In the early 1800's, Maliseet & Micmac Native Americans frequently traveled the area and early settlers established farms along the Aroostook River as early as 1820 which was the same time that Maine separated from Massachusetts to become a state.Presque Isle was founded as 'Fairbanks Mills' in 1828 when Dennis Fairbanks received a land grant from the State of Maine to establish a sawmill and gristmill.

In 1838, a dispute over the boundary between the United States and Canada erupted. Although the skirmish became known as 'The Bloodless Aroostook War', soldiers had been sent to the area and some casualties have been attributed to the war. With the dispatch of Federal troops for the skirmish, came the development of the first roadway into Presque Isle in 1839. The boundary dispute was peacefully ended by the Webster-Ashburon Treaty in 1842.

The population grew significantly in the 1850's and on April 4, 1859 the township of 'Presque Isle' was incorporated by the Maine legislature. The new name was derived from the French term 'presqu'ile', meaning 'almost an island', which referred to the geographic boundaries created by the Aroostook River and smaller brooks and streams which surround the community.

With the incorporation of the 'Canadian Pacific Railway Company' in February 1881, came the construction of railways and the opportunity for development and expansion in Maine.

In 1883, the neighboring township of 'Maysville' united with 'Presque Isle' to define what would be chartered as the 'City of Presque Isle' in 1939.

Potato crops were recognized as having great potential, however transportation was a challenge. It wasn't until 1894 when the 'Bangor & Aroostook Railroad' was constructed to create a direct shipping line between Presque Isle and the south. This shipping line made it possible for the starch and potato industry to flourish. The railroad also opened the area for development of industry. Some of the early industries included lumber mills, gristmills, wool carding mill, a furniture factory, a carriage factory and a tin wares factory. Presque Isle became the trade, shipping and tourist center of the Aroostook valley.

Other achievements of the 1800's included:

• The North Aroostook and Horticultural Society was created in 1850 and held the first Northern Maine Fair in 1851. The Society is now known as the Northern Maine Fair Association.
• The creation of a newspaper called 'Aroostook Pioneer' in 1857
• A school called the 'Presque Isle Academy' opened in 1858

In the early 1900's, a group of pioneering small business entrepreneurs got together to raise funds by selling stock in enterprises which would benefit the entire community. In 1914, this group officially formed the 'Presque Isle Merchants Association'. In 1945, the association became the 'Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce' and was renamed in 2014 'Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce' to expand their coverage area to 14 communities in Aroostook County.

Some examples of some of the associations ventures:

• In 1902, the St. John's Episcopal School for Boys and 5 acres of land was purchased for $2,500. They then offered the buildings and land to the State to establish the 'Aroostook Normal School', which evolved into what is known today as the 'University of Maine at Presque Isle'.
• In early 1930, a subcommittee was formed to explore the possibility of establishing air service to the area. Land was purchased on the Mapleton Road where a hangar and runway were constructed. The first commercial aviation service was started at the 'Presque Isle Airport' by 'Boston & Maine Airways' in 1933. The airport was purchased by the town in 1937 and was named as the 'Northern Maine Regional Airport'. Today it is known as the 'Presque Isle International Airport' with daily non-stop flights to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey (just outside of New York, New York); and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Dulles, Virginia (just outside of Washington DC).

• 100 acres of land was purchased which included Quoggy Jo Mountain and Echo Lake. The land was donated to the State of Maine in 1938 and in 1939 'Aroostook State Park' was established as Maine's first State Park. Today, as a result of subsequent donations and purchases, the park encompasses nearly 800 acres!

In 1962, the 'Presque Isle Industrial Council' was successful in attracting two major businesses to locate on the Industrial Park. Today, the park is home to 50 plus businesses and organizations. In 1993, the employment on 'Skyway Industrial Park' had expanded to 951 and today that has grown to well over 1,500!

In 1963, the State opened the 'Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute (NMVTI) ' and 'Maine School Administrative District #1 (MSAD#1)' opened the 'Skyway Middle School' both which were constructed on the land acquired from the former Presque Isle Air Force Base. Today, 'NMVTI' has developed into what is known as 'Northern Maine Community College' and 'Skyway Middle School' has expanded into the 'Presque Isle Middle School'.

Presque Isle has grown into the business, industrial, commercial, transportation and cultural center of Aroostook County. Nearly half of the County's population resides within a 25-mile radius. The City's shopping and entertainment attractions draw visitors from throughout the area and neighboring Canada.

A 'Down-Home' lifestyle and quality community services are the hallmarks of Presque Isle. Safe streets, friendly merchants, progressive medical and educational services - all these exist in a city that has values of the past, energy for the present and an understanding of the future.

When opportunity knocked...

...Presque Isle's pioneering spirit answered and the rest is history. The characteristics of early pioneers who were ambitious and adventuresome helped make Presque Isle what it is today!