A Maritime Heritage

A Maritime Heritage. Bucksport, Maine. , Many of Bucksport’s leading citizens made a living from maritime trade - building vessels, as owners and captains, and outfitting vessels., Founder Jonathan Buck built Bucksport's first commercial sailing vessel, the sloop Hannah in 1771, which shortly after sailed to the West Indies with finished goods from his sawmill. One of the major shipbuilding families in the 19th century was James, William R., and William H. Ginn. W.H. Ginn built and owned the bark Penobscot (pictured) in 1878., At least 242 sailing vessels were built in Bucksport and on Verona from 1771 to 1906. Of these, 11 were full rigged ships, 26 barks, 33 brigs, 5 barkentines, 1 brigantine, 159 schooners, and 7 sloops. Vessels built and owned in Bucksport worked in fishing, coasting and global trade, and as passenger packets., As you explore Bucksport, take a walk up School Street and along Franklin Street. Here you will see the homes of some of the town's 19th century merchants, sea captains, and vessel owners. Some of the most impressive are the Blodgett House (118 School St.), Barnard House (pictured, 119 School St.), and Nahum T. Hill House (75 Franklin St.)