A hunter, surrounded by moose antlers and drying skulls is seated on the porch of the Ashland House.

Solomon Soule, who arrived in Ashland in 1839, cleared land and opened this hotel. By the late 19th century, the D.O. Orcutt owned the hotel and employed a guide, B. C. Peterson, to help rusticators and sportsmen shoot game.

Maine's reputation as a prime hunting destination grew as stories of huge hunting successes like this one spread across the country.