomat Lord Ashburton, granting the U.S. about two-thirds of the
contested land, navigation rights on the St. John River, and clarifying
borders westward to Minnesota. This resolution clarified Aroostook
County's boundaries, facilitated further settlement, and boosted the
lumber industry by securing resource access, though it incorporated
Madawaska into Maine despite some local opposition.
19th and 20th
Century Developments
Post-war, the economy shifted from lumber
dominance to include agriculture, particularly potato cultivation, as
population growth demanded diversification. The lumber industry expanded
northward from southern Maine rivers by the 1840s, with Aroostook
becoming a key hub for masts and shipbuilding materials. Acadian culture
flourished in the Saint John Valley, where many residents remain
bilingual in English and Acadian French. The Bangor and Aroostook
Railroad's completion in 1894 integrated the county into the U.S.
economy, reducing reliance on Canadian ties. During the Cold War,
military spending became a cornerstone, with Limestone Army Air Field
constructed in 1947 and renamed Loring Air Force Base in 1953. It housed
the Strategic Air Command's 42d Bombardment Wing, operating bombers like
the Convair B-36 Peacemaker and Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, until
closure in 1994 following the 1991 Base Realignment and Closure
Commission. This era brought economic booms through defense jobs but
left challenges after decommissioning.
Modern Era
In recent
decades, Aroostook County has emerged as a hub for wind power while
maintaining its agricultural base, especially potatoes. The 2014 Acadian
World Congress, co-hosted with neighboring Canadian counties,
highlighted cross-border ties through events like a Tintamarre in
Madawaska and a tug-of-war across the Saint John River. As of 2020, the
population stood at 67,105, with strong Acadian and indigenous
influences persisting. Cultural events, museums, and public art continue
to preserve Native American and settler histories, reflecting the
county's unique blend of isolation, resilience, and borderland identity.
Aroostook County, located in the northernmost part of Maine, is the
state's largest county by land area and the biggest county east of the
Mississippi River in the United States. Spanning a total area of 6,828
square miles (17,680 km²), it includes 6,671 square miles (17,280 km²)
of land and 156 square miles (400 km²) of inland water, which
constitutes about 2.3% of its total expanse. This makes the county
roughly equivalent in size to the combined areas of Connecticut and
Rhode Island. Geographically, it borders the Canadian provinces of
Quebec to the west and northwest (specifically the regional county
municipalities of Montmagny, L'Islet, Kamouraska, and Témiscouata) and
New Brunswick to the northeast and east (including Madawaska, Victoria,
Carleton, and York counties). To the south, it adjoins Maine's Somerset,
Piscataquis, Penobscot, and Washington counties. The county's layout
follows a historical grid system of ranges (running north-south,
numbered 1 to 17 from east to west) and townships (numbered south to
north within each range), with some areas organized as plantations or
unorganized territories, reflecting its vast, under-developed frontier
character.
The topography of Aroostook County is characterized by
gently rolling hills, expansive plateaus, and low-lying valleys, with an
average elevation of around 274 meters (899 feet) above sea level.
Elevations range from a minimum of about 38 meters (125 feet) in the
lower river valleys to a maximum of 680 meters (2,230 feet) at Peaked
Mountain, the county's highest point, located in its northeast corner
where the terrain slopes westward into neighboring Piscataquis County.
The landscape is predominantly rural and sparsely populated, dominated
by vast wooded areas and agricultural fields, particularly in the
central and southern portions. The northern regions, including the North
Maine Woods, feature more rugged, forested terrain with glacial deposits
shaping the soil and landforms, creating a mosaic of moraines, eskers,
and drumlins from the last Ice Age. This area remains one of the most
remote and least developed parts of the eastern U.S., with limited road
access and a focus on conservation.
Water features are abundant and
integral to the county's geography, supporting its nickname derived from
the Mi’kmaq word for “clear” or “beautiful water.” The Saint John River
(known as Wolastoq in the indigenous Maliseet language, meaning
"beautiful river") is the most prominent, forming much of the northern
and eastern borders with Canada and serving as a vital drainage basin.
It flows through the Saint John Valley, a fertile lowland that has
historically facilitated cross-border cultural and economic ties. The
county also encompasses the headwaters of other major rivers, including
the Penobscot and Kennebec, which originate in the North Maine Woods. In
total, Aroostook boasts over 7,000 miles of flowing rivers and streams,
along with approximately 2,000 lakes, ponds, and other water bodies.
Notable among these is the 92-mile Allagash Wilderness Waterway, a
protected chain of rivers and lakes renowned for its pristine,
canoe-friendly routes through remote forests. These waterways not only
define the terrain but also influence local ecosystems, providing
habitats for fish like brook trout and Atlantic salmon.
