William Foster built the bridge house and wharf in 1902 after the town gave him a permit to connect it to the footbridge. The next year, selectman Cyrus Tupper investigated Foster, supposedly a fish dealer, and his use of the building. Tupper . . . — — Map (db m259059) HM
The harbor water of Boothbay were traveled by Native Americans long before the establishment of a permanent European settlement here circa 1730. Since then, a multitude of diverse ships and boats have come to Boothbay to take on cargo or . . . — — Map (db m259046) HM
This photo is from 1885, four years before Boothbay Harbor was incorporated. On the far left is the Lewis Block, a large wooden structure now housing Pier One Pizza. Arriving at Lewis' wharf is the steamer Wiwurna, which ran regularly between Bath . . . — — Map (db m259061) HM
In the mid-1800s, well-to-do men commonly spread their money among different types of businesses. An ambitious black- smith named John Weymouth was not only a respected shipbuilder, but also one of the town's earliest hoteliers. Acquiring some land . . . — — Map (db m259029) HM
The Chapman Reed house lawn has been a town gathering place since around 1823 and the tradition continues to this day. Individuals and groups, such as the ladies of the local Art Colony Mandolin and Guitar Club, have often used the space to hold . . . — — Map (db m259021) HM
Luther Maddocks is credited with the idea of building a footbridge across the harbor in the late 1800s. The townspeople approved a warrant to build the bridge in 1901 with a fifteen-year bond issue of $1,500. Maddocks was the contractor, supplying . . . — — Map (db m259058) HM
Home to keepers and their families from 1892 to 1974, these islands are now a community restoration project, rebuilding the most visible symbol of our maritime heritage and dependence on the sea. Future site for learning about the environment, . . . — — Map (db m259042) HM
By the late 1800s, local fishermen were pulling huge catches of sardines from the sea and the processing and preserving of the fish became an important industry in the town. Dave and Mabry Greenlaw moved from Eastport and established a smokehouse on . . . — — Map (db m259106) HM
In 1891, Pal Pierce established a cool and wood business on the current site of the Ocean side Golf Resort, going into partnership with Herman Hartung in 1900. Local resident Lester Maddocks recalled, "Coal was brought in by barge; when a coal . . . — — Map (db m259087) HM
Automobiles were still rare on Townsend Avenue on Memorial Day in 1912, although the danger they pose to pedestrians and horse-drawn traffic is recognized by the sign on the post warning them to "go slow." Behind the sign is the bank building, . . . — — Map (db m259032) HM
Boothbay House was the oldest among Boothbay Harbor's hotels, dating to the late 18th century. In this view, the steps lead from the spacious front porch toward Commercial Street. In addition to the three-story main building, there were also two . . . — — Map (db m259037) HM
The Leader of the first permanent European settlement established in 1730 in Boothbay was Samuel McCobb. His son, William McCobb, was an important businessman and government official for well over 50 years. "Squire" William's holdings included an . . . — — Map (db m259024) HM
The Harbor's east-side cold storage plant, known as the "Freezer," was built here in 1919 on the site of an earlier sardine cannery. The five-story main building measured 100 feet by 65 feet. By 1925, it was a fully operational cold storage facility . . . — — Map (db m259102) HM
By the 1880s, summer residents and tourists to Boothbay had been steadily increasing for more than a decade. Waterfront property had doubled in value and many residents were selling to land developers. Investors formed the Boothbay Land Company in . . . — — Map (db m259097) HM
Before 1917, local Catholics celebrated mass in various halls, including the Opera House, and even in private homes. The foundation for this church was laid in 1916 and, year later, the first services were held inside. Although only twelve Catholic . . . — — Map (db m259099) HM
The square where Townsend Avenue (originally Center Street) and Oak, Commercial, and McKown Streets meet has long been a commercial hub of the town. The first photo looks up Oak Street, circa 1890. On the left is the Izzy Reed millinery shop, now . . . — — Map (db m259023) HM
Dedicated to the men and women of Boothbay Harbor who served their country in all wars and conflicts
Erected 1953
Re-dedicated July 4, 1991 — — Map (db m259030) WM
The Maine Trading Post, the barn-like building now housing
Kaler's restaurant, was built in 1908 as Sherman's Livery Stable. The small windows along the lower side of the building mark some of the 70 horse stalls. There were horses for rent, often . . . — — Map (db m259040) HM
Who was born and grew to young manhood at Christmas Cove. Bred in the tradition of the sea, he was swift to volunteer when his country entered the Great War. He won a commission for meritorious service and gave his life in heroic performance of his . . . — — Map (db m126922) HM WM
( left panel ) For about a century and a half the upper Damariscotta River enjoyed an exciting period of its history in the construction of wooden sailing vessels. Nearby forests provided ideal timber resources, such as ash, pine, spruce . . . — — Map (db m205102) HM
Pownalborough Court House
1761
Lincoln County's first courthouse, built by Gershom Flagg of Boston for the proprietors of the Kennebec Purchase. A company formed in 1749 to settle lands along the Kennebec River. Courts were held here until 1794 . . . — — Map (db m288294) HM
Fort Edgecomb stands today, as it has always, on just over three acres at the entrance to Wiscasset harbor.
