Bangor is a city in Penobscot County, Maine, United States. Bangor had a population of 31,753 in 15,900 households in an area of 89.59 km² as of the 2020 US Census. This makes Bangor the third largest city in Maine and Shire Town of Penobscot County.
Museums in Bangor
Bangor, Maine, boasts a diverse array of museums
that cater to various interests, from interactive learning for kids to
specialized collections highlighting local history and industries. The
Maine Discovery Museum stands out as a vibrant children's museum,
featuring three floors packed with hands-on exhibits and extensive
science programming both inside the facility and in outreach efforts.
For those fascinated by mobility, the Cole Land Transportation Museum
focuses on an impressive array of vehicles, including historic cars,
trucks, and military equipment, offering visitors a glimpse into the
evolution of transportation through its extensive collection (note: it
typically operates seasonally, reopening in May). Art enthusiasts can
explore the Zillman Art Museum, formerly known as the University of
Maine Museum of Art, which showcases modern and contemporary works in a
purpose-built space located at 40 Harlow Street, emphasizing Maine's
artistic heritage. Additionally, the Maine Forest and Logging Museum
preserves the region's rich logging legacy, with exhibits dedicated to
the tools, techniques, and stories of the lumber industry that once
dominated the area's economy.
Historic Structures in Bangor
Bangor features an abundance of preserved architecture, with many
buildings and six entire districts recognized for their cultural and
historical importance by being added to the National Register of
Historic Places (NRHP). These sites reflect the city's prosperous past
as a lumber capital, its architectural evolution, and key events like
devastating fires and notable residents.
Historic Districts
Bangor Theological Seminary Historic District (listed in 1977, NRHP
#77000080): Located on Union Street, this district includes the historic
buildings and grounds of the former seminary, representing 19th-century
educational architecture and the city's religious heritage.
Broadway
Historic District (listed in 1973, NRHP #73000244): Encompassing areas
bounded by Garland, Essex, State, Park, and Center Streets, this
district preserves a collection of grand homes built by Bangor's
19th-century lumber barons, showcasing Greek Revival, Italianate, and
Queen Anne styles in a cohesive urban residential setting.
Great Fire
of 1911 Historic District (listed in 1984, NRHP #84001479): Covering
streets like Harlow, Center, Park, State, York, and Central, plus 29
Franklin Street, this area commemorates the devastating 1911 fire that
destroyed much of downtown Bangor; it features rebuilt structures in
early 20th-century styles, with a recent boundary expansion in 2023 to
include more affected sites.
Mount Hope Cemetery District (listed in
1974, NRHP #74000187): Situated along U.S. Route 2, this historic
cemetery is one of the oldest garden-style burial grounds in the U.S.,
known for its landscaped paths, notable interments (including
politicians and authors), and Victorian-era monuments.
West Market
Square Historic District (listed in 1979, NRHP #79000161): Centered on
West Market Square, this compact district groups mid-19th-century
commercial buildings with one early 20th-century addition, highlighting
Bangor's mercantile history through brick facades and Italianate
details.
Whitney Park Historic District (listed in 1988, NRHP
#88001844): Bounded roughly by 8th, Union, Pond, and Hayford Streets,
this residential enclave features Victorian-era homes, including
elaborate Queen Anne and Shingle-style houses, reflecting the prosperity
of Bangor's middle class in the late 19th century.
Individual
Historic Buildings
Adams-Pickering Block (listed in 1974, NRHP
#74000184): At the corner of Main and Middle Streets, this commercial
block exemplifies 19th-century mercantile architecture with its sturdy
brick construction.
All Souls Congregational Church (listed in 1992,
NRHP #92000790): Located at 10 Broadway, this Gothic Revival church is
noted for its stone facade and stained-glass windows, serving as a
community landmark.
Bangor Children's Home (listed in 1975, NRHP
#75000103): At 218 Ohio Street, this building housed orphaned children
and reflects Victorian institutional design with charitable historical
roots.
Bangor Fire Engine House No. 6 (listed in 1988, NRHP
#88000394): Situated at 284 Center Street, this late 19th-century fire
station features Romanesque Revival elements and now preserves
firefighting history.
