Native Americans used the Kennebec Valley as a route on their yearly migrations to the ocean in the summer and inland in the winter. Skowhegan Island was an important stopping place for the natives to fish and plant crops in the spring. The crops were harvested on the return trip in the fall. The Red Paint people were here 5000 years ago and the Abenakis were here after that.
In 1724, the massacre at old Norridgewock village drove most natives away from Kennebec Valley. The first white settlers came and built their homes and farms several miles down river in 1772. One of their first needs was to find a location with water power to run sawmills to make lumber. Skowhegan Island was a perfect spot because of a natural cleft in the ledges that a current ran through.
The first mills were built on the "Power Channel" in the 1790s. Small dams are built to raise the water level to make it more efficient.
In 1809, the first bridges were built that made it possible to cross the river in all seasons of the year. These lasted until the late 1800s and were replaced by steel bridges. In the 1970s the present day Margaret Chase Smith bridges were built.
In the middle 1800s the island was used for other things. The first bank building, the first High School, two fine churches, the first fire station, and a new factory were established. The Central Maine Power company was formed and they built the larger dams and power station that we have today. Gradually, most of the old structures were torn down and the island became more open .
In 1775 General Benedict Arnold lead a Revolutionary War Army up the river on their way to Quebec City. Their mission failed, and many were either killed or captured. One of the earliest settlers, Mr. Weston joined the expedition. In recent years, a park was built on the island in memory of General Benedict Arnold and his journey on the Kennebec.