The Bangor and Aroostook Railroad built a line to Searsport in the early 1900s provide access to a seaport without having to share revenue with Maine Central Railroad.

With its own seaport, the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad was also able to ship the coal it needed to fuel its engines more economically.

In this picture, the Pioneer Dale is seen docked at the BARs pier in Searsport. In January 1950, before the Korean War broke out, The Pioneer Dale came under fire from Chinese aircraft, causing minor damage to the ship and one minor injury. In June 1950, while the ship was docked in Puson, South Korea, North Korea invaded South Korea. At the request of General Walker, the Pioneer Dale evacuated U.S. Army dependents to Fukuoka, Japan.