Baxter State Park - History

History

The Park was a gift to the people of Maine from Gov. Percival P. Baxter, who used his personal wealth over a 32-year period to purchase and donate the original 201,018 acres (813 km2) of the park. Since Gov. Baxter's death in 1969 the park has been increased to a total of 209,501 acres (848 km2), including the 2006 addition of a parcel of 4,678 acres (19 km2) and spectacular Katahdin Lake . Park Headquarters is located over twenty miles (32 km) from the actual park in the small town of Millinocket. There are no stores or gas stations inside the park. Access and use are strictly regulated in accordance with Gov. Baxter's expressed desire to keep the Park "forever wild." Amidst this premise, he has made the following quote: Man is born to die, his work short lived; buildings crumble, monuments decay, wealth vanishes, but Katahdin, in all it's glory, shall forever remain the mountain of the people of Maine. Throughout the ages it will stand as an inspiration to the men and women of the state."

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