Bangor Hose House No. 5 (listed in 1997, NRHP
#97001130): At 247 State Street, built in 1897 and used for nearly a
century, this structure now operates as the Hose 5 Fire Museum,
displaying antique fire equipment and memorabilia.
Bangor House
(listed in 1972, NRHP #72000076): Located at 174 Main Street, this grand
hotel from the 1830s hosted presidents and luminaries, blending Federal
and Italianate styles.
Bangor Mental Health Institute (listed in
1987, NRHP #87000420): At 656 State Street, this sprawling complex
represents 19th-century psychiatric architecture with Kirkbride Plan
influences.
Bangor Standpipe (listed in 1974, NRHP #74000185): On
Jackson Street (also known as Thomas Hill Standpipe), this 1897 water
tower is encased in a wooden shroud and offers panoramic views from its
observation deck.
Battleship Maine Monument (listed in 1999, NRHP
#99001187): At the junction of Main and Cedar Streets, this memorial
honors the USS Maine explosion victims from the Spanish-American War.
Blake House (listed in 1972, NRHP #72000077): At 107 Court Street, this
Federal-style home dates to the early 1800s and exemplifies early Bangor
residential architecture.
Charles G. Bryant Double House (listed in
1986, NRHP #86001338): At 16-18 Division Street, this duplex showcases
Italianate design by architect Charles G. Bryant.
Building at 84-96
Hammond Street (listed in 2005, NRHP #05000797): This early 20th-century
commercial row features ornate facades tied to Bangor's retail history.
Colonial Apartments (listed in 2012, NRHP #12001067): At 51-53 High
Street, this building represents early 20th-century multi-family housing
in Colonial Revival style.
Connors House (listed in 1983, NRHP
#83003669): At 277 State Street, this residence highlights Queen Anne
architecture from the late 1800s.
Samuel Farrar House (listed in
1974, NRHP #74000186): At 123 Court Street, this Greek Revival home
belonged to a prominent early settler.
Godfrey-Kellogg House (listed
in 1973, NRHP #73000136): At 212 Kenduskeag Avenue, this Italianate
mansion reflects the wealth of lumber merchants.
Grand Army Memorial
Home (listed in 1972, NRHP #72000105): At 159 Union Street, built for
Civil War veterans, it embodies post-war charitable efforts.
Hannibal
Hamlin House (listed in 1979, NRHP #79000160): At 15 5th Street, this
was the home of Abraham Lincoln's Vice President, now a museum with
period furnishings.
Hammond Street Congregational Church (listed in
1982, NRHP #82000774): At Hammond and High Streets, this Gothic Revival
church is renowned for its spire and community role (note: originally
listed as Hammond Street Congregation Church).
Charles W. Jenkins
House (listed in 1990, NRHP #90001469): At 67 Pine Street, this
Shingle-style home was designed by a noted architect.
Jonas
Cutting-Edward Kent House (listed in 1973, NRHP #73000137): At 48-50
Penobscot Street, this double house belonged to Maine governors and
features Federal style.
Joseph W. Low House (listed in 1973, NRHP
#73000138): At 51 Highland Street, this Italianate residence ties to
Bangor's lumber elite.
Morse & Co. Office Building (listed in 1973,
NRHP #73000139): At 455 Harlow Street, this commercial structure
reflects 19th-century business architecture.
St. John's Catholic
Church (listed in 1973, NRHP #73000142): On York Street, this Romanesque
church serves the Irish immigrant community with its granite
construction.
Sargent-Roberts House (listed in 1996, NRHP #96001476):
At 178 State Street, this Queen Anne home features intricate woodwork.
Zebulon Smith House (listed in 1974, NRHP #74000189): At 55 Summer
Street, this Federal-style dwelling dates to the city's early days.
Symphony House (listed in 1972, NRHP #72000078): At 166 Union Street
(also known as the Isaac Farrar Mansion), this Greek Revival mansion now
houses YMCA programs.
Jones P. Veazie House (listed in 1988, NRHP
#88000890): At 88 Fountain Street, this Italianate home belonged to a
lumber baron.
Wardwell-Trickey Double House (listed in 1992, NRHP
#92000795): At 97-99 Ohio Street, this duplex exemplifies late
19th-century urban housing.
