Bangor
Bangor's survival was threatened by the War of 1812; blockade running and privateering became essential to maintain solvency. A resurgence in the timber trade following the war tripled Bangor's population during the 1830s. Within a few decades, the city became the leading lumber port of the world. Bangor's harbor became known as the Devil's Half-Acre due to the proliferation of drinking and gambling.
Of interest is the Paul Bunyan statue on Main Street, which is an appropriate 31 feet high and weighs about 1.5 tons. The Bangor Historical Society, in the Thomas A. Hill House at 159 Union St., contains antiques, artifacts and pictures from the 19th century. Various walking tours also are offered; phone (207) 942-1900.
Cross Insurance Center, 515 Main St., hosts national acts and conventions; phone (207) 561-8333 for ticket information. Summer heats up when Waterfront Concerts brings in first-rate entertainment such as Sting, Toby Keith and Jeff Dunham; phone (207) 358-9327. At downtown's American Folk Festival in late August, there's music aplenty; genres include bluegrass, gospel, jazz and zydeco; phone (207) 262-7765.
Visitor Centers
Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce 2 Hammond Street # 1 Bangor, ME 04401. Phone:(207)947-0307
Self-guiding Tours
Aspects of the city's history can be experienced through a self-guiding walking tour; maps are available from the Bangor Historical Society at 159 Union St.; phone (207) 942-1900.
Things to Do
Cole Land Transportation Museum