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Milo, Maine: A Legacy of Industry, Railroads, and Resilience
Milo, Maine Weather Cams. Nestled in Piscataquis County, Maine, the town of Milo has a rich history shaped by early settlement, industrial growth, and its strategic location at the confluence of three rivers. From its beginnings as a frontier settlement to its rise as a railroad hub, Milo has played a significant role in Maine’s economic and cultural development.
Early Settlement and Indigenous Presence
Before European settlers arrived, the area surrounding Milo was home to Indigenous peoples who relied on the Piscataquis, Sebec, and Pleasant Rivers for fishing, transportation, and sustenance. The rivers provided fertile land and abundant wildlife, making the region an ideal location for seasonal camps and trade routes.
The first recorded European settlers in Milo were Benjamin Sargent and his son, Theophilus, who arrived from Methuen, Massachusetts, on May 2, 1802. They traveled up the Penobscot River, then the Piscataquis River, before establishing a homestead near what is now Derby Village. The town was originally known as Township Number 3 in the seventh range north of the Waldo Patent.
Incorporation and Early Industry
Milo was officially incorporated on January 21, 1823, and was named after Milo of Croton, a famed athlete from ancient Greece. The town quickly developed into a trade center, with Trafton’s Falls providing water power for early industry. In 1823, Winborn A. Swett built a dam at the 14-foot river drop and erected the first sawmill. Soon after, Thomas White added a carding and fulling mill, followed by a woolen textile mill built by Joseph Cushing & Company in 1842, though it burned down six years later.
Railroad Expansion and Economic Growth
The arrival of the Bangor and Piscataquis Railroad in 1868–1869 transformed Milo into a thriving mill town. The railroad facilitated the transport of lumber and manufactured goods, leading to the establishment of excelsior factories, spool mills, and textile mills. In 1879, the Boston Excelsior Company built a factory to manufacture excelsior, a material used for packing and upholstery.
In 1901–1902, the American Thread Company constructed a factory with a narrow gauge industrial railway, relocating equipment from Willimantic, Connecticut. The factory produced spools for thread, employing hundreds of workers and boosting the local economy.
Derby Village: A Railroad Hub
Milo’s Derby Village became a major railroad hub when the Bangor & Piscataquis and Bangor & Katahdin Iron Works railroads merged into the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad. Derby housed the second-largest railroad car shop and repair facility in New England, with investments exceeding $414,000 in 1906. The facility included a two-story office, a planing mill, an engine house, and a locomotive shop spanning 242 feet. Employee housing featured a 45-room hotel for single workers and 46 homes equipped with modern amenities for married employees.
Challenges and Resilience
Milo has faced economic shifts and natural disasters, including floods and industrial decline. Despite these challenges, the town has remained resilient, adapting to changes in industry and preserving its historical landmarks.
Modern-Day Milo
Today, Milo is known as the Town of Three Rivers, reflecting its location at the junction of the Piscataquis, Sebec, and Pleasant Rivers. The town offers outdoor recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, ATV trails, and hikingnear Schoodic Lake, Katahdin Iron Works, and Borestone Mountain.
Milo continues to honor its heritage while embracing modern development. Whether through its railroad legacy, industrial past, or natural beauty, the town remains a vital part of Maine’s history.
For more information, visit the Milo, Maine official website.