Wheelwright Block (listed in 1974, NRHP
#74000191): At 34 Hammond Street, this commercial block features
cast-iron elements.
Gen. John Williams House (listed in 1978, NRHP
#78000195): At 62 High Street, this home of a War of 1812 general
showcases Federal architecture.
Penobscot Expedition Site (listed in
1973, NRHP #73000140): In the Penobscot River between Bangor and Brewer,
this submerged site holds archaeological remains from the failed 1779
Revolutionary War expedition.
Bangor, Maine, often called the "Queen City of the East," has a rich
history tied to lumber barons, river trade, and its role as a cultural
hub in the 19th century. Its foggy riverside setting and Victorian
architecture have inspired countless tales of the supernatural,
particularly through the works of horror author Stephen King, who drew
from Bangor as the basis for the fictional town of Derry in novels like
It. The city and its surroundings are rife with haunted legends rooted
in tragic deaths, scandals, and unexplained phenomena, as well as
abandoned sites that echo Cold War anxieties and economic decline.
Below, I'll delve into some of the most prominent haunted legends and
places, followed by notable abandoned sites, drawing from historical
accounts and reported paranormal experiences.
Haunted Legends and
Places in Bangor
Bangor's haunted reputation stems from its long
history of fires, epidemics, and personal tragedies, which have left
lingering spirits according to local lore. Many sites offer ghost tours,
especially in October, where visitors can hear firsthand accounts.
Thomas A. Hill House (Bangor Historical Society Building)
Located
near the corner of Union and High Streets, this stately Greek Revival
home was built in 1835 and served as a residence for Bangor's mayors in
the 1800s. It's now the headquarters of the Bangor Historical Society
and the starting point for seasonal ghostly walking tours. The primary
legend revolves around former Mayor Samuel Dale, who was entrusted with
$10,000 raised by Bangorians for victims of the Great Chicago Fire in
1871. The money mysteriously vanished, and Dale was found dead in a
second-floor bedroom weeks later in an apparent suicide—though some
whisper it was guilt or foul play. His wife, Matilda, continued living
there for years afterward.
Reported hauntings include the ghosts of
Samuel and Matilda playing harmless pranks, such as making small items
disappear and reappear. Staff and visitors have detected phantom scents
of floral perfume (attributed to Matilda) or cigarette smoke, and
sightings of ethereal figures of a lady, a gentleman, and even a
spectral cat have been documented. Paranormal investigators note cold
spots and electromagnetic fluctuations, suggesting the Dales' unrest
over the unresolved scandal.
Mount Hope Cemetery
Established
in 1836 as one of America's first garden-style cemeteries, Mount Hope
spans 300 acres and holds the graves of soldiers from every major U.S.
war, including early Civil War monuments, as well as Vice President
Hannibal Hamlin. Its winding paths, ornate mausoleums, and ancient trees
create an eerie atmosphere, amplified by its appearance in the 1989 film
adaptation of Stephen King's Pet Sematary, where it stood in for the
infamous burial ground.
Legends attribute hauntings to the restless
spirits of buried soldiers or notorious figures like Al Brady, Public
Enemy No. 1 in the 1930s, who was gunned down in Bangor and interred
here. Visitors report shadowy figures darting between tombstones,
disembodied whispers, and a pervasive sense of being watched, especially
at dusk. Some claim to see apparitions of Civil War-era soldiers
patrolling the grounds, while others tie the activity to something more
malevolent stirred by the cemetery's cinematic fame. International ghost
hunters have flocked here, confirming its status as one of Bangor's most
active paranormal sites.
Isaac Farrar Mansion
This grand
mansion at 17 Second Street was designed by architect Richard Upjohn and
constructed between 1838 and 1845 for lumber baron Isaac Farrar and his
family. It later housed the Merrill family starting in 1893 and has
served various purposes, including as a base for the Bangor Symphony
Orchestra and the Bangor Band.
The haunting legends are tied to
profound tragedies: Multiple children from both the Farrar and Merrill
families died young, including one Merrill child who choked on a marble.
