SAGEUMPI - Seniors Achieving Greater Education

The Nathan Perry Steamboat, an early 19th-century vessel, was a pioneering effort to connect Presque Isle, Maine, with surrounding areas via the Aroostook River. Commissioned by entrepreneur Nathan Perry, the steamboat transported goods, particularly lumber and agricultural products, and served as a vital link for trade and communication in the region. Despite challenges like shallow waters and harsh weather, the vessel highlighted the transformative potential of steam-powered transportation in a remote, developing area. Steamboat symbolized innovation, boosting the local economy and setting the stage for future advancements in northern Maine’s infrastructure and commerce.

Instructor: Kim Smith, local historian, and treasurer of the Presque Isle Historical Society.