Town of Island Falls

Island Falls is a town in Aroostook County, incorporated on February 27, 1872 from Island Falls Plantation, once the township T4 R4 WELS.

The first white settlers arrived in 1842, just as the state's northern boundary was finally settled. Levi Sewall was one, and he later bought a one-mile square tract, including the falls. His sons continued as active local citizens: David, a lumberman and county commissioner; Samuel, a farmer; and William who kept the large homestead built by his father.

By the 1850's a steamboat was plying the waters of the Mattawamkeag towing logs and catering to tourists.

Several large homes point to the heady days when potato was king in the County. Though affected by the slowing regional economy and declining population, the faded downtown shows evidence of renewed investment interest.

From Maine: An Encyclopedia (www.themaineencyclopedia.com)