New Harbor, Maine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
New Harbor, Maine
|
|
|---|---|
|
Village
|
|
View from Shaws Wharf
|
|
 New Harbor, Maine
Location in Maine
New Harbor, Maine
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| County | Lincoln |
| Town | Bristol |
| Elevation | 40 ft (10 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
04554
|
| Area code(s) | 207 |
| GNIS feature ID | 572116 |
| Website | www.newharbormaine.org |
New Harbor is a beautiful small village located right on the coast in Maine, United States. It's part of a larger area called Bristol. In 2019, New Harbor and Bristol were even recognized as "America's Nicest Place" by Reader's Digest, and they won the "Nicest Place in Maine Award"! This charming village is home to important historical spots like the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse and Fort William Henry. You can also find Pemaquid Beach here, which is a great place to visit on Johns Bay.
Contents
Exploring New Harbor's Past
Ancient Times and Early Settlements
New Harbor has a very long and interesting history, especially at a place called Colonial Pemaquid. People have lived in this area for at least seven thousand years, starting with Native American tribes. Later, it became an early English outpost and a fishing station.
Today, Colonial Pemaquid is a special State Historic Site. The state of Maine takes care of it, with help from a group called the Friends of Colonial Pemaquid. This non-profit group helps look after the site and shares its history with visitors.
What to See at Colonial Pemaquid
When you visit Colonial Pemaquid, there are many cool things to explore:
- Fort William Henry: This is a copy of a fort built in 1692, located exactly where the original stood. Inside, you can see displays about the fort's history and old objects found there. From the roof, you get an amazing view of the whole area!
- The Fort House: This old house was built in 1790. It has been fixed up and now holds a research library, a lab for studying old objects, and information about the site. Many items found during archaeological digs at Pemaquid are stored here.
- Village Foundations: As you walk around, you'll see stone outlines on the ground. These show where old buildings used to be, giving you an idea of what the village looked like long ago.
- The Burial Ground: This old cemetery dates back to the early 1700s. It's believed that some of the first British settlers from the 1620s might be buried here too.
The Museum and Shipwreck Story
The museum at Colonial Pemaquid tells the story of the area, from ancient Native American life to the colonial period. There's a large model showing what the Pemaquid village looked like.
The site also remembers a sad event from 1635. A large ship called the Angel Gabriel was destroyed by a hurricane while it was anchored at Pemaquid. A special bronze plaque, put there by the families of those who survived, marks this important event.
You can also find a gift shop at Colonial Pemaquid, run by the Friends of Colonial Pemaquid. It's located in the Fort House and sells items related to the area's history.
Old Stories of the Town
The history of New Harbor is also known through stories from people who lived there. One person, Waterman Hatch, worked in the area in the 1820s. He wrote down what he remembered about the old settlement. He described seeing the remains of old cellars, streets, and other buildings. His stories help us understand how the early town was laid out, including where blacksmith shops and paved streets once were.
Pemaquid Beach: A Public Gem
Pemaquid Beach is a popular public beach in New Harbor, perfect for families. The town of Bristol owns this beach. Along with the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, it is managed by the Bristol Parks Commission.
In 1958, the people of New Harbor had a special town meeting. They voted to buy a large area that was once called "Big Beach." This purchase made the beach public for everyone. Now, all residents can visit Pemaquid Beach any time of the year, even when it's officially closed during the off-season.
Notable People from New Harbor
- Benjamin Bates IV
- Slaid Cleaves
- Thomas Drummond (judge)
- John Gyles
- Marcus Hanna, lighthouse keeper
- Robert Livingston Ireland Jr.
- Cabot Lyford, sculptor
- William North
- Elizabeth Upham Yates
Images for kids
-
A photo of Pemaquid Beach from the 60's or 70's, shortly after the public purchase from the town.
-
The new Pemaquid Beach Pavilion at Pemaquid Beach overlooking Johns Bay.
