Posted in Maine
May 07, 2016
10 Of The Most Enchanting Man Made Wonders in Maine
There’s no denying that Maine does nature perfectly. Between our waterfalls and our coastline, you can’t ask for much more. But, we also offer some impressive man made wonders. From bridges to churches, farms to castles, here are just a few of the most impressive structures in Maine created by expert hands.
This campus stalwart with its Gothic architecture is unmistakably Bowdoin.
This strange swinging bridge was originally built to allow workers at the Cabot Mill to cross the Adnroscoggin. This pedestrian suspension bridge is over 330 feet long and very narrow. Though the bridge has been repaired a few times over the years, and many parts have been replaced, the cables are original to the 19th-century structure. We recently highlighted this wonder in its own dedicated article. Click here to read more and to see a video of one person's crossing.
This brilliant structure was built in 1872. The catalyst for its creation was the overflow of French speaking parishioners from Saint Joseph's Church. Why the need for a French speaking priest? During the nineteenth-century, many Roman Catholic French-Canadians came to work in textile mills. And now, we have this wonder!
This guided missile destroyer won't be in Maine forever, but while she's here she's worth recognizing! The destroyer was built by Bath Iron Works beginning in 2009. In early 2014, Zumwalt began heavy weather trials to see her reaction to high winds, stormy seas, and adverse weather conditions. I'm not a geologlist, but seems like the coast of Maine in January is a good time for that sort of thing. Testing has continued and once the decision has been made to allow her to join the naval fleet, the Zumwalt will make its way to San Diego.
Also known as the Morse-Libby Mansion, this historic landmark was built in 1860 as a summer house for a hotelier. It has been identified as one of the best, original examples of an Italianate Villa-styled brick and brownstone town house in the United States. The last of the Libby family moved out in 1928, but the home was purchased to be preserved as a museum. It opened in 1941 to serve this purpose.
It would be impossible to recognize the man made wonders of Maine without including this gem. Built in 2001, this giant blueberry is actually a gift and coffee shop, as well as an outlet for the owners' homemade blueberry jams, sauces and baked good. Sounds delicious enough to warrant a stop! Their hours are mainly focused on the summer. Click here to learn more about them.
Battery Steele is a military fort located on Peaks Island in Casco Bay. The Fort was built in 1942 as part of efforts to support World War II. The military site is hidden to those who don't know that its tunnels and rooms are open for exploring. From the outside, the area appears to be completely left to nature. Overgrown trees and branches crowd what appears to be a crumbling facade. However, the real magic of Battery Steele lies underground. The bulk of the fort is made up of an underground area. These tunnels have been overtaken by artists and the mark of local Maine residents and friends covers the walls. For more information on Battery Steele cilck here.
Built in 1872, the Sunday River Bridge is also known as "Artist's Bridge" due to its common use in photographs and art. It's easy to see why! In 1958 it was closed to traffic when another bridge was built nearby, but it's still worth a sightseeing visit.
The Maine State House was designed by Boston-based Charles Bulfinch in 1829. Work was completed in 1832. Whether you love or hate what goes on inside the building every day, it's hard not to appreciate the aesthetics.
Overlooking the Pebobscot River in Camden, the Norumbega Castle stands out from just about every other structure along the Maine coast. Built in 1886, it was privately owned and lived in for almost 100 years before becoming a bed and breakfast that you can still stay in today. Fun Fact: The current owner was a winner on popular Food Network show, "Chopped."
Have you visited any of these? What did we leave off the list? Let us know over on our Facebook page!
