Old Town and the Penobscot: Canoe Builders on the River
Old Town is known worldwide for the Old Town Canoe Company, which has manufactured canoes on the banks of the Penobscot River since 1898. The company began by studying the birch bark canoe designs of the Penobscot people and adapted them for commercial production. Old Town canoes became standard equipment for guides, sportsmen, and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the 20th century. The factory still operates in the city, now producing both canoes and kayaks.
The Penobscot Nation's reservation on Indian Island sits within the boundaries of Old Town, accessible by a bridge from the mainland. The Penobscot people have lived along this stretch of the river for thousands of years, and the island is the center of the nation's government and cultural life. The relationship between Old Town and the Penobscot Nation is a defining feature of the community, shaped by centuries of contact and ongoing collaboration on issues like river restoration.
Old Town's population is approximately 7,600. The city sits north of Bangor along the Penobscot and serves as a gateway to the lakes, rivers, and forests of northern Maine. The Penobscot River here is popular with anglers, particularly during the spring salmon and shad runs. The University of Maine in nearby Orono draws students and faculty who live in Old Town.
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Old Town is known worldwide for the Old Town Canoe Company, which has manufactured canoes on the banks of the Penobscot River since 1898. The company began by studying the birch bark canoe designs of the Penobscot people and adapted them for commercial production. Old Town canoes became standard equipment for guides, sportsmen, and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the 20th century. The factory still operates in the city, now producing both canoes and kayaks.
The Penobscot Nation's reservation on Indian Island sits within the boundaries of Old Town, accessible by a bridge from the mainland. The Penobscot people have lived along this stretch of the river for thousands of years, and the island is the center of the nation's government and cultural life. The relationship between Old Town and the Penobscot Nation is a defining feature of the community, shaped by centuries of contact and ongoing collaboration on issues like river restoration.
Old Town's population is approximately 7,600. The city sits north of Bangor along the Penobscot and serves as a gateway to the lakes, rivers, and forests of northern Maine. The Penobscot River here is popular with anglers, particularly during the spring salmon and shad runs. The University of Maine in nearby Orono draws students and faculty who live in Old Town.
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