Overcome with grief, the family's nanny reportedly took her own life on
the third floor. Paranormal reports include unexplained giggles and
footsteps of ghostly children in the halls, doors opening and closing on
their own, and disembodied voices. The most famous spirit is a female
presence in the former band room, lingering since the 1970s—so much so
that the Bangor Band composed a marching tune called "The Ghost of the
Band Room" in her honor. Investigators have captured electronic voice
phenomena (EVPs) suggesting the nanny's remorseful pleas.
The
Tarratine Club (Former Gentlemen's Club, Now an Event Venue)
Originally an exclusive men's club where elites gathered for cards and
cigars, this building has been repurposed as an event space. Its legend
centers on U.S. Vice President Hannibal Hamlin, the club's first
president, who fell ill during a card game at its original location and
died hours later on a couch in 1891—despite known health issues, rumors
persist of intentional poisoning.
Hamlin's ghost is said to wander,
perhaps seeking another round of cards or the infamous couch, which
legend claims is now at the Bangor Public Library nearby. Reports
include apparitions of a distinguished older man in period attire,
shuffling cards heard in empty rooms, and sudden drops in temperature
during events.
Bangor Opera House (Penobscot Theatre)
At 131
Main Street, this theater was rebuilt after a catastrophic 1914 fire
that caused a brick wall to collapse, killing two firefighters. It has
hosted performances since the early 20th century.
Hauntings involve
the spirits of the deceased firefighters, who appear as shadowy figures
watching shows from the audience. Performers also report a small ghostly
girl who giggles and runs backstage, and an elderly woman apparition in
the balcony. EVPs and orbs in photos add to the lore, with some tying
the girl to a child lost in the fire.
Charles Inn
This
historic inn was acquired by owners Leanne and Allan Hewey in 2015,
unaware of its haunted status as a stop on local ghost tours. Built in
the 19th century, it has seen various owners and guests.
Paranormal
activity includes dishes moving autonomously, strange voices (one owner
heard a tiny "nee nee nee" chant followed by intense cold), squeaking
floorboards with no one present, and knocks on doors. A investigation by
East Coast Ghost Trackers confirmed multiple entities, leading the
owners to embrace the spirits as part of the inn's charm.
Hilltop
School (Former Bangor Children's Home)
Originally the Bangor Female
Orphan Asylum founded in 1835 by a women's sewing circle to aid
destitute girls, it was rechartered in 1866 to include boys and moved to
its current "stick style" building in 1869, designed by Henry W.
Hartwell. Funded by bequests and donations, it operated as an orphanage
for over a century, housing "inmates" until social services changes
ended residential programs in 1975. Now a day-care and school, it
features Gothic-Victorian elements like vertical boards and diagonal
eaves.
Legends arise from the deaths of several children on-site due
to epidemics like whooping cough, consumption, and measles. At least 17
are buried in a "Garden Lot" at Mount Hope Cemetery, including infants
and young adults like Louisa Boston (age 21, an invalid since infancy)
and Myra Murray. Former employees report hearing children's voices and
laughter echoing from empty hallways, as documented in "Ghosts of
Bangor; A Haunted History." The spirits are thought to be playful
remnants of the orphanage's tragic past.
Other legends include the
Penobscot Theatre Company's haunted buildings with hair-raising
histories like infamous takedowns, and the University of Maine's own
ghostly residents, such as apparitions in dorms tied to student deaths.
Stephen King's home in Bangor, while not publicly haunted, is a
pilgrimage site for fans seeking the roots of his urban legends.
Abandoned Places in Bangor
Bangor's abandoned sites often reflect
post-industrial decline, military history, and urban sprawl, with some
overlapping into haunted territory due to isolation and decay.
Bangor BOMARC Missile Site
Located about 4 miles north-northeast of
the former Dow Air Force Base (now Bangor International Airport), this
site was constructed in 1959 as part of the U.S. Air Force's BOMARC
(Boeing Michigan Aeronautical Research Center) program for supersonic,
unmanned anti-aircraft missiles during the Cold War. Activated in June
1959 and operational by 1960 under the 30th Air Defense Missile
Squadron, it housed nuclear-capable interceptors to defend against
Soviet bombers. The program was short-lived; deactivations began in
1969, and all BOMARC sites, including Bangor's, were shut down by 1972
as technology advanced to ICBMs and other systems. Bangor's site was
partially abandoned earlier, around 1961-1964, with missile shelters
dismantled.
