Bucksport in Hancock County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)
The Mill
Bucksport, Maine
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Photographed by Steve Stoessel, October 12, 2024
1. The Mill Marker
Built in 1929-1930, the Maine Seaboard Paper Company mill shifted Bucksport from a largely maritime economy to a mill town. Built on the site of the former Blodgett tannery, the mill took advantage of electricity from the newly built Wyman Dam on the upper Kennebec River. The first paper rolled off a machine Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1930.
Referred to simply as "the Mill" in the local community, they produced paper that was shipped around the world by rail, road, and sea. At one time, it employed more than 1,000 people from Bucksport and the surrounding region.
Time Ine. purchased the mill during WWIl to ensure a supply of paper for their magazine, and contracted with St. Regis Paper Co. to operate it. Over the years. the mill was owned by St. Regis, Champion International, and Verso Paper. Verso closed the mill, and the last shift worked Dec. 17, 2014. A crowd of local community members greeted the workers as they filed out that afternoon, 576 jobs were lost.
The site is now being developed for land-based salmon farming and merchant mariner training, reviving Bucksport's maritime and fishing-based economies.
Erected by Seaboard Gederal Credit Union. (Marker Number 8.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce
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Location. 44° 34.379′ N, 68° 47.901′ W. Marker is in Bucksport, Maine, in Hancock County. It can be reached from the intersection of Main Street (Maine Route 15) and McDonald Street. The marker is on the Bucksport Waterfront Walkway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bucksport ME 04416, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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 (within shouting distance of this marker); Bucksports Tanneries (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rich in Heritage (about 300 feet away); Times of War (about 300 feet away); Of Ships and Men (about 300 feet away); River of Life (about 300 feet away); Looking to the Future (about 300 feet away); Linwood Cottage (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bucksport.
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, October 12, 2024
2. The Mill Marker
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 229 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 16, 2024, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.
