The Oldest Town In Maine That Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
It doesn’t take much time in Maine to realize that it’s full of rich history. From Longfellow to Winslow Homer, Harriet Beecher Stowe to Benedict Arnold – we’ve got stories about people from all walks of life who have impacted American history. While we might not be one of the earliest colonies, we do boast some interesting history and we thought we’d take a moment to celebrate that. What better way to recognize Maine’s place in the start of our country than to pay homage to our very first town – Kittery!
Kittery was settled in 1623 by the British and in 1647 was finally incorporated.
While some will argue that other towns are older, Kittery is the oldest incorporated town in Maine.
While some will argue that other towns are older, Kittery is the oldest incorporated town in Maine.
The quaint town is known as the "Gateway to Maine," as it sits directly across the New Hampshire border.
It’s home to a number of attractions that bring in tourists throughout the year.
Many visitors head straight to Kittery Point, which is located directly on the ocean. This area of Kittery is home to Fort McClary State Historic Site.
Fort McClary is a former US military fort located in Kittery Point. Located at the mouth of the Piscataqua River, it was used primarily to protect the Portsmouth harbor and the naval shipyard.
The property includes a blockhouse dating from 1844.
Head to Gerrish Island for a visit to Fort Foster Park, home to Fort Foster which was active from 1901-1946. Located on Gerrish Island in the Kittery Point, the park includes beaches and some lovely trails.
If you’re after more outdoorsy trails, check out Cutts Island to see Seapoint Beach and a portion of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.
If you’re after more outdoorsy trails, check out Cutts Island to see Seapoint Beach and a portion of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.
The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is a 5,400-acre area comprised of several areas of land along 50 miles of Maine's southern coast. It was created in 1966 and was named for environmentalist Rachel Carson. The refuge protects habitats that include barrier beach, dune, tidal estuary, salt marsh, and rocky coastline. Endangered species, the piping plover, makes its nest on refuge land.
Kittery is also the home of Bob's Clam Shack. Bob's is known from Kittery and beyond for good reason. Their lobster rolls are great, but we love the "Lillian" - a basket of whole belly clams. Visit them at: 315 US1, Kittery / (207) 439-4233
Another great spot for history buffs is The First Congregational Church which was formed in 1714 and the oldest church building in continuous use in the state.
If nature and history aren’t your thing, Kittery might still offer something for you in the form of shopping!
If nature and history aren’t your thing, Kittery might still offer something for you in the form of shopping!
Some of the best outlet shopping in the northeast can be found in Kittery among the more than 120 outlets along a one-mile stretch of Route 1, just off I-95. For the full experience, check out Kittery Trading Post, which offers three stories of camping, hunting and fishing, ski, snowboard and kayak gear. Be sure to check the town shopping schedule around Christmas for some great events!
No matter what it is you love, Kittery (including all the great places we've mentioned here) is worth the stop. The next time you're headed home and heading north, perhaps add some time to stop in. Or, make it a road trip and spend some real time here. Either way, it's a wonderful slice of Maine history.
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