Today, remnants include overgrown bunkers, concrete pads,
and rusted infrastructure, evoking Cold War paranoia. Urban explorers
note eerie silence and occasional restricted access due to its military
past, though no major accidents like the 1960 New Jersey BOMARC fire
(which melted a nuclear warhead) occurred here. It's a draw for history
buffs, but trespassing is discouraged.
Bangor Mall
Once a
bustling shopping center opened in 1978, the Bangor Mall has
deteriorated into a near-ghost town due to e-commerce shifts and
maintenance neglect. Leaking ceilings, empty storefronts, and dim
lighting create a post-apocalyptic vibe, with only a handful of tenants
remaining as of 2025. Explorers describe it as "ghostly," with echoes in
vacant halls and abandoned kiosks. It's not fully abandoned but teeters
on the edge, attracting TikTok videos of its eerie interior.
Old
Town Underground Bunkers
Just north of Bangor in Old Town (near the
University of Maine), these civil defense bunkers were built in 1965
with advanced tech for nuclear fallout protection but became obsolete
quickly. Briefly used in 1986 to house inmates from Penobscot County
Jail, they are now sealed and overgrown off a walking trail. Their
sealed entrances and hidden location make them intriguing for explorers
interested in Cold War relics, though access is limited.
Other
Abandoned Sites
Abandoned Nightclub: An unnamed former nightclub in
Bangor, explored in YouTube videos, features hidden rooms and decayed
interiors, hinting at past nightlife vibrancy now lost to economic
changes.
Abandoned Farmhouses and Houses: Scattered around Bangor's
outskirts, like an old farmhouse north of Highway 16 or woods-edge
homes, these were often razed for tax reasons or left due to rural
depopulation. They evoke pioneer-era isolation, with some tied to creepy
legends.
Ayers Island Factory Complex and Old Factories: Remnants of
Bangor's lumber and manufacturing heyday, these include derelict
waterworks and factories in nearby Orono, abandoned as industries
shifted. Urban explorers highlight crumbling brickwork and machinery.
Bangor is a city in east-central Maine, serving as the seat of
Penobscot County and positioned as a key regional hub. It lies
approximately 207 kilometers northeast of Portland, the state's largest
city, and 172 kilometers from Lewiston. The city's coordinates are
44.8011° N, 68.7783° W, placing it about 35 miles southeast of Maine's
geographic center. Bangor spans a total area of roughly 89.60 square
kilometers (34.7 square miles), with 88.73 square kilometers (34 square
miles) consisting of land and a small portion—0.87 square
kilometers—occupied by water bodies. Its elevation averages 158 feet
above sea level, contributing to a varied topography that includes hilly
terrain along riverbanks.
Bangor is strategically located at the head
of navigation and tidewater on the Penobscot River, directly opposite
the city of Brewer on the east bank, which has historically made it a
port of entry and a vital transportation node. This riverine setting
drains into the Atlantic Ocean, supporting the city's role in trade and
industry since the 19th century. The broader region falls within the
influence of Acadia National Park's landscape, characterized by
mountains, lakes, streams, and rocky coastal peninsulas extending from
Penobscot Bay to Schoodic Point, with inland reaches along the Penobscot
River up to nearby Old Town.
The city's topography is defined by its position on hills along the
west bank of the Penobscot River, creating a landscape of gentle
elevations and river valleys that shape urban development and natural
drainage. Kenduskeag Stream, a significant tributary, flows into the
city from the north, merging with the Penobscot and adding to the area's
hydrological network. This confluence has historically facilitated
lumber transport and shipbuilding, turning Bangor into a booming lumber
port after 1830, with associated yards along the river. The surrounding
terrain is part of Maine's broader forested and glaciated landscape,
influenced by ancient glacial activity that carved out river valleys and
deposited till soils, supporting dense coniferous and deciduous
woodlands typical of the New England-Acadian forests ecoregion.
