Railroads Serving Great Northern Paper

In the shadow of Mount Katahdin, railroads formed the industrial backbone of Maine’s north woods, driving the rise of the Great Northern Paper Company in Millinocket. Anchored by the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad (BAR), these tracks transformed a remote forest wilderness into an industrial powerhouse at the turn of the 20th century. Dedicated spurs hauled massive loads of pulpwood, coal, and chemicals directly into the world’s largest paper mill, while heavily loaded boxcars rolled out millions of tons of newsprint destined for major city presses. Today, these iron rails remain vital historical symbols of the Katahdin region's hardworking heritage.

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