The Kennebec riverThe Kennebec River was named after the Kennebecs, a sub-tribe of the Abenakis, one of several tribes of Native Americans who lived along the river. Prior to the industrial era, the river was used primarily for fishing and transport by Native Americans, travelers, and settlers.
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By the mid 19th century, settlers had begun using the river for industrial and commercial purposes. Mills and factories were built and powered by the gorges and falls around Skowhegan. Soon settlers built dams along the river to power the mills. There were nine dams from Moosehead to tide water.
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A little log drive history
Today, the Kennebec is clean and used for power, recreation, and fishing.
Revised December 13, 2013