Geologically, Bangor sits on a foundation of metamorphic and sedimentary
rocks from the Paleozoic era, with the Penobscot River valley formed by
erosion and glacial scouring during the last Ice Age. The area features
low-lying floodplains near the river, rising to modest hills that
provide scenic overlooks. Nearby, about 9 miles (14 km) upriver in
Orono, the University of Maine's main campus occupies similar
river-adjacent terrain. Bangor International Airport, built on the site
of the former Dow Air Force Base, occupies flatter land to the west,
highlighting the transition from urban to more open, rural expanses. The
metro area encompasses a population of around 153,923 (as of 2010
estimates), extending into adjacent towns and incorporating diverse
natural features like wetlands and small lakes.
The Penobscot River is the dominant hydrological feature, serving as
a major waterway that originates in northern Maine and flows southward
to Penobscot Bay and the Atlantic. Bangor's location at the river's
tidal head allows for both freshwater and estuarine influences,
supporting diverse ecosystems including riparian habitats for fish like
Atlantic salmon and migratory birds. The Kenduskeag Stream adds to this
system, providing additional drainage and recreational opportunities
such as kayaking and fishing. Surrounding the city are extensive
forests, part of Maine's vast timberlands, which historically fueled the
lumber industry and continue to offer resources for paper production and
outdoor activities.
The region's natural resources extend to
groundwater aquifers and surface waters that supply the city, though
urban development has led to some impervious surfaces managed through
local GIS initiatives for stormwater and environmental planning. Nearby
protected areas, including parts of Acadia National Park's inland
extensions, feature granite outcrops, bogs, and boreal forests,
contributing to biodiversity with species like moose, black bears, and
bald eagles common in the vicinity.
Bangor experiences a humid continental climate, marked by four
distinct seasons: cold, snowy winters; mild springs; warm, humid
summers; and crisp, colorful autumns. Average temperatures range from
18.0°F in January to 68.0°F in July, with an annual mean of 43.9°F.
Summers are generally comfortable, while winters can be harsh, with
annual snowfall averaging 76 inches and rainfall about 41.7 inches. This
climate supports a growing season of around 140-150 days, ideal for
mixed forests and agriculture in outlying areas.
Environmental
factors include occasional nor'easters bringing heavy snow or rain, and
the river's influence moderating temperatures slightly compared to
inland Maine. Climate change impacts, such as increased precipitation
and warmer winters, are monitored locally, affecting river levels and
forest health. The city's GIS resources help map and manage features
like parks, impervious surfaces, and flood zones, ensuring resilience
against geographic challenges.
Pre-Colonial and Indigenous Period
The area that would become
Bangor, Maine, was originally inhabited by the Tarratines, a tribe of
American Indians part of the larger Wabanaki Confederacy. These
indigenous peoples lived along the Penobscot River, relying on its
resources for fishing, hunting, and trade. The river, known as the
Penobscot (meaning "rocky part" in the Abenaki language), was a vital
waterway for transportation and sustenance. Archaeological evidence
suggests human presence in the region dating back thousands of years,
with the Tarratines establishing seasonal camps near the confluence of
the Penobscot River and the Kenduskeag Stream, a site they called
Kadesquit.
European Exploration and Early Settlement (16th–18th
Centuries)
European contact began in the late 1500s when English
explorer David Ingram sailed up the Penobscot River, becoming the first
documented European to reach the future site of Bangor. Ingram's
exaggerated reports described a mythical city lined with gold and
silver, fueling European legends of Norumbega, a fabled lost city of
riches in the New World. In 1604, French explorer Samuel de Champlain
anchored at the mouth of the Kenduskeag Stream during his expedition
into Penobscot Bay. He encountered the Tarratines and initiated fur
trading, marking the beginning of European-Indigenous interactions in
the area.
Permanent European settlement started in 1769 when Jacob
Buswell, along with his wife and nine children from Salisbury,
Massachusetts, established a homestead at the mouth of the Kenduskeag
Stream. They were soon joined by other families, including Buswell's
brother Stephen and Caleb Goodwin with his family. By 1770, the small
community, initially called the Plantation of Kenduskeag (variously
spelled as Condeskeag or Conduskeag), had grown to include several
households. Estimates of the settler population vary, ranging from
200–300 to as high as 576 by the time of incorporation. The first
sawmill was constructed in 1772, foreshadowing the region's future
economic dominance in lumber. At this time, the area was part of
Massachusetts, as Maine did not achieve statehood until 1820.
