Timelines: Percival Baxter Has a Mountaintop Epiphany

Authors

Andrew Vietze

Source

Down East

Date

8-2020

Pages

48, 50

Abstract

Discusses a trip made by Percival Baxter - Maine legislator and soon-to-be governor - to the summit of Mount Katahdin in August, 1920, the trip where he first decided to preserve that piece of Maine's wilderness for posterity. Briefly describes the trip, originally undertaken with other notable Mainers to promote the idea of a "centennial park" celebrating Maine's 100^th birthday. Describes the profound emotional impact the trip and the crossing of the Knife Edge had on Baxter, and how this led to the years and personal wealth he would spend purchasing Katahdin and the surrounding areas, which would eventually become Baxter State Park. Historian Herb Adams and author John Neff are quoted.

Recommended Citation

Vietze, Andrew, "Timelines: Percival Baxter Has a Mountaintop Epiphany" (2020). Maine News Index - Down East Magazine. 5420.
https://digitalcommons.portlandlibrary.com/news_downeast/5420