This cattle pound is one of the few in the State of Maine. The octagonal structure is made of cedar logs which are now moss-covered. The present structure was built around 1866.

Although there have been many odd stories about its use, such as keeping stray dogs in it or the wives keeping their menfolk in it, it was mainly used to keep stray cattle, sheep, goats, etc. which had strayed from their owners’ property onto another person’s land. The owner could reclaim his lost animals by paying any damages caused by them.

According to Fred J. Annas, who died November 3, 1973 at the age of 92, the damage costs could be avoided if one had four or five strong friends who could lift the animals over the ten-foot, two-inch fence under cover of darkness.

Mr. Annas remembered the last time the pound was used officially, when Will McShay drove a half dozen cattle that belonged to Charlie Suddy from Crazy Ridge about five miles away in Robbinston and put them in the pound.

Today, the pound is a landmark in Charlotte, located on the Round Pond Road near the four corners.

(C) 1996, Charlotte Historical Society

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