Maine’s story begins long before statehood, with Indigenous cultures, rugged coastlines, and early European settlements shaping its identity. Over the centuries, Maine has been home to shipbuilders, revolutionaries, fishermen, and artists, each leaving behind traces of their era. From colonial skirmishes and maritime triumphs to Gilded Age architecture and preserved riverfronts, the state holds a wealth of historic landmarks.
Beyond its scenic lighthouses and forested trails, Maine is also home to a collection of historic towns, each with its own distinct role in shaping local and national history. The following ten towns offer a journey through time, architecture, and culture.
1. Wiscasset
Nestled along the Sheepscot River, Wiscasset, often dubbed “Maine’s Prettiest Village, ” offers a rich tapestry of history and charm. Established in the 1660s and incorporated in 1794, Wiscasset flourished as a bustling seaport until the early 19th century.
Visitors can explore the Wiscasset Historic District, encompassing over 100 acres of preserved Federal and Greek Revival architecture. Highlights include the Nickels-Sortwell House, a 1807 Federal-style mansion built by Captain William Nickels, and Castle Tucker, an 1807 brick mansion with Victorian-era additions.
The 1811 Old Lincoln County Jail offers a glimpse into early American penal history, featuring granite cells and a keeper’s residence. For a self-guided experience, the “Museum in the Streets” walking tour provides historical insights throughout the village.
Culinary enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Red’s Eats, renowned for its lobster rolls, or Sprague’s Lobster, offering fresh seafood with riverside views.
2. Bath
Bath, affectionately known as the “City of Ships,” is a coastal gem where maritime heritage and architectural elegance converge. Founded in the 17th century and officially incorporated in 1781, Bath rose to prominence in the 1800s as a global shipbuilding powerhouse. Its shipyards produced over 5,000 vessels, including the famed six-masted schooner Wyoming, the largest wooden sailing ship ever constructed.
Today, Bath’s shipbuilding legacy endures at Bath Iron Works, a major U.S. Navy contractor established in 1884. Visitors can delve into this rich history at the Maine Maritime Museum, situated on a 20-acre waterfront campus. The museum features the historic Percy & Small Shipyard, the Donnell House (a restored 1892 shipyard owner’s home), and exhibits like “Into the Lantern,” offering an immersive lighthouse experience.
Bath’s downtown exudes 19th-century charm, with brick sidewalks and a variety of architectural styles, including Federal, Greek Revival, and Italianate. Landmarks such as the 1858 Custom House and the Gothic Revival Winter Street Center highlight the city’s architectural diversity. The city also boasts 34 historic markers, guiding visitors through its storied past.
Beyond its historical allure, Bath offers natural beauty and cultural experiences. Thorne Head Preserve provides 96 acres of trails along the Kennebec River, while the Chocolate Church Arts Center hosts a variety of performances and events.
3. Castine
Perched on a peninsula where the Bagaduce River meets Penobscot Bay, Castine is a living chronicle of early American history. Originally known as Majabigwaduce by the Abenaki people, Castine’s strategic location made it a focal point for European powers. The French established a trading post here in 1613, followed by the construction of Fort Pentagouët in 1625. Over the centuries, the town changed hands among the French, Dutch, and English, reflecting its importance in colonial geopolitics.
The Castine Historic District encompasses much of the town, showcasing Federal and Greek Revival buildings that harken back to its maritime prosperity in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can explore Fort George, a British fortification from 1779, and the John Perkins House, one of the oldest surviving structures in the area.
The town’s maritime legacy continues with the Maine Maritime Academy, an institution that trains future seafarers and contributes to Castine’s vibrant waterfront. Nearby, the Dyce Head Lighthouse, established in 1829, offers picturesque views and a glimpse into the town’s nautical past.
Castine offers recreational activities like kayaking, biking, and sailing, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty that has long defined this coastal gem.
4. Camden
Originally a shipbuilding hub in the 19th century, Camden has transformed into a popular destination for tourists. The town is home to well-preserved 19th-century buildings along High Street, showcasing its rich architectural heritage.
Visitors can explore the Camden Public Library and Amphitheater, which offer cultural events and beautiful views of the harbor. The Curtis Island Lighthouse, accessible by boat, marks the entrance to the harbor, while Camden Hills State Park provides hiking trails and stunning panoramic views from Mount Battie.
Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor activities, or just enjoying the scenery, Camden offers a variety of experiences year-round.
5. Kennebunkport
Established in 1629, Kennebunkport evolved from a shipbuilding hub into a beloved summer destination. The town’s historic district showcases grand homes from the 18th and 19th centuries, reflecting its prosperous past.
