The Ripogenus Dam, was originally built in 1853. The dam created a water reservoir, raising the level of the water in Ripogenus Lake, Caribou Lake, Moose Pond, and Chesuncook Lake.

Changes to the Ripogenus Dam began in 1915, with the purpose of providing more hydroelectricity to the Great Northern Paper Company in Millinocket. The dam was 92 feet high and 704 feet long, making it at the time, the largest storage reservoir built with private funding. Construction was completed in 1916.