Whether you arrive by sea or land it’s impossible to miss the city of Bath. Towering high above the tallest rooftops you see giant cranes that have become a landmark for this “City of Ships.” The cranes are part of the Bath Iron Works used in the construction of ships that continues a tradition dating back to the 1600s. Bath will surprise you by its geographic size – just one mile square.
In this compact area you’ll find a bustling harbor, gracious tree lined thoroughfares and a vibrant tourist friendly downtown with shops, galleries and restaurants. Sea merchants who amassed fortunes in the ocean trade used their wealth to build handsome estates which remain popular attractions. You can take a self guided tour of the area.
Favored by its strategic location and deep harbor on the Kennebec River, Bath blossomed as a seafaring town. Shipbuilding started in earnest in 1743 with two vessels built by Jonathan Philbrook and his sons. Through the years the area launched more than 5,000 vessels, among them clipper ships that carried cargoes around the globe. At one time more that 200 shipbuilding firms operated along the Kennebec. Today, Bath Iron Works is a major builder of large merchant ships and battleships for the U.S. Navy. During World War II the yard built a new ship every 17 days.
To experience Bath’s connection to the sea visit the Maine Maritime Museum. It’s located on a 10-acre site that was a former 19th century shipyard. You’ll learn about shipbuilding, the sea trade, lobstering and the dangers of sea life through exhibits, displays and painting. Bring a picnic and let the kids have fun in the children’s play area.
Take a harbor cruise for a waterside view of the historic districts and area lighthouses.
Live entertainment thrives at the Center for the Arts at Chocolate Church, a renovated church built in 1846 in a distinctive gothic style.
Visit neighboring West Bath to bird watch and take nature walks at the Hamilton Sanctuary operated by the Maine Audubon Society.
Stretching down from Bath is the Phippsburg Peninsula, a jagged sweep of inlets and coves. Half way down the peninsula you’ll come to the celebrated town of Phippsburg. You’ll like the charm of this town where lobstermen work their traps and where you can find antiques, collectibles and galleries.
In this area in1607 members of the Virginia Company of Plymouth, England established Popham Colony, the first section of Maine settled by Europeans. The colony survived only one year. During that difficult time the settlers built the Virginia Of Sagadahoc, believed to be the first ship built in New England. It would be the ship that returned the settlers back to England. Over the years new settlements were established only to be abandoned as a result of Indian attacks.
By 1751, the area was resettled and permanent towns formed. You get a sense of this history at Fort Popham, built in the 1800s. It protected the Maine coast from the Civil War through World War II. Be on the lookout for harbor seals and osprey.
A great place to relax is Popham Beach State Park where you can enjoy its gentle beach and quiet picnic areas.
To see one of the last undeveloped barrier beaches on the Atlantic visit Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area.