The area surrounding Calais has long been the home of the Passamaquoddy tribe and possibly their predecessors the Red Paint people. Legend has it that the region my have been visited by Leif Erickson and other Viking explorers. Later explorers possibly included John Cabot, Verrazano, and various Portuguese explorers.
the first European settlement North of Florida was established on St. Croix Island in the Red Beach section of Calais in 1604. the settlers, led by Demonts included the famous explorer and cartographer Samuel De Champlain. After a disastrous winter here during which many of the settlers died, the group relocated to Nova Scotia and a more hospitable climate.
for the next on hundred years, some French people inhabited the area until Col. Benjamin Church and his militia raided the area and destroyed their homes in retaliation for Indian raids during King Philip’s War.
The first American , Daniel Hill, settled in Calais between 1776 and 1779. the potential of the natural resources of vast forest to provide wood and ready source of power provided by the St. Croix River was so utilized. the easy access to the sea provided and excellent mode of transportation for the lumber produced and the settlement quickly prospered.
Calais was incorporated as a town in 1809 and as a city in 1851. Along with the lumber industry, Calais also developed as a ship-building center and by the second quarter of the nineteenth century was considered a boom town. Many of the fine old homes in Calais were built by the people engaged in these trades. The ship building dwindled with e the coming of trains in the late nineteenth century. The lumber industry ceased to be a major economic factor in this area by the end of World War 1 due to the lack of sufficient large trees to make the sawmill operations feasible.
The population of Calais peaked at about seven thousand five hundred at the turn of the twentieth century. several smaller industries have come and gone during this century and the area has bee a destination for the outdoors-man seeking sports hunting and fishing for many years. Recent years have seen a shift to a regional shopping area and visitors who come to see the natural treasures on the area.
Calais’ 100th Anniversary was celebrated with great fanfare July 31, 1909. The Governor of Maine, Bert M Fernald was guest of honor, several historic and literary programs were present, several bands provided entertainment along with a parade.
Come join in our Bi Centennial Celebration July 31, 2009 -Aug 9 2009
For more information visit the Calais Bicentennial Page
Sports facilities and playing fields are always an important thing for any city or town, and Calais has made sure to keep everything close. Boasting a pool, batting cage, tennis and basketball courts, baseball diamonds, a playground and a skate park, The Thomas Dicenzo INC, Athletic Complex in Calais has something for every member of the family to enjoy.
Featuring Howard Fox Memorial Pool, Heald-Clark Field, Champion’s Court, and the Mike McPherson Memorial Skate park which was designed, funded and built entirely by the youth through their high school Tech Ed Program.. and lots of support from the Community.
The full complex includes 3 Baseball Diamonds, 1 tiny tot baseball diamond, 2 Basketball courts, 2 tennis courts, a Large Skate Park, a pool and even Batting Cages.