Bucksport in Hancock County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)
Bucksport’s Tanneries
Bucksport, Maine
| — | The Museum in the Streets | — |
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, October 12, 2024
1. Bucksport’s Tanneries Marker
Sheepskin Tanneries were an important part of Bucksport's economy in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They took advantage of local water power, and the forests nearby that supplied the hemlock bark essential to the tanning process.
The first tannery was built by Eliakim Darling, Jr., spanning Tannery Brook (Mill Stream) as it flowed out of Little Pond. Enoch or Ambrose Harriman purchased the tannery from Darling, and later sold it to George Blodgett in 1872.
Under Blodgett, the business saw a major expansion with construction of the Salmon Point tannery in 1891. Pickled sheep hides were brought in from around the world, and converted to finished leather, some of which was sold to southern cotton mills.
In 1930, the Salmon Point tannery was torn down to make room for the new paper mill, and George's sons moved the Blodgett Tanning Company back to the Mill Stream location, where it operated into the 1950s.
Erected by Gary Baguey and Danny Damanco. (Marker Number 7.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.
Location. 44° 34.346′ N, 68° 47.857′ W. Marker is in Bucksport, Maine, in Hancock County. It can be reached from the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Downeast Maine and on Penobscot Bay. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France and also Acadia.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bucksport Ferry Landing (a few steps from this marker); Bucksport, Maine (within shouting distance of this marker); Linwood Cottage (within shouting distance of this marker); The Mill (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Penobscot Expedition (about 400 feet away); Bucksport Goes to the Movies (about 500 feet away); Rich in Heritage (about 600 feet away); Times of War (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bucksport.
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, October 12, 2024
2. Bucksport’s Tanneries Marker
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, October 12, 2024
3. View of the Markers and the Bucksport Waterfront Walkway
Looking upstream along the Penobscot River.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 16, 2024, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 253 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 16, 2024, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.
