Deblois, Maine Weather Cams
Deblois Flight Strip FAA Cam
Deblois, Maine: A Legacy of Wilderness, Industry, and Agricultural Heritage
Deblois, Maine Weather Cams. Deblois, Maine, is a small town in Washington County with a rich history shaped by early settlement, industrial development, and blueberry farming. Though sparsely populated, Deblois has played a significant role in Maine’s agricultural and environmental landscape.
Early Settlement and Land Grants
Deblois was originally part of Annsburg Plantation, later known as Annsborough Plantation. The town was incorporated on March 4, 1852, and was named after Thomas Amory Deblois, president of the Bank of Portland.
The land was once part of William Bingham’s Million-Acre Purchase, a vast tract of wilderness sold by Colonel Black, Bingham’s agent, to investors, including the City Bank of Portland. The town’s early settlers focused on farming and logging, taking advantage of the dense forests and fertile land.
Industrial Development and the Fish Hatchery
Deblois was historically linked north to south by the Narraguagus River, which provided transportation and water power for mills. In the 20th century, the town became home to a fish hatchery, located on Hatchery Road. The hatchery was closed in 1980, originally placed in stand-by status but never reactivated.
Blueberry Farming and Agricultural Significance
One of Deblois’s most defining industries is blueberry farming. The town is located in the heart of Maine’s blueberry barrens, vast fields of wild blueberries that thrive in the region’s acidic soil. The Jasper Wyman & Sons Blueberry Management Facility, headquartered in Milbridge, operates in Deblois, managing large-scale blueberry production.
The town’s Deblois Flight Strip, owned by the State of Maine, is used for aerial spraying of blueberry crops. The blueberry industry has shaped the town’s economy, providing seasonal employment and contributing to Maine’s agricultural exports.
Environmental Challenges and Conservation Efforts
Deblois has faced environmental challenges related to agricultural practices. In 2011, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection cited Jasper Wyman & Sons for discharging blueberry waste into the Great Falls Branch of Schoodic Brook. Conservation efforts have since focused on maintaining the health of local waterways and preserving the town’s natural beauty.
Deblois Today: A Quiet Rural Community
Today, Deblois remains a small, rural town with a population of 74 as of the 2020 census. Its landscape is dominated by blueberry fields, forests, and wetlands. The town’s migrant labor housing, located near Route 193, supports seasonal workers during the blueberry harvest.
Despite its small size, Deblois plays an important role in Maine’s agricultural industry and continues to be a key location for blueberry production.
From its early settlement to its role in agriculture and environmental conservation, Deblois, Maine, stands as a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the enduring spirit of its people.
For more information, visit the Deblois, Maine official website.