Moosehead Lake, Maine’s 111 Year Old Cruise Ship in Jeopardy

A campaign is underway to fund much-needed repairs to a historic steamship that sails on Moosehead Lake.

Maine Historic Steamboat is the Oldest Vessel Made by Bath Iron Works

The elegant Katahdin, gliding across the water, is a Maine landmark that's endured for 111 years. She is the oldest sailing vessel built by Bath Iron Works, which is better known for its Navy vessels.

In 1914, the Kate, as she's affectionately known, was shipped via train, and then hauled by oxen, to Greenville, where she was assembled and put in at Moosehead Lake.

READ MORE: Maine's Mount Hope Garden Cemetery is the 2nd Oldest in the U.S. 

Kate served for many years as a luxury cruiser on the lake for city visitors from away, who stayed at the elegant Mount Kineo Hotel.

Maine's Katahdin Steamboat was once used as a Logging Vessel

But when the Depression took away tourist traffic, the Katahdin became a working ship, hauling huge log booms. According to the Maine Marine Museum, she took part in the last log run in 1976 and was retired.

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In the late 1970s, a non-profit committee was created to restore her enough to return her to the water. Structural repairs were completed, but the cosmetic restoration would take more time and money.

Over the past decades, fundraising campaigns have enabled the museum to make repairs and get the Katahdin closer to her original beauty and seamanship, but more work is needed.

Maine Marine Museum Campaign to Keep Kate Cruising

The museum has launched the $2 million 'Keep Kate Cruising Campaign,' and is asking for donations to help keep her running on Moosehead Lake.

There are several ways to donate, including spreading out your tax-deductible donation over five years.

If Mainers work together, the Kate can continue to sail out of Greenville, taking tourists and residents alike into the beautiful Moosehead Lake region. It's a tradition that deserves to continue.