The Common

The Common. Wiscasset, Maine. , Most early New England towns had a "common"- an area in the center of town that could be used by residents to graze their animals or as a gathering place for community activities. In the 18th century, a town's most prominent homes and meeting house were usually built around the Common. , Wiscasset's Common is still here, a triangle of land at the top of the hill facing the river, ending in a point near Summer Street. By the early 19th century, there were footpaths worn across the Common where couples strolled, children played, brass bands entertained and militia mustered. Over time, the northern path became a road used by horses and wagons. In the early 20th century, it became a state road, part of the Atlantic Highway. In 1949, the Common was permanently cut in two by U.S. Route 1., Although noisier and a bit harder to see than it once was, our Common still lives as the site of church fairs, commemorations of fallen heroes, Halloween scarecrows and a beautiful lighted holiday tree every December.