Aroostook County Military History

Photo Credit: Presque Isle Air Museum

2017-01-19

Aroostook County Military History

Military history buff? Or, better yet, a military aviation history buff? Aroostook County is enriched with “must see” destinations to add to your bucket list! Aroostook County was the site of the Presque Isle Army Airbase (WWII). This base was the last US stop before leaving for the European Theatre and during its existence hosted a number of celebrities. Next time you are in town, step back in time and visit the Presque Isle Army Airbase Museum at the Northern Maine Regional Airport Terminal to see all of the historical artifacts and photos that have been collected over the years.

Another must see for all the history buffs out there, is the Loring Military Heritage Center. Back in the day, Loring Air Force Base in Limestone protected our country from invaders from across the Arctic from 1947 – 1994. Were you aware that the Strategic Air Command’s location of the United States’ first ICBM – the SNARK (1958) was in Presque Isle, Maine? In fact, the six silos and 16 foot deep concrete launch pads are still in existence today. The former Presque Isle Army Airbase and the SNARK area are included in Presque Isle Historical Society’s three-hour City-Wide Tour of Presque Isle aboard Molly the Trolley.

In addition, the County hosted not one, but two German POW camps during WWII in Presque Isle and Houlton. Military aviation crash historians indicate that there were over 80 military aviation crashes in Aroostook County from 1940 to today! Two of the crash sites still exist today and can easily be visited: a B25 Mitchell bomber in Perham and an F86 Sabre in Staceyville. Also located in the heart of Maine are remnants of the nation’s first military listening stations for foreign pilot radio transmissions (136th Radio Security Detachment).

Aroostook County has so much history to offer, and I was lucky enough to grow up in such a history rich area. Aroostook County Tourism cannot wait for you to share these moments in history that we hold so dear with your family and loved ones!