Wiscasset in Lincoln County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)
Moses Carlton House - 1804
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, October 14, 2024
1. Moses Carlton House - 1804 Marker
Built in 1804 during Wiscasset's peak as a thriving seaport, this grand house was immediately traded by its owner to shipping magnate Moses Carlton, Jr. for 100 puncheons of rum. One of the wealthiest families in town, Moses and Abigail Carlton were known for their civic responsibility, social gatherings and unfailing kindness toward those less fortunate. Even with eight children of their own, they took in any poor child in need of a meal or a loving home. The family included two longtime servants, women of color Pendy and Kezia Shiney, who were buried with the family in the Ancient Cemetery.
The Carltons were financially ruined by the Embargo of 1807, but the family remained strong even during years of quiet poverty. Abigail died in December 1856, aged 93. Moses quickly followed in January of 1857, aged 90.
High Street was a dirt road in the 19th century. Most houses had fences and gates, not to protect the people, but to keep livestock safe and on their own property. Alexander Johnston, Jr, son of a Wiscasset shipping family, bought the house in 1858. To make it more fashionable, he had it moved back further from the
this page online
Erected by The Museum in the Streets. (Marker Number 2A.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings.
Location. 44° 0.177′ N, 69° 40.122′ W. Marker is in Wiscasset, Maine, in Lincoln County. It is on High Street south of Main Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14 High Street, Wiscasset ME 04578, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Midcoast Maine. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lincoln and Kennebec Bank, 1805 / Wiscasset Public Library, 1929 (within shouting distance of this marker); Wood-Foote House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Castle Tucker 1807 (about 300 feet
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, October 14, 2024
2. Moses Carlton House - 1804 Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 784 times since then and 100 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 20, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