Incorporation and Naming (Late 18th Century)
On February 25, 1791,
the settlement was officially incorporated as a town by the
Massachusetts General Court. The naming of Bangor is tied to an amusing
historical anecdote involving Reverend Seth Noble, who arrived in the
area in 1786 from Wakefield, Massachusetts. Noble was tasked with
delivering the incorporation petition to Boston, where the settlers had
agreed on the name "Sunbury." While waiting to present the documents,
Noble whistled a favorite hymn titled "Bangor," a Welsh composition by
William Tans'ur meaning "high choir" or "the white choir" in Celtic.
When a clerk asked for the town's name, Noble reportedly responded with
"Bangor" by mistake, confusing the hymn for the intended name. The court
approved it as such, forever linking the city to this clerical error.
The population at incorporation was under 700, and the town served
primarily as a trading post and sawmill village.
Involvement in
Early American Wars (1770s–1810s)
Bangor played peripheral roles in
major conflicts. During the Revolutionary War, the 1779 Penobscot
Expedition—a disastrous American attempt to dislodge British forces from
Castine—involved naval and ground forces retreating up the Penobscot
River toward Bangor. Commodore Dudley Saltonstall's fleet was pursued
and destroyed, with some ships scuttled near Bangor. Paul Revere,
serving as an artillery officer, fled through the woods after the
defeat. A recovered cannon from one of these ships is now displayed on
the Bangor waterfront.
In the War of 1812, British forces invaded
after defeating American troops at the Battle of Hampden on September 3,
1814. Amid thick fog, the British bombarded and occupied Bangor for 30
hours, looting homes and shops. The town's selectmen surrendered
unconditionally, and the British demanded a bond for undelivered ships,
eventually burning several vessels before departing. Casualties were
minimal, but the occupation highlighted Bangor's vulnerability as a
frontier outpost. The British left after reportedly becoming inebriated
on local rum, allowing the Americans to regroup.
The Lumber Boom:
Queen City and Global Hub (19th Century)
Bangor's golden era began in
the mid-19th century, transforming it into the "Lumber Capital of the
World." Its location at the head of navigation on the tidal Penobscot
River made it ideal for logging operations. By the 1830s, over 300
sawmills lined the rivers, processing white pine from northern Maine's
vast forests. Lumberjacks harvested trees in winter, and river drivers
floated logs downstream in spring, creating scenes where the Penobscot
was so choked with timber that people could walk across it. The wood was
used for ship masts, homes, and exports worldwide, peaking in 1872 with
Bangor shipping millions of board feet annually. This boom attracted
immigrants and workers, swelling the population from about 800 in 1800
to 8,000 by 1830, and over 16,000 by 1850. Wealth from lumber funded
grand architecture, earning Bangor the nickname "Queen City of the
East."
Notable figures included entrepreneurs like Samuel Veazie, who
built railroads to support logging, and cultural observers like Henry
David Thoreau, who in 1846 described Bangor as a "principal lumber depot
on this continent, like a star on the edge of night." The industry
fostered a rough-and-tumble culture, with lumberjacks known for their
strength and tools like peaveys. However, it also led to environmental
degradation, polluting rivers and depleting forests. Bangor was elevated
to city status on February 12, 1834, reflecting its growth.
Decline, Disasters, and Transition (Late 19th–Early 20th Centuries)
The lumber industry's decline started in the late 1800s as forests were
exhausted, competition arose from Midwestern states like Michigan and
Wisconsin, and the 1869 Transcontinental Railroad shifted shipping
westward. By the early 1900s, sawmills closed, and Bangor pivoted to
other sectors like paper, textiles, and shipping.
A pivotal event was
the Great Fire of 1911, sparked on April 30 by a spark from a trash fire
amid dry conditions. It ravaged downtown, destroying over 285 buildings,
including homes, businesses, and landmarks, displacing thousands and
causing damages estimated at $3 million (over $90 million today). The
fire led to a rebuilding effort with more fire-resistant brick
structures, reshaping the city's architecture.
