History of the Moose River Valley
Sparkling pure water, tumbling stream, sweeping mountains, and the vast North wood-that's what Samuel Holden found here in 1819. Mr. Holden and his family followed the Kennebec River north to the Forks. From there, they traveled over land on snowshoes, about 30 miles, and settled in the Moose River Valley. Their second home here is still standing on the Moose River Golf Course.
Around 1810, Maine Entrepreneurs established a wagon road in hopes of developing new markets for their products. In Maine this road was called "Old Canada Trail". It was also known as "Arnolds Trail" for Benedict Arnold who used this route to Quebec during the American Revolution. In the 1830's, Captain James Jackman was hired by the state to complete the construction of the road from the Forks to Canada. The town of Jackman was named after the Captain.
In 1888, the Canadian Pacific Railroad hit town, and the area awoke. The lumbering industry went into high gear in the first part of the twentieth century with the opening of the Kellogg Lumber Company at Long Pond in 1906. Lumbering became the life-blood of the area. It remains the major business today though most of the mills are gone.
We are part of the Moose River valley as we are nestled in between the mountains to our North and South. The Valley extends north to the towns of Moose River and Dennistown Plantation, east to Long Pond and south to Parlin Pond and is the gateway between Quebec and Maine. Jackman is the center and largest town in this region.
Jackman is also about the midpoint of the Kennebec-Chaudiere International Scenic Corridor, which stretches approximately 230 miles from Bath Maine to Quebec Canada. A journey through the Kennebec-Chaudiere International Scenic Corridor rewards the visitor with a wealth of historic attractions, scenic drives and outstanding outdoor recreation. The route follows 201 north to 173 in Quebec through the Kennebec and Chaudiere valleys.
US Route 201 is also known as "Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway". It winds right along side the Kennebec River, Wyman Lake, the Dead River, and vast forests.
As you travel the byway, stop at the different rest areas to read the stories and learn the history of the region. The Attean Overlook rest area, just south of Jackman, offers one of the finest views of the Moose River valley to the Canadian border offering an expansive and breathtaking snapshot of the remote and rugged beauty of this area.