A stroll through Dock Square reveals a vibrant area filled with unique shops, galleries, and eateries. Nearby, the Seashore Trolley Museum offers a glimpse into the past with its collection of vintage trolleys. For scenic views, Ocean Avenue leads to Walker’s Point, the Bush family’s summer retreat, offering picturesque coastal vistas.
6. York
York, established in 1624 as Agamenticus, stands among the oldest towns in the United States. Renamed York in 1652, it became the second incorporated town in Maine after Kittery. The town’s early history includes the 1692 Candlemas Massacre during King William’s War, where Abenaki and French forces attacked, resulting in significant loss and the town’s subsequent rebuilding on higher ground.
York’s rich history is preserved through sites like the Old York Gaol, one of the nation’s oldest public buildings dating back to 1719, and the McIntire Garrison House, a rare example of early 18th-century defensive architecture. Visitors can explore the York Historic District, encompassing these landmarks and others, offering a glimpse into colonial life.
York also boasts natural attractions like the Cape Neddick Lighthouse (Nubble Light), a picturesque beacon drawing numerous visitors annually.
7. Hallowell
Hallowell, nestled along the Kennebec River, is a town rich in history and character. Named after Boston merchant Benjamin Hallowell, it was incorporated in 1771 and quickly became a hub for industries like shipbuilding, publishing, and granite quarrying. By the 19th century, Hallowell was known for its granite production, with stone from its quarries used in buildings across the country.
Today, Hallowell’s historic charm is evident in its well-preserved architecture. The Hallowell Historic District encompasses numerous 18th and 19th-century buildings, including the notable Gov. Joseph R. Bodwell House, a prime example of Second Empire architecture. Water Street, the town’s main thoroughfare, is lined with antique shops, galleries, and eateries, reflecting its vibrant community spirit.
Nature enthusiasts can explore Vaughan Woods & Historic Homestead, offering scenic trails through preserved woodlands. The Kennebec River Rail Trail provides a picturesque route for walking or cycling, connecting Hallowell to neighboring towns.
8. Belfast
Belfast, perched on the shores of Penobscot Bay, is a town where history and modern vibrancy intertwine seamlessly. Established in 1770 by Scots-Irish settlers from Londonderry, New Hampshire, the town’s name was chosen by a coin toss, honoring Belfast, Northern Ireland. During the 19th century, Belfast flourished as a shipbuilding hub, constructing hundreds of wooden schooners and establishing itself as a vital port of entry.
Belfast’s rich maritime heritage is evident in its well-preserved architecture. The Belfast Historic District boasts an array of Federal, Greek Revival, and Italianate buildings, including the 1857 Custom House and Post Office designed by Ammi B. Young. The downtown area, with its red-brick facades and historic inns like the Jeweled Turret, offers a glimpse into the town’s prosperous past.
Visitors can explore the Belfast Harborwalk, a scenic pathway offering views of the bustling waterfront, or delve into local history at the Belfast Historical Society and Museum.
9. Machias
Machias is a town steeped in Revolutionary War history and natural beauty. In June 1775, it was the site of the first naval battle of the American Revolution, where local patriots captured the British schooner Margaretta. The Burnham Tavern, built in 1770, served as a meeting place for the militia and now operates as a museum preserving artifacts from that era.
Visitors can explore Fort O’Brien State Historic Site in nearby Machiasport, which features remnants of fortifications from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Machias River Corridor offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and canoeing along one of the country’s largest self-sustaining wild Atlantic salmon runs.
Downtown Machias boasts historic architecture, including the Italianate-style former Post Office and Customhouse built in 1872. The Porter Memorial Library, established in the 1890s, continues to serve the community.
10. Damariscotta
Damariscotta is a town where history and nature intertwine along the banks of the Damariscotta River. The area was once inhabited by the Wawenock Abenaki people, who left behind ancient oyster shell middens, some dating back over 2,500 years. The Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site preserves a portion of these archaeological treasures, offering insights into the region’s early inhabitants.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Damariscotta thrived as a shipbuilding center, launching vessels that contributed to maritime trade. The town’s prosperity during this era is reflected in its well-preserved Federal, Greek Revival, and Italianate architecture, which continues to charm visitors today.
Modern-day Damariscotta offers a blend of historical exploration and natural beauty. Visitors can stroll through the historic downtown, enjoy local eateries, and participate in river cruises that highlight the area’s rich oyster farming heritage.