The climate
in Aroostook County is humid continental, marked by long, cold winters
and short, mild summers, typical of its high-latitude position near the
47th parallel. Average annual snowfall exceeds 10 feet in areas like
Caribou, supporting extensive winter recreation but also posing
challenges for agriculture and transportation. Summers are cooler than
in southern Maine, with average highs in the 70s°F (low 20s°C), while
winters often dip below 0°F (-18°C), influenced by the county's inland
location and proximity to Canadian air masses. Precipitation is moderate
and evenly distributed, around 35-40 inches annually, with foggy
conditions common in river valleys.
Vegetation and forests cover the
majority of the county, particularly in the unorganized territories and
the North Maine Woods, which span millions of acres of mixed hardwood
and coniferous stands dominated by species like spruce, fir, birch, and
maple. These forests have historically supported a lumber industry,
though much of the area is now managed for sustainable harvesting and
recreation. Open farmlands, especially in the central Saint John Valley,
feature fertile, loamy soils ideal for potato cultivation, making
Aroostook the "Potato Capital of the World." Wildlife thrives in these
habitats, including moose, black bears, white-tailed deer, bald eagles,
and various migratory birds, with the rivers hosting beaver and otter
populations.
Natural resources play a key role in the county's
geography and economy. Beyond timber, the area is rich in agricultural
soils derived from glacial till, supporting large-scale farming of
potatoes, broccoli, and grains. Emerging resources include wind energy,
with the open, windy plateaus hosting some of Maine's largest wind
farms. Mineral deposits are minimal, but the county's isolation has
preserved its natural state, with land use divided between forestry
(dominant in the north), agriculture (central), and small settlements.
Protected areas underscore the county's commitment to conserving its
geography. The Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge, spanning 5,300 acres
near Limestone, protects wetlands and upland forests for species like
the American woodcock and black-throated blue warbler. Aroostook State
Park, Maine's first state park, offers 925 acres around Echo Lake with
hiking trails through mixed woods and access to Mount Katahdin views on
clear days. The North Maine Woods region includes gated management areas
for logging and recreation, while the Allagash Wilderness Waterway is a
state-designated wild and scenic river corridor. These sites facilitate
outdoor activities such as hiking on over 1,200 miles of ATV trails,
paddling, and snowmobiling on 2,300 miles of groomed trails, drawing
visitors to experience the county's untouched wilderness.
Aroostook County, often called "The County" by locals, is the
northernmost and largest county in Maine, encompassing vast stretches of
dense forests, rolling farmlands, and remote wilderness areas. Bordering
Canada, it's historically tied to logging, potato farming, and military
installations from the Cold War era. With a sparse population and long,
harsh winters, the region fosters an atmosphere ripe for folklore—tales
of supernatural entities lurking in the woods, ghostly apparitions on
isolated roads, and eerie remnants of abandoned sites. These legends
draw from Native American traditions, settler hardships, and modern
urban myths, while abandoned places often stem from economic shifts,
like the decline of logging railroads or the closure of military bases.
Below, we delve into the most prominent haunted legends and abandoned
locales, blending historical context with reported paranormal
experiences.
Haunted Legends of Aroostook County
Aroostook's
folklore is rich with stories of vengeful spirits, demonic pacts, and
cursed treasures, often set against its unforgiving landscape. Many
tales involve the deep woods, where isolation amplifies fear, or old
buildings echoing with unexplained sounds.
The Haynesville Woods
and Route 2A: A Corridor of Ghosts
One of the most infamous haunted
spots is the Haynesville Woods along Route 2A, a narrow, winding road
from Houlton to Smyrna Mills in southern Aroostook County. Once a vital
logging route before Interstate 95, it's notorious for deadly accidents,
especially in winter, inspiring Dick Curless' 1965 song "A Tombstone
Every Mile," which describes the road as lined with grave markers from
crashes involving ice, sharp turns, and logging trucks. Legends abound:
Drivers report phantom hitchhikers, including a silent woman in white
who appears mid-road and vanishes, causing swerves. Another is the Ghost
Bride—a veiled figure waving from ditches, tied to a 1920s wedding-night
crash where a newlywed couple perished on icy roads; she disappears when
help stops. Ghostly children are said to dart across the pavement,
vanishing into the trees, leaving an overwhelming dread. Other accounts
include flickering headlights, stalling engines, and cold hands on
shoulders—echoes of the lost urging caution. The area is also home to
the "Witch's Grave" in Haynesville, the burial site of Mary, rumored to
be an executed witch; her tombstone is said to be haunted, with reports
of eerie phenomena around it.
Deepening the terror is the Flesher
Witch, a 19th-century legend from Haynesville. Originating in the 1800s,
the story centers on young Annie Wilcox, whose family moved to the area.
She experienced nighttime torments: scratching at windows, blankets
yanked off, bites on her skin, and whispers. One night, an old woman
with a melting, wax-like face attacked her, leaving bloody scratches.
