Things to do / Travel Guide
The Maine Coast has played a prominent role in U.S. history, especially in the country's early wars and conflicts. Thus, the area has a fair share of historical sites that are worth noting, and more importantly - visiting. From historically-significant parks to lighthouses to preserved forts, there is something to hold the interest for visitors from all walks of life.
Historic Attractions in Down East Maine
St. Croix Island International Historic Site - Saint Croix Island is the site of the first French attempt to colonize the territory they referred to as “l'Acadie.” It is also one of the earliest European settlements in North America. A French expedition led by Pierre Dugua settled the island in 1604 with the intention of colonizing all of North America. Just 79 members of the expedition barely survived the severe winter of 1604-1605 on the island, while the 35 who died of scurvy are all buried in a small cemetery on Saint Croix Island. During the spring of 1605, the survivors left the island and founded the settlement of Port Royal, Nova Scotia. St. Croix Island is the only jointly operated park within the U.S. National Park system, sharing the duties with Canada. The site is open daily from sunrise until sunset, although during winter months, some exhibits are covered for preservation reasons. St. Croix Island is located eight miles south of Calais, on U.S. Highway 1, and can be reached either by State Road 9 from Bangor or U.S. Highway 1, the coastal route from Portland. The parking lot can be found on the left after entering the site. There is no charge to visit St. Croix Island International Historic Site.
Further down the coast, south of Acadia National Park, near Bucksport is Fort Knox State Historic Site. Tour the Fort (that never saw action) and ascend to the top of the neighboring Penobscot Narrows Bridge for a great combination of the most popular historic attraction and the most modern viewpoint in Maine.
Historic Attractions in Blue Hill, Maine
Blue Hill is a quaint town with several good examples of early 1800's architecture. The quality of Blue Hill workmanship was seen in its shipbuilding skills and in the town's quarries. The granite of the Brooklyn Bridge came from Blue Hill. Of the buildings of note, Holt House is one of the oldest houses in Blue Hill, and home of the Blue Hill Historical Society. This site is full of period memorabilia from the earliest days of this historic settlement. The site is open from July1st-September 1st, on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; closed holidays.
Built in 1814, the Fisher House memorializes a local icon, The Reverend Jonathan Fisher and is worth a visit for the period furnishings.
Maine Coast Historic Lighthouses
Along the Maine Coast, perhaps the most familiar sites, historically speaking, are the wonderful and quirky lighthouses. There are more than 60 of these stoic stalwarts that guard the coast and guide ships and sailors to safe harbor. Some are active, some are museums, and some are both. Some are haunted (so they say) and some are lived in by their keepers. The lighthouses run the gamut from towering to stubby, colorful to bland. Some have been modernized, some are still in need. There is nothing quite like going on a lighthouse hunt, and hopping from one amazing structure to the next. It's not practical to list them all, but there are a few of note.
Marshall Point Lighthouse in Port Clyde is a great place to visit, with its unusual 1857-era structure and park that look out on Port Clyde and its accompanying harbor island. There's a great museum, too. Also worth mentioning is Owls Head Lighthouse and State Park, which guards the entrance to Rockland Harbor. Located about 10 miles from Rockland, it's a worthwhile trip to see this one. There's also the fantastic old lighthouse known as Portland Head Light. Built in 1791 (while George Washington was president), today visitors can see the old light and accompanying museum, and it's in an awesome location for photos. Highly recommended! The National Park Service provides more information about each and every one of these great Maine Coast lighthouses online.
Historical Sites in Portland, Bangor, Acadia, Bar Harbor and the Maine Coast
Historical-Sites
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