5 Historical Places to See on Your Trip to Maine
Plan your next trip to Maine around some of the state’s most interesting historic landmarks
When most people think of Maine, they think of the rocky beaches and quaint little towns that dot the hundreds of miles of coast the state has along the Atlantic Ocean. But many people might not realize just how much history there is to see and learn about in The Pine Tree State.
Maine was first settled back in 1607 at Fort St. George and became a state in 1820 as a result of the Missouri Compromise. Before 1820, Maine was actually part of the state of Massachusetts. Today, Maine is famous for being the home of Stephen King, some of the most delicious lobster entrees in the world, and the many iconic lighthouses that stand tall along its shoreline. Maine also has preserved much of its rich history, and that history can be seen and explored at several historic attractions throughout the state.
Here are five historic attractions that can be the centerpiece of your next visit to the state of Maine:
Fort Kent State Historic Site
Many visitors to Maine might not know about some of the conflicts the state had along its border with Canada in the 1800s. These conflicts were known as the Aroostook War, a confrontation between the United States and the United Kingdom over the disputed territory along the modern Maine and New Brunswick border that both countries claimed was their own. While local militia units were dispatched for combat, no actual fighting between the two sides took place and the dispute was settled by the Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842, which gave most of the disputed land to Maine and the rest to Canada. In preparation for combat, however, several forts were built along the Maine-New Brunswick border. This includes a two-story tower at Fort Kent. Today, this tower is known as the Fort Kent State Historic Site, with a full museum and park on site for visitors to see and learn about Maine’s frontier history.
Harriet Beecher Stowe House
For a brief period of time, famous author and abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe rented a house in Brunswick, ME. In this house, she wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin, a novel that depicted the horrors of slavery and played a major role in stirring anti-slavery feelings throughout the North as a precursor to the Civil War. While in the house, Stowe also harbored a fugitive slave from South Carolina, John Andrew Jackson. Because of the historic significance of the happenings inside this Brunswick home, today it is a public museum and national historic landmark owned by Bowdoin College. You can visit Harriet’s writing room and learn all about the contributions she made to American literature and history while in the state of Maine.
Maine Lighthouse Museum
How can you visit Maine without learning about the state’s many lighthouses? Did you know that the lighthouses of Maine have played an important role in the maritime history of the United States? You can learn all about the history of Maine lighthouses at the Maine Lighthouse Museum in the historic coastal town of Rockland. This museum is home to the largest collection of lighthouse artifacts in the U.S., as well as a unique collection of U.S. Coast Guard artifacts. The Maine Lighthouse Museum is located along the shore of Penobscot Bay and includes a gift shop and restaurant.
Maine Maritime Museum
Shipbuilding has played an integral role in the history of Maine. Much like automobile production helped put Detroit on the map, shipbuilding has always been the major industry in Maine. The epicenter of shipbuilding is in the historic town of Bath, known as “The City of Ships.” Bath was once the fifth largest seaport in the United States with a robust collection of shipbuilding companies. While the need for this industry has lessened greatly over time, many military ships and destroyers are still produced in Bath. The history of shipbuilding in Maine can be researched at the Maine Maritime Museum. Located in Bath’s Historic District, the Maine Maritime Museum features a historic shipyard and an indoor gallery full of exhibits.
Portland Head Light and Fort Williams Park
Located in Cape Elizabeth just south of the historic city of Portland, Portland Head Light is a popular and historic landmark with plenty of history to learn and spectacular ocean views to see. Portland Head Light is a famous lighthouse that was built to protect Portland from potential British attacks in the wake of American independence. The lighthouse, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, was constructed in 1790 and first lit in January 1791. The lighthouse is still in operation today and is part of a popular museum that includes displays detailing the history of the lighthouse. On a visit to Portland Head Light, you can climb to the top to see spectacular views of Portland Harbor and Casco Bay. The lighthouse and museum are also adjacent to Fort Williams Park, which has 90 acres of green space, hiking trails, picnic facilities, and some of the best ocean views in the state of Maine. You can also see the historic Goddard Mansion, Battery Blair Memorial, and Battery Keyes as part of Fort Williams Park.
About Water Street Inn
If you’re visiting the historic attractions of the Pine Tree State, Water Street Inn can provide the ideal, comfortable lodging you’re looking for to have a memorable trip to Maine. Water Street Inn is one of the most sought-after places to stay in Kittery, ME. A waterfront hotel situated along the banks of the Piscataqua River, the Water Street Inn is a boutique hotel you’ll fall in love with while visiting Maine. If you’re looking for a small hotel with modern hotel accessories, Water Street Inn has what you’re looking for.