Your Weekly Guide to Life in Midcoast Maine

BY KELLY MICHAUD, EDITOR

Hello summer.

Traveling down Route 130 South through the towns of Bristol and South Bristol, past New England town meeting houses and shops, the fog had finally melted away; in its place was a sunny haze.

Following the road signs, I ended up in Colonial Pemaquid, a state historic site and the location of Fort William Henry. The Massachusetts Bay Colony built the original fort in 1692 to protect England’s northern interest against the French and Natives. The fort is said to be New England’s first stone fortification, but it was poorly constructed and was leveled four years later. In the 1720s Fort Frederick was built on the foundation of Fort William Henry, but the area was abandoned and not rediscovered for another 150 years.
The State of Maine received the fort site in 1902 and in 1908 the fort’s great western tower was reconstructed. The fort and village were exposed in 1923, and in 1969 the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands acquired the property. Archaeological excavations and research has unearthed more than 75,000 artifacts and a great deal of information about life on the northern New England frontier for more than a century.

Visitors are allowed to explore the site and the reconstructed tower.

As I climbed the old staircase to the lookout at the top of the fort, the sunlight streamed in through the windows on the roof. The higher I got, the stronger the smell of the salt water became. A few children passed me as they ran to the top—possibly to enjoy the view, but more likely to let their imaginations run away with them. While adults can appreciate the history and all the fort represents, children will see all the different things it can be—to them the islands in the distance are really far off countries and the yacht in the harbor is an enemy ship.

The grounds outside the fort are well-kept. Some people may want to take advantage of the incredible ocean views and bring along lawnchairs and picnic lunches. Also on the grounds is the Fort House and Museum. A nominal fee is charged for the fort and the museum, which are open Memorial day through Labor Day.

Back tracking to Route 130, I continued on to Pemaquid Lighthouse Park. Passing ice cream shops that boasted 24 soft-serve flavors, antique and gift shops, the lighthouse was not too far after.

The light at Pemaquid was originally built in 1827 and cost $2,800. The tower quickly deteriorated and was rebuilt with double walls in 1835. The tower is 38 ft tall, but its placement on a rock ledge allows its light to be seen for 14 miles.

People were milling around on the grass around the lighthouse or had set up lawnchairs. Some were reading while others rested their eyes and enjoyed the cool ocean breeze. I broke away and headed down the rocky slope, closer to shore. There is a staircase that leads down to the rocks below, but it is old and some of the stairs are broken. Those who do head down are warned to proceed with caution. But looking up at the lighthouse from below makes the trek worthwhile.

Out and About