The early 20th century
saw cultural shifts, including the 1937 shootout involving gangster Al
Brady, leader of the Brady Gang. Brady, wanted for multiple crimes, was
killed in a downtown ambush by FBI agents on October 12, 1937, marking
one of the era's notable law enforcement victories.
Modern Era
and Cultural Legacy (Mid-20th Century to Present)
Post-World War II,
Bangor diversified its economy with education, healthcare, and tourism.
The establishment of Bangor International Airport (formerly Dow Air
Force Base) in the 1940s positioned it as a refueling stop for
transatlantic flights, boosting commerce. The University of Maine's
proximity in Orono fostered intellectual growth.
Bangor gained
literary fame through horror author Stephen King, a longtime resident
whose works like "It" and "Salem's Lot" draw from local settings,
inspiring tourism such as King-themed tours. The city has preserved its
history through institutions like the Bangor Historical Society, founded
in the 19th century, which maintains artifacts and promotes heritage.
Landmarks include the 31-foot Paul Bunyan statue (erected in 1959 to
honor the lumber era) and the Thomas Hill Standpipe, a historic water
tower offering panoramic views.
By the 21st century, Bangor has
evolved into a regional hub with a population of around 32,000 (as of
2020 census). It hosts events like the American Folk Festival and
supports industries in biotechnology, finance, and renewable energy.
Challenges include economic shifts from mill closures, but
revitalization efforts in downtown have emphasized arts, dining, and
outdoor recreation along the Penobscot River. As of 2025, Bangor
continues to balance its storied past with modern development, remaining
a gateway to northern Maine's wilderness.
Interstate 95 runs parallel to the Penobscot River through Bangor. To
the south, Interstate 395 branches off toward Holden. Also running
parallel to the Penobscot River is the U.S. Hwy 2 through Bangor. Coming
from the north, Maine State Route 222 and Maine State Route 15 join it.
From 1889 to 1945 Bangor had an electric tramway.
The former
military airfield Dow Air Force Base was converted into the civil Bangor
International Airport in 1968, where large aircraft can still land. The
airport continues to be used by the military, especially for transports
to Europe. Bangor International Airport is one of the most important
airports for troops returning from Iraq. Therefore, there is a dedicated
office for welcoming returning soldiers. This airport serves as one of
the major stopover airports for refueling and technical problems on the
route between North America and Europe. Five lines with 60 daily flights
are scheduled to be handled at the airport.
In 2005, this place
hit the headlines because airliners stopped here to disembark passengers
suspected of terror (the so-called no-fly list) and interrogate them
more closely.
A local daily newspaper, the Bangor Daily News, and the same
publishing house, a national weekly newspaper, The Weekly, appear in
Bangor.
Public facilities
Bangor is home to several medical
facilities and hospitals, which are also available to residents of the
surrounding communities.
The Bangor Public Library has its
origins in 1830. At the time it consisted of seven books in a small box.
Over time, the collection expanded, and in 1883 the city took over
$100,000 from the estate of Samuel F. Hersey, all of which benefited the
library. The money was used to buy 20,000 books. In 1911 the library
held 70,000 books and was the largest public library in the state until
a fire in April 1911 destroyed the library. The library opened in May
1911 with a stock of 29 rescued books, 1,330 books on loan at the time
of the fire and 46 books returned by the bookbinder. The cornerstone for
a new building was laid in June 1912 and the building opened on December
20, 1913.
The Bangor School Department is responsible for education. The
schools in Bangor are:
Abraham Lincoln School with classes from
pre-kindergarten to 3rd grade
Downeast School with classes from
pre-kindergarten to 3rd grade
Fourteenth Street School with classes
from pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade
Fruit Street School with
classes from pre-kindergarten to 3rd grade
Vine Street School with
classes from pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade
Fairmount School with
classes from kindergarten to 5th grade
Mary Snow School with school
classes from kindergarten to the 5th grade
James F. Doughty School,
Middle School with classes from 6th to 8th grade
William S. Cohen
School, Middle School with classes from 6th to 8th grade
Bangor High
School, high school with classes from 9th to 12th grade
Just outside
of Bangor in the town of Orono is the University of Maine, the main
campus of the University of Maine System.