The phenomena stopped temporarily, but Annie vanished in the woods after
a scream. Hunters found her body faceless beside the witch's corpse. The
Wilcox family met tragic ends: suicide, drownings, and madness, with the
father scratching his face before disappearing. The Flesher Witch is
described as a crone who skins wanderers, stealing faces; she's blamed
for missing children and animals, sometimes glimpsed among the pines.
This tale blends old witchcraft motifs with modern horror elements, like
face-stealing, possibly influenced by films.
Supernatural
Entities and Cursed Deals
In Dyer Brook, the legend of "Jack the
Ripper" (not to be confused with the infamous serial killer) tells of a
logger named Jack who encountered the devil in the woods. The devil
warned him against driving logs downriver, predicting death. Ignoring
it, Jack survived a logjam that killed others after seeing a flaming
axe. Afterward, coworkers heard phantom axes chopping and Jack
conversing with invisible entities; he cleared forests impossibly fast,
embedding axes that repaired themselves. Shunned, he vanished.
Native
American influences appear in tales like the Wendigo, a cannibalistic
spirit from Algonquian folklore, depicted as scaring visitors at events
like the Linneus Haunted Hayride. Another Abenaki legend is Madahodo,
the "Great Devil" or Valley Headhunter, residing on Musquacook Mountain
near the Allagash River. He plays morbid tricks on intruders, shrinking
heads or turning people into talking skulls. In one story, Dr. John B.
sought a shrunken head; Madahodo transformed his guide into a singing
skull and shrank the doctor's head to apple size, dooming him to wander
the woods. Lost souls from his pranks are said to haunt farmlands and
forests.
Haunted Homes and Structures
The old Flewelling house
near the Aroostook River between Fort Fairfield and Limestone was
plagued by poltergeist activity: quilts pulled off beds, doors
unlocking, and footsteps upstairs. Aunt Betsy Walters confronted the
source one night but found her candle illuminating nothing at the
stairs' top—the house vanished around her. The home was later destroyed
by a falling tree and lightning, leaving only ashes.
In Presque Isle,
the former R.W. Wight & Son Furniture store (once an opera house with a
ballroom) echoes with ghostly footsteps of children running across the
upper floor, heard by staff alone at night. The building also housed an
embalming room, adding to its creepy aura. Presque Isle hosts Haunted
Lantern Tours in October, guiding visitors through downtown's haunted
history with stories of lingering spirits, investigated by paranormal
teams.
In 2019, a family in an unspecified Aroostook home reported
hauntings severe enough to call a priest for an exorcism-like ritual to
drive out spirits.
Cursed Treasures and Guardians
Washburn's
buried treasure legend involves Matthias Black, a 1830s settler who
buried $20,000 in gold on his property before fleeing during the
Aroostook War. He vanished, and the gold remains lost. Searchers
encountered "spooks": one man's face turned black from sulfurous air;
another was pelted by gravel from spectral hands holding a rock. In the
1860s, a digger's ropes glowed red-hot, winds stilled, and the hole
refilled itself overnight. These guardians ensure the treasure stays
cursed and hidden.
Abandoned Places in Aroostook County
Aroostook's abandonments reflect its boom-and-bust history: defunct
military sites from the Cold War, relics of logging eras, and derelict
buildings overtaken by nature. Many carry haunted reputations, blurring
lines between decay and the supernatural.
Loring Air Force Base:
Cold War Relics and the "Vampire House"
Closed in 1994, the former
Loring AFB in Limestone spans thousands of acres, now partly the
Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge. Abandoned structures include massive
hangars, nuclear weapons storage igloos (bunkers), and underground
tunnels once housing atomic bombs. The "vampire house" (Bunker 260) is
sealed, rumored to contain radiated victims from an accident or
monstrous entities from radiation exposure (officially radon). Explorers
report high radiation and lost details of horrific events. Permission is
required to visit, as it's federal land.
The Ghost Train of the
Allagash: Abandoned Locomotives
Deep in the Allagash Wilderness, two
rusting locomotives from the early 20th century sit abandoned, once used
to haul pulpwood for Great Northern Paper Mills. Left to decay after the
railroad's decline, they're accessible via truck through North Maine
Woods and a hike (or snowmobile in winter). Known as the "Ghost Train,"
the site evokes Maine's logging past, with eerie silence broken only by
wildlife. Some report ghostly whistles or shadows, tying into broader
Allagash hauntings.
Other Abandoned Sites
Patten & Sherman
Railroad: Remnants of this logging railroad, including overgrown tracks
and stations, dot the landscape near Patten. Abandoned in the mid-20th
century, it's called a "county ghost," with whispers of spectral trains.
1950s Military Sites: Aroostook had 16 radar or defense sites; most are
destroyed, leaving foundations and an abandoned building in the
wilderness.
Caribou Riverfront Buildings: Historic but dangerous
structures along the river delay redevelopment, their decay fostering
urban exploration but posing risks.
New Sweden Abandoned House: A
derelict home in this Swedish-settled town, rumored haunted by wind-like
sounds some claim are ghosts.