History of Penobscot
The Abenaki-Penobscot people traveled the waters of this area long before European settlers arrived, and the town takes its name from the Abenaki-Penobscot word “Penobskeag” or “Penopeauke,” signifying a rocky place. Native American settlements dotted the region when French explorers and settlers arrived in the early 17th century. The first permanent settlers, who were English, arrived in 1759. The area was named Majorbagaduce Territory and included the current towns of Castine, Penobscot, and Brooksville. The town of Penobscot incorporated in February 1787.
Penobscot would lose territory twice; once when Castine broke off and again later when Brooksville became a separate town. Although Penobscot did not have the deep harbors possessed by Brooksville and Castine, many made their living off the sea. Farming, brickmaking, and the wood industry were also important in the town. Later in history, Penobscot had knitting mills, ice harvesting, a cannery, and a peat processing industry.
Penobscot now has around 1300 residents, and many making a living with home-based businesses and family farms. The largest employers in town are the K-8 school and the general store. Some of the residents are descendants of early settlers; some arrived more recently and have become part of the community. Others enjoy spending their summers here.
The town of Penobscot is located along the coast in Hancock County, Maine.
- The town encompasses 46.5 square miles that include two small mountains
- Two large ponds
- A ridge of fertile farmland
- Several blueberry fields
- A peat bog
- Large freshwater pond
- And more than 18 miles of shoreland on Northern Bay and the Bagaduce River.
Demographics
Population:
- 1990: 1,131
- 2000: 1,344, 533 households, 370 families
- 2010: 1,263, 593 households, 347 families
- 2020: 1136
Geographic Profile
- Total area: 30,737 acres (48.03 square miles)
- Land: 30,496 acres
- Bog: 634 acres
- Flood: 152 acres
- Inland water: 241 acres
- Shoreline: 18.75 miles
Penobscot’s woods and wetlands are home to bobcat, deer, bears, foxes, beavers, otters, osprey, eagles, hawks, songbirds, turkey, raccoons, skunks, porcupines, and the occasional moose. The townspeople can be found in three residential areas (North, West, and South Penobscot). The largest community gathering times are at Town Meeting, school events, and the annual Penobscot Day event.
Map of Penobscot
Penobscot Historical Society
The Penobscot Historical Society was formed in 1977 to preserve the history of the town of Penobscot. The Society currently maintains four historic buildings: a farmhouse, a barn, a one-room schoolhouse, and a General Store. Our buildings are open to the public on Sundays during the months of July and August, in addition to other events during the year.
- We have offered interactive programs to local schools and have invited educational speakers to a number of our monthly meetings.
- Our meetings are on the 3rd Monday of the month from March-October at 7:00 PM.
- All are welcome to attend our meetings which are usually held in the little red school house on the society’s grounds.
- The grounds are located on North Penobscot Road.
- Phone: 207-326-0551 or 207-326-9508
- Website: P.H. Society
Funds also appropriated by the town vote.
