The Bangor, Maine Sewer That Inspired Stephen King's IT

Everyone in Bangor knows the corner of Jackson & Union Street. It’s just one of those spots around town that everyone recognizes, but for Stephen King fans, it’s a little more interesting than your average intersection.

As a longtime resident of Bangor’s west side, seeing a car parked outside Stephen King’s home on West Broadway is nothing unusual. Fans from all over the world make the trip here hoping to catch a glimpse of the house, snap a few pictures, and maybe get lucky enough to see the man himself.

Since the huge success of IT and IT: Chapter Two, Bangor has become an even bigger destination for horror fans looking to find the real-life places that helped inspire Pennywise and the story behind the movies.

The book IT was released in 1986 and was Stephen King’s 22nd novel. The story follows seven kids who face off against an evil creature that feeds on fear and takes many forms, including the creepy, unforgettable Pennywise the Dancing Clown. Fun fact: the late, great Chuck Foster from Bangor even gets a mention in the book!

Of course, the fictional town of Derry is really Stephen King’s version of Bangor, Maine. One of the most famous locations from the story, the sewer drain where Pennywise lurks, was inspired by the real storm drain at the corner of Jackson and Union Street right here in Bangor.

Check out this video, and be prepared to pee your pants in horror at the end. I jumped out of my chair!