Settled
in 1623, Kittery is the oldest town in Maine. Skilled shipbuilding
was the primary trade in town and continues today at the Portsmouth
Naval Shipyard. The town has more than 130 factory outlet stores
(and often uses them to test market products) along Route U.S. 1.
Shoppers flock from around the world to check out the savings at the
eclectic mix of manufacturer's discount stores.
William Badger's business was the most impressive and
the place he occupied is now called Badger's Island. John Paul
Jones' ship, "The Ranger", was built here at the start of
the Revolutionary War. In 1800, Kittery was selected as the site
of the country's first shipyard. The USS Raleigh, Ossipi, Kearsarge
and other Civil War ships were built at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Submarines are repaired there today. America's first submarine,
L8, was launched in 1917.
A
drive or walk along the roads of Kittery and Kittery Point reveals
Maine's oldest home, the 1661 Bray House, a number of garrison houses
and the two famous Pepperrell Mansions. Maine's oldest church,
built in 1730, is located on Route 103. It's a small white
church, and the neighboring graveyard is said to contain a witch.
There are splendid views of the Piscataqua River
and the Atlantic Ocean from Fort Foster and Fort McClary. Walking
trails, beaches and picnic areas are open to the public. Kittery
Point holds the charm of colonial Maine. The Frisbee General
Store, circa 1828, is possibly the oldest family store in New England.
Sam Clemens (Mark Twain) was known to have spent summers in the area
as well.
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