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History of Kittery, Maine, USA
Journey back in time to Kittery, Maine, USA
Explore Kittery, Maine, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Kittery Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Kittery: Located in York County, Kittery is the southernmost town in Maine and is known for its outlet shopping, historic sites, and proximity to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The town also offers scenic views of the Piscataqua River and opportunities for boating and fishing.
Kittery was incorporated from Piscataquis Plantation on November 20, 1652 as the first town in the District of Maine. It was joined by York two days later. maineanencyclopedia.com
Explore even more about Kittery, Maine, USA. Keep reading!
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to KITTERY

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Discover Kittery: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1839 - Kittery
Kittery, Maine
York county. A sea port town on the N.E. bank of Piscataqua river, being the extreme south western boundary of the state on the Atlantic, adjoining York on the N.E. and Elliot on the N.W. It is one of the earliest settlements in the province, or state, and had its share of trial and suffering with others of their days, from repeated incursions of the Indians. The river or inlet, