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Machias Bay
MACHIAS , EAST MACHIAS , MACHIASPORT , ROQUE BLUFFS , BUCKS HARBOR , WHITNEYVILLE , AND NORTHFIELD
The Machias Bay area of DownEast Acadia heralds its deep roots in early American history as the setting of the Revolutionary War ’ s first Naval Battle , planned at Burnham Tavern in Machias and Machiasport ’ s Fort O ’ Brien State Historic Site , one of few Maine forts active during three wars — the American Revolution , War of 1812 , and American Civil War .
Remains of Fort O ’ Brien ’ s earthworks with its views across Machias Bay
Visitor Resources
Machias Bay Area Chamber of Commerce MachiasChamber . org
Downeast Coastal Conservancy DowneastCoastalConservancy . org
Maine Historical Society MaineMemory . net
Maine Coast Heritage Trust MCHT . org
For more on what to do when visiting Machias Bay scan here .
Travel through History
The Machias Bay area ’ s history goes way back . Within the coastal plain of Machiasport are nineteen prehistoric archaeological sites with perhaps the most important petroglyphs ( rock carvings ) in New England . Created by the Wabanaki , some are at least 3,000 years old . Hike out to the interpretive station at Long Point in Machiasport to learn about these ancient drawings .
Visit Burnham Tavern during Margaretta Days to relive the first Naval Battle of the Revolutionary War , and the subsequent Battle of the Rim .
Destroyed by the British during the War of 1812 , Fort O ’ Brien was rebuilt before the Civil War . Today a bronze cannon known as a “ Napoleon ” or 12-pounder — the last remaining of five installed during the period — sits in the center of the earthworks . The cannons never saw any action .
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