Fort Edgecomb had 20 to 35 troops stationed here until 1816. These Federal troops had left by the time of the Civil War when, for a . . . — — Map (db m259015) HM
Fort Edgecom's octagonal blockhouse remains as the fort's most prominent feature. Typical of blockhouses, it was designed with openings in the walls through which guns and small cannons could be fired. The shingled exterior is an interesting . . . — — Map (db m259020) HM
Fort Edgecomb was one of four batteries, or forts, built by the US in this area. All had waterfront earthworks that protected four cannons. The map, which looks south from Fort Edgecomb, shows two of the other batteries, one at the mouth of the . . . — — Map (db m259016) HM
The Bell House was built in 1897 to contain the two Shipman fog-signal engines which operated the fog bell. In 1899 these engines were replaced by a Stevens Striking Machine and a wooden tower was built to accommodate the weights which activated . . . — — Map (db m55423) HM
The Oil House was built in 1896 to hold the oil which fueled the lighthouse lamps. A tender would sail as close to the rocks as possible, send a heavy line ashore and transfer the oil. — — Map (db m55449) HM
Near this site on August 14, 1635,
John Cogswell and family from
Westbury Leigh, Wiltshire, England,
first set foot in America.
They arrived on the ship Angel Gabriel,
which was wrecked here on the
following day in a . . . — — Map (db m35442) HM
Near this site on August 15, 1635 Ralph Blaisdell and family were shipwrecked. The ship was the Angel Gabriel bound from Bristol, England to Pemaquid. From here the family went to York, Maine and later to Salisbury, Massachusetts. — — Map (db m35441) HM
This is a story about the end of a beautiful house.
In 1803, when Judge Jeremiah Bailey built his home next to the courthouse, High Street ran all the way in front of the house, ending at Hodge Street. A wonderful view of the Common stretched out . . . — — Map (db m258971) HM
This unusual mansion was built in 1807 by Judge Silas Lee. After building several other houses in town, this was his architectural masterpiece. Sadly, he and his wife Tempe were only able to live in the house for seven years before his death in . . . — — Map (db m258991) HM
In 1789, President Washington designated Wiscasset an official U.S. Port of Entry. He appointed Francis Cook to be Inspector of Customs. Every ship entering the country had to show documents identifying the vessel, cargo, and country of origin. . . . — — Map (db m258998) HM
19th-early 20th century downtown Wiscasset provided for all your basic needs and more. In 1898, there were 11 grocers, 3 doctors, 2 apothecaries, 3 fancy and dry goods stores, 2 hardware stores, 4 dressmakers, 2 hair . . . — — Map (db m116046) HM
In 1734 William and Mary Groves staked claim to this plot which included 100 acres and stretched to the bay and included the 2 islands. The Groves operated a frontier trading post. The 1766 tax roll listed the Groves house taxed for 10 fireplaces. . . . — — Map (db m258950) HM
The story of Haggett's garage is the story of the transition from horse-drawn travel to cars. In 1898, Haggett Bros. began selling hardware and plumbing services in Wiscasset. Livery stables were the center of transportation, and the Haggetts . . . — — Map (db m258996) HM
The two schooners that were for many years an iconic image of Wiscasset were neither built here nor sailed from here. Frank Winters purchased the 1917 Luther Little and 1918 Hesper at a Federal auction in 1932 for $600 and brought them to . . . — — Map (db m258937) HM
A secret garden alive with flowers three seasons of the year, the Sunken Garden was created by Frances Sortwell in the foundation of the Hilton House hotel.
The site of a tavern since 1766 and the town stagecoach stop for most of the 19th . . . — — Map (db m116040) HM
In 1792, Silas Lee, Harvard-educated lawyer, U.S. Congressman and Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for Lincoln County, built one of the finest examples of Georgian style architecture in Maine. Ionic columns support a semi-circular . . . — — Map (db m258986) HM
The first bank in Wiscasset was chartered in June 1802, the Lincoln and Kennebec Bank. This brick two-story building was completed in 1806 to house the new venture. Inside, money was stored in a jug vault (so-called because of its shape) in the . . . — — Map (db m258989) HM
In 1794, The new shire town of Wiscasset needed a courthouse. Trials of debtors, adulterers, counterfeiters, murderers, thieves and even naughty children were being held in a remodeled wooden building at the foot of the Common. Legal records and . . . — — Map (db m258983) HM
From the early 18th century through the mid-19th century, the only way to cross the Sheepscot River from Wiscasset was by boat. The first ferries began in 1785. These ran until 1832, when the Sheepscot Ferry Company was chartered to run a larger . . . — — Map (db m258993) HM
Meeting House 1767, Rebuilt 1840, First Congregational Church 1907 In December 1907, The bell cast in the Paul Revere foundry in Boston clanged frantically, sending the whole village racing towards the sound. This was no summons of joy. It was . . . — — Map (db m258984) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m258990) HM
In 1807, Captain William Nickels
built one of the finest examples of high Federal style architecture in New England, a mansion of beauty, style, and sophistication.
From the elegant entrance to stunning interior detailing, this is a house . . . — — Map (db m116039) HM
The 1811 Lincoln County jail was built to replace an older wooden jail. The new jail was built in the modern style, with individual cells, but the number of prisoners frequently exceeded the twelve cells.
Debt, infidelity, children's . . . — — Map (db m258934) HM
Richard Hawley Tucker Taylor was one of 14 children of James and Harriet Taylor. James was an English mariner who emigrated to the United States. He named his son after his employer, Captain Richard H. Tucker, Sr. When James fell on hard . . . — — Map (db m116045) HM
History of Wiscasset's Hesper and Luther Little
In the early 20th Century, massive schooners such as Hesper (210 feet) and Luther Little (204 feet) delivered goods from the United States worldwide.
Hesper delivered coal to Lisbon, case oil . . . — — Map (db m259011) HM
In 1859, Richard H. Tucker, Sr. named his latest ship after his new grandson, Richard H. Tucker, III, the firstborn son of Mollie and Captain Richard H. Tucker, Jr.
The Tuckers ran a very successful commercial shipping business. The Richard . . . — — Map (db m258943) HM
Richard Tucker Rundlett, an entrepreneur from two old local families, built this brick and granite commercial building in 1872. Offering modern shop, office and meeting space, it has anchored the north side of Main Street ever since.
In 1884, . . . — — Map (db m258995) HM
The early settlers of Maine were Protestant, Congregationalists and the stricter Presbyterians. All new settlers were expected to attend the local church, whatever denomination it happened to be. Deemed too English during the American Revolution, . . . — — Map (db m258970) HM
This is a story of drastic, even fiery, changes. The first building on this spot was a sturdy two-story wooden house with a large central chimney and lean-to that faced Main Street. It was built by Nymphas Stacy shortly after the American . . . — — Map (db m258936) HM
It was a summer Sunday C. 1900. A group of friends sit playfully on the bow of a large yacht, having fun even before they set sail.
Eliza (Mrs. Sol) Holbrook, Nina Rundlett, and Fred Lennox are seated on the deck of a sailboat near Whaleship . . . — — Map (db m259007) HM
This house was built in 1805 by ship's mate Joseph Swett, who sold it shortly thereafter to fellow seaman Captain John Johnston. Captain Jack was captain of the Stirling, built just three miles down the Sheepscot River. The Stirling became renowned . . . — — Map (db m258952) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m258948) HM
In 1907, Carson Peck, Vice President of F.W. Woolworth Co., took over the struggling Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railroad. He modified the name and invested new capital. Soon, the WW&F Railway had 96 cars and 7 engines carrying potatoes, . . . — — Map (db m258944) HM
Alexander Johnston, Jr. designed and named this commercial building after the Wawenocks, a band of the Penobscots, Native Americans who lived in this area for many years before the first English settlements. Local builder Henry Bragdon . . . — — Map (db m116047) HM
The land on which you stand has been inhabited for thousands of years. The earliest known residents were the Red Paint People, a pre-historic group of inhabitants. The saltwater Sheepscot River, teeming with marine life and the forested land full . . . — — Map (db m259002) HM
Early Wiscasset education consisted of free district schools, with tutors teaching reading, writing, arithmetic and the Bible. Supplies and classroom space were donated. In 1807, a group of town leaders built this private academy to provide higher . . . — — Map (db m258930) HM
Boat and shipbuilding in Wiscasset boomed between the end of the American Revolution and the 1807 Embargo, and then again from the late 1830s until 1861. By 1865, Wiscasset was too small for the larger cargo ships, so boat building continued with a . . . — — Map (db m259005) HM
By rail and by sea Wiscasset could have been a natural
transportation hub, but technology's timing was off. The first coastal railroad was chartered in 1849, but none were operational until the standard gauge Knox & Lincoln Railroad Co. began . . . — — Map (db m259008) HM
This magnificent Federal style
house has always been what it was built to be - a family home, a place of children, pets and ladies having a gossip over tea. Behind the matched boarding exterior (designed to look like stone from the street) are . . . — — Map (db m258992) HM
