April 16 , 2021
The Castine Historical Society is excited to support the DownEast Acadia National Heritage Area for Hancock and Washington Counties in Maine . The DownEast Acadia region is rich in cultural and natural heritage which attracts visitors to our rural region .
The National Heritage designation would help support heritage preservation and educational initiatives that matter to our communities . Funding would help us develop programs and projects that will create vibrant communities which will in turn impact locals as well as tourists .
Castine serves as the entry port for the Penobscot River and sits at the southern tip of the DownEast Acadia region . Home to the Maine Maritime Academy and its training ship , The State of Maine , the town is rich in history . Beautifully preserved with a history going back to 1629 , visitors marvel at the historic architecture and pristine coastal setting . The town boasts two museums , an active waterfront with a marina and kayak business , miles of trails in Witherle Woods , and the remains of several forts from the American Revolution and War of 1812 .
During the American Revolution , the town was occupied by the British who built Fort George as a supply base , to protect against colonial incursion into New Brunswick , and as a safe haven for Loyalists who began settling here under British protection . American naval and militia forces attacked the Fort in 1779 as it was being built . The ensuing naval and land battle is known as the Penobscot Expedition . The resulting and surprising loss by the Americans is considered the country ’ s worst naval defeat up until Pearl Harbor . The British retained control of the Fort until 1783 when the soldiers and loyalists were evacuated to New Brunswick .
While the remains of the Fort are open to visitors , the town desires to increase knowledge of this nationally important battle and increase visitation by tourists interested in historic tourism . The DownEast Acadia National Heritage Area would help the town develop this historic site , as well as interpret and market it to the public .
We fully support the DownEast Acadia National Heritage Area and the many benefits it would supply to our community .
Sincerely ,
Lisa Simpson Lutts Executive Director
13 & 17 School Street - P . O . Box 238-Castine , ME- 04421 www . castinehistoricalsociety . org info @ castinehistoricalsociety . org ( 207 ) 326-4118 )
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