A Tichnor Brothers postcard depicting a view of the Bangor skyline.

Though originally settled in 1769 Bangor did not become incorporated until 1834. Bangor's location on the Penobscot River resulted in it playing an integral role in the American Revolution, the Aroostook War, and the booming lumber trade of the 19th century. As of 2012 Bangor is still the county seat of Penobscot county.

The Tichnor Brothers printing company published this type of postcard circa 1938 as part of their Maine series. These, and other postcards, by the Tichnor Brothers Company are officially known as the Tichnor Gloss Series because the photographs were notoriously retouched on such a level that does not allow the postcards to be classified as photographs or paintings. The caption reads, "Bangor skyline from Brewer Shore across Penobscot River, Bangor, Maine."