Maine Memory Network

Bateaux, Ambajejus, ca. 1950

Contributed by: Ambajejus Boom House Museum Date: circa 1950 Location: T1 R9 WELS Media: Photographic print

Bateau and canoes at a landing site on the West Branch of the Penobscot River, ca. 1910

Courtesy of John Howard, an individual partner Date: circa 1910 Media: Glass negative

Student Exhibit: Benedict Arnold's March Through Skowhegan

Benedict Arnold arrived in Skowhegan on October 4th, 1775, and it was here that Arnold received his first offer of help from the colonists. Joseph Weston and his sons helped Benedict Arnold and his army cross over the Skowhegan Falls, but Joseph later got a severe cold from exposure and died of a fever on Oct.16th. His sons went back to the family home along the Kennebec for they were the first family to settle in Old Canaan or what is now Skowhegan.

Making Paper, Making Maine

Paper has shaped Maine's economy, molded individual and community identities, and impacted the environment throughout Maine. When Hugh Chisholm opened the Otis Falls Pulp Company in Jay in 1888, the mill was one of the most modern paper-making facilities in the country, and was connected to national and global markets. For the next century, Maine was an international leader in the manufacture of pulp and paper.

Skowhegan Community History - Benedict Arnold's March

"… "made by the devil for the torturing of racked bateaux." The bateaux had to make it past a triple whirlpool before they got to the falls, smashing…"

Skowhegan Community History - Early Settlement in Skowhegan

"… Arnold came up the river with many troops and bateaux and crossed the island. Joseph helped them carry boats and objects to the other side."