Katahdin (Lake Boat) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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KATAHDIN (Lake Boat)
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![]() Katahdin plies Moosehead Lake c. 1920
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Location | Moosehead Lake, Greenville, Maine |
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Area | less than one acre |
Built by | Bath Iron Works |
Architectural style | Lake boat |
NRHP reference No. | 78003435 |
Added to NRHP | September 13, 1978 |
The Katahdin is a special historic steamboat that floats on Moosehead Lake in Greenville, Maine. It was built a long time ago, in 1914, at a place called Bath Iron Works.
When it was first built, the Katahdin helped tourists explore the lake. Later, it was changed into a towboat to carry lumber. In the 1990s, a group called the Moosehead Maritime Museum worked hard to fix it up. Now, the Katahdin gives fun tours on the lake again! It's one of the oldest boats still floating that was built at Bath Iron Works. Because it's so important, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
About the Katahdin
The Katahdin is a large boat, about 102 feet (31 meters) long. It has a wide front, like a blunt nose. The boat is made of steel, and it has two decks made of wood. It usually sits about 3 feet 9 inches (1.14 meters) deep in the water.
When it was first built, the Katahdin had special enclosed areas for passengers on both decks. There was also an open space at the back of the lower deck. The upper deck had open areas around its enclosed part. The captain steers the boat from the pilot house, which is at the front of the upper deck. Passengers usually get on the boat through doors on the lower deck.
A Boat with Many Jobs
The Katahdin was built in 1914 for a company called Coburn Steamship Company. It was built in pieces at Bath Iron Works and then shipped to Greenville. There, all the parts were put together.
At first, the boat's main job was to take tourists and supplies to a place called Mount Kineo Resort. It also offered fun cruises around Moosehead Lake. Imagine how exciting it must have been to ride this big boat across the lake!
However, times changed. In the 1930s, fewer people were taking boat trips because of the Great Depression and more people started using cars. So, the Katahdin made its last tourist trip in 1938.
In 1940, a paper company bought the boat. They changed it to carry timber (logs) across the lake. To do this, they removed the open walking areas on the decks. They also replaced the old steam engine with a new diesel engine. The Katahdin worked as a towboat until 1976.
Bringing the Katahdin Back to Life
After its time as a towboat, a local group called the Moosehead Marine Museum decided to save the Katahdin. They wanted to make it a tourist boat again. They worked hard to fix it up so it could give tours on the lake.
In 1993, the museum started a big project to fully restore the boat. This included fixing the hull (the bottom part of the boat) at the same place it was built, Bath Iron Works. The upper deck was replaced with fiberglass, and the open walking areas were brought back. In 2012, the main support beam, called the keel, was also replaced.
Today, the Katahdin offers cruises from June to October. You can take a trip either 12 miles (19 km) or 20 miles (32 km) up the lake. These cruises last about 3 to 4 and a half hours. You can also rent the Katahdin for private events, like birthday parties or special gatherings!