Maine’s history could be studied for years and the surface of what’s happened here would not even be scratched. From the people who lived here long before it was settled by Europeans to the politics of recent years, this is one fascinating and complex place. But of all the stories we’ve learned the one about this ghost town under a lake is the most interesting. And perhaps one of the saddest.

You might have heard of Flagstaff Lake. It’s a summer destination, but also offers an area for snowmobiling. But after learning this story you might think twice the next time you visit for fun.

pfly / Flickr This lake was once the site of Flagstaff Village. Some might argue that it still is. You see, the town sits at the bottom of the lake.

The first settlers of Flagstaff Village arrived in the 1800s. The rich soil of the Dead River as well as great local timber resources made it an ideal location for the creation of a gristmill and sawmill. Once these were erected, more settlements popped up near the Dead River and Bigelow Plantation. The locals loved this area. Until things changed forever in 1949.

Dead River Area Historical Society In the mid-1900s the Central Maine Power Company (CMP) started acquiring local power companies in an effort to consolidate the state’s electrical production. This led to the first hydroelectric dams in Maine. But that wasn’t enough.

Eventually, CMP realized the need to control the waters of the Kennebec River. The only way to do that was to create a dam. But there was a problem. They knew the plan to create the dam would only be approved by the state’s legislature if they leased the land directly in what would be the flood zone. An expensive proposition that CMP didn’t want to deal with.

Dead River Area Historical Society / Facebook Instead, they planned to create a dam in the Dead River at Long Falls. This put Flagstaff Village and Dead River Plantation directly in harm’s way.

CMP purchased land from both towns beginning in 1930. And by 1948, the land was cleared. Just one year later, in 1949, the land was burning. And just one year after that, in 1950, Long Falls Dam was finally built changing the town and the lives of the residents forever.

Dead River Area Historical Society / Facebook The important town buildings, including the schoolhouse, were taken down. Others were simply relocated to new towns.

But folks who weren’t able to reach a monetary agreement with CMP lost their homes completely. Forced to move, their homes remained and flood waters consumed them.

Dead River Area Historical Society / Facebook

To put that into perspective, this photo shows Mae Savage’s home in happier times. Below that is what her home looked like after the waters of the Dead River began to cover it.

Dead River Area Historical Society

If there’s one small silver lining, it’s that Flagstaff Village got together to throw a two-day party for 300 people in July 1949. Residents celebrated their lives and what the community meant to them over the course of the last 100 years.

Dead River Area Historical Society / Facebook

Many residents moved to nearby Eustis and Stratton. But they’ll never be able to visit their childhood homes and share their past lives with younger generations.

pfly / Flickr

Today, Mainers and those from away visit Flagstaff Lake for fun in the sun or winter time activities. But, it’s hard to forget what lies beneath the surface of the lake.

freeasinspeech / Flickr

For a more emotional take on this story, check out the song “Below” written by Slaid Cleaves. It tells the story in lyrics with a beautifully done music video.

pfly / Flickr

This lake was once the site of Flagstaff Village. Some might argue that it still is. You see, the town sits at the bottom of the lake.

Dead River Area Historical Society

In the mid-1900s the Central Maine Power Company (CMP) started acquiring local power companies in an effort to consolidate the state’s electrical production. This led to the first hydroelectric dams in Maine. But that wasn’t enough.

Dead River Area Historical Society / Facebook

Instead, they planned to create a dam in the Dead River at Long Falls. This put Flagstaff Village and Dead River Plantation directly in harm’s way.

The important town buildings, including the schoolhouse, were taken down. Others were simply relocated to new towns.

freeasinspeech / Flickr

You can learn more about the events that took place and see more photos by visiting the Dead River Area Historical Society’s Facebook page.

There’s more Maine history worth learning about. In fact, not many people know about this creepy island ghost town hiding in New England. Spoiler: It’s right here in Maine!

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Address: Flagstaff Lake, Maine, USA