Presque Isle (/prɛsk/ PRESK) is the commercial center and largest city in Aroostook County, Maine, United States.

Presque Isle is the headquarters of the Aroostook Band of Micmac, a federally recognized tribe.

[3] The first European settlers were British Loyalists who reached the area in 1819 hoping to obtain land for lumber.

In response, the government of the neighboring British colony of New Brunswick (now a Canadian province) gave out patents for pioneers to live on the land but not claim ownership or sell it.

The Aroostook War broke out in 1838 because of boundary disputes between the two countries, which were resolved in 1842 by the Webster-Ashburton Treaty.

In 1864, Fairmount Cemetery was established in the south of Presque Isle to accommodate Union soldiers returning from the Civil War.

During the last 30 years of the 19th century, agriculture became important, and the entire county became noted for its production of potatoes.

[8] These flights are federally subsidized through the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, and are operated by United Express carrier, GoJet Airlines.

of Transportation awarded Jet Blue its first ever essential air service contract to replace United Airlines at Presque Isle.

In 1903, the Aroostook State Normal School began offering a two-year teacher preparation program.

[11] Four physicians were affiliated with the hospital, whose dual aims were to serve the community and to provide a training school for nurses.

[11] The hospital has expanded and been modernized in recent years, and in 1981 became part of The Aroostook Medical Center.

[11] On August 11, 1978, the Double Eagle II was launched from a Presque Isle field carrying three passengers.

In honor of the Double Eagle II, the city holds an annual celebration called The Crown of Maine Balloon Festival.

The field from which the Double Eagle II lifted off now features a commemorative model balloon.

Presque Isle has a humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfb) typified by long cold winters and short warm summers.

Due to being Aroostook County's largest city, Presque Isle is the retail center for a large number of both American and Canadian towns.

During the winter months many local businesses rely on the snowmobiling industry as there is a highly regarded trail system connecting far away towns and cities with Presque Isle.

Several radio stations have studios located in Presque Isle, including WBPW, WOZI and WQHR, all owned by Townsquare Media.

The city is also home to WUPI, the University of Maine Presque Isle's student radio station which broadcasts on 92.1.

The city is also where Handy McKay retires to open a diner in the Parker novel series by Richard Stark.