Today, we are celebrating our 44th anniversary! It was a spring day on March 26, 1982, when the Casco Bay Island Transit District (CBITD), a quasi-municipal, non-profit corporation, was first established.
But the story of ferry service in Casco Bay stretches back much further than that.
Our story spans more than 150 years and is one about the perseverance, service, and deep ties that hold communities together. We’ve created a short video that gives you a glimpse of our vessels across the ages—watch it here!
Here are some of the key moments in the journey so far.
The early days of service
Ferry service in Casco Bay began in 1870 when wooden steamboats carried visitors from Portland out to the islands. Some of those boats were enormous and carried up to1,000 people at a time! By the late 19th century, regular service had taken shape, with boats connecting Peaks, Long, Great Diamond, and Little Diamond Islands—laying the groundwork for what would later become a vital year-round system.
Before modern navigation tools (and the data connectivity that powers our all-new Live Map), captains relied on compasses, buoys, and something known as “running time”. This is where they measured distance by minutes rather than miles. In a place like Casco Bay, where tides shift quickly, navigation required a huge amount of experience and instinct.
As the 20th century progressed, the fleet evolved. By the late 1920s, diesel ferries began replacing coal-powered steamships. Through mergers, changes in ownership, and periods of reorganization, ferry service in Casco Bay has endured.
Reliable service through extraordinary times
During World War II, Casco Bay became one of the busiest naval ports in the country. Ferry routes shifted to accommodate submarine netting, and vessels were called upon to support wartime efforts. Even then, service continued—ensuring island residents remained connected during a time of global uncertainty. That commitment—to show up, no matter the conditions—has been a constant mission across generations.
In 1981, Casco Bay Lines entered a new chapter with the creation of the Casco Bay Island Transit District. Formed through state legislation, this quasi-municipal, non-profit structure ensured that ferry service would remain dependable, accessible, and community-focused for decades to come. It formalized what has been our true north ever since: that the service exists for the people who rely on it every day.
Carrying the mission forward
Today, that mission continues—365 days a year—through snow and storms and pandemics and more. We transport passengers, deliver mail and freight, support local businesses, and help sustain year-round life on the islands. For many, the ferry is a vital part of daily life, connecting work, school, family, and community.
We’re proud to be one of the oldest ferry systems in the country. And as we hit our mid-forties, we do so with grace and a heavy dose of gratitude—for the captains, crews, and communities that have shaped our story for generations. Here’s to you all.
(And for all the history buffs who want to delve even deeper into the archives, check out the wonderful 30-minute video produced by Portland-based Galen Koch on our history page.)