10 Historic Towns In Maine That Will Transport You To The Past
There’s no shortage of historic towns in Maine. Because, depending on how you count your days, Maine’s history is either thousands of years old or 200! Did you know that the earliest humans recorded in Maine were the Red Paint People who are believed to have been here between 3000 B.C. and 1000 B.C.?And you think YOU’RE a true Mainer! After that time, a variety of towns were created before the boundary would officially became Maine in 1820. All of this means that there’s a whole lot of history hanging out in these parts of the northeast! If you love learning about the Pine Tree State’s past, you’ll want to visit the most historic towns in Maine, listed below. They might not necessarily be the oldest, but these towns in Maine all come with some pretty cool stories and lots of historic attractions and points of interest.
A charming historic town in Maine, Brunswick is home to the Harriet Beecher Stowe House. This is the home where abolitionist writer Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin. The Stowe family only spent two years living here, but Harriet called them the "happiest and healthiest" of her life. This was also the home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow for a short time when he was a student. Today, the house is managed by Bowdoin College.
Once the playground of the wealthy, Old Orchard Beach has earned a reputation as the most hopping beach town in Maine. What you might not know, however, is that it's also home to the state's oldest amusement park. Despite rides that feel modern, Palace Playland was built in 1910. And, it's the only oceanside amusement park in New England. This is a wonderful place to spend a summer day.
Castine is the place to go for Maine maritime history. It's home to Bowdoin Schooner, which was built in 1921 for Arctic exploration. Today the tall ship is the flagship of the Maine Maritime Academy in Castine. She is considered one of the strongest wooden vessels ever made. In fact, it journeyed above the Arctic Circle 26 times between 1921 and 1954! While beautiful all year-round, we especially love this historic town in Maine in the autumn, when it's drenched in the gorgeous oranges, golds, and reds of fall!
Hailed as the oldest town in Maine, Kittery was settled in 1623 by the British and in 1647 was finally incorporated. While some will argue that other towns are technically older, Kittery is, in fact, the oldest incorporated town in Maine. It's still home to some of the most historic buildings in the state, including The First Congregational Church which was formed in 1714 and is the oldest church building in continuous use in the state. This is not only one of the most historic towns in Maine, it's also one of the most beguiling!
Most everyone knows Augusta as our state's capital, but the history goes much further than that. Today it's the location of the oldest surviving wooden fort in America. Old Fort Western was built in 1754 by a Boston company looking to solidify British influence in the area and marginalize the local Abenaki Indians, who were allied with the French. Later, Benedict Arnold stayed here before advancing in his journey to capture Quebec. Today visitors can see historical re-enactments performed by trained volunteers. Add it all up, and Augusta, Maine is an ideal destination for a history lesson and taking a photo tour too!
You might know this Maine town as a shopping mecca that makes for an epic weekend getaway in Maine, but it also played host to a very important business meeting in the mid-1800s. Maine's oldest standing tavern, the Jameson Tavern was built in 1779. Records show that commissioners met in the northeast corner of the second floor of the inn to sign the papers that gave Maine independence from Massachusetts. Today, a plaque placed by the Daughters of the Revolution in 1914 commemorates the event.
Maine's biggest city is chock full of history! From the historic homes that line the streets of the West End to the lesser-known places tucked away on Munjoy Hill, there's plenty to keep history buffs busy here. Make sure to see the childhood home of Longfellow, Maine's beloved poet. Also check out the Abyssinian Meeting House, the third oldest standing African American meeting house. In addition, despite being Maine's largest city, Portland has also been ranked as its safest, making it an amazing all-around destination for history buffs, couples, and families!
Besides being the friendliest sounding town in Maine, Friendship also comes with some fun history. It was originally called "Meduncook," meaning "bay at the end of the sandbar." After surviving through raids by both Native Americans and the French, it was incorporated in 1807 as "Friendship." It went on to become an important hub for Maine boatbuilding. This history is celebrated every summer with the annual Friendship Sloop Races, an homage to the creation of the first Friendship Sloop.
9. Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Cumberland County
Maine is home to the only active Shaker village in the world - Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village. It was established in 1783 by a group of Shaker missionaries, who first called the area "Thompson's Pond Plantation." Today, the Village continues to be a place where Shakers live, work, and pray.
It includes 17 historic structures, which date from the 1780s through the 1950s, located on 1,800 acres of farm and forest land.
What's in a name? Well, that's quite an interesting question with regards to Paris, Maine! Originally named "Township Number 4," the colonists here received significant help from the French back in 1793 during the Revolutionary War. To honor that, the name was changed to Paris! This is interesting, but what's really cool is that all non-China made American Flyer sleds are made here in Paris!
What are your favorite historic towns in Maine to visit? Share them with your fellow history buffs! Want to keep exploring? Then definitely check out these 12 cool, artsy towns throughout the state.
Address: Old Orchard Beach, ME, USA
Address: Paris, ME 04281, USA
Address: Shaker Village, New Gloucester, ME 04260, USA
Address: Augusta, ME 04330, USA
Address: Kittery, ME, USA
Address: Castine, ME, USA
Address: Portland, ME, USA
Address: Freeport, ME 04032, USA
Address: Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
Address: Friendship, ME, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Historic towns in Maine
June 04, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some other historic places in Maine?
If you can’t get enough Maine history (guilty!), then you’ll definitely want to plan a trip to these five historic towns in Maine, which are truly like stepping back in time. Augusta, Maine, is a total treasure trove of historic sites; along with being the capital of Maine, Augusta has a rich history that includes Old Fort Western, Benedict Arnold’s base when he headed to invade Quebec, which you can visit today. Castine over in Hancock County is another place chock-full of history and intrigue, most notably, it’s home to the Maine Maritime Academy. The Dice Head Lighthouse is also based in this historic town, so you’ll have plenty to see and do when you visit Castine, one of the oldest towns in Maine… and the northeast, in fact! Finally, urbanites can get a full history lesson in Portland, Maine. Known as “the land surrounded by water”, Portland is the largest city in Maine. When Maine was formed in 1820, Portland was originally named its capital. You’ll also discover Victorian homes, The Old Port, and the infamous Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse.
Address: Old Orchard Beach, ME, USA
Address: Paris, ME 04281, USA
Address: Shaker Village, New Gloucester, ME 04260, USA
Address: Augusta, ME 04330, USA
Address: Kittery, ME, USA
Address: Castine, ME, USA
Address: Portland, ME, USA
Address: Freeport, ME 04032, USA
Address: Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
Address: Friendship, ME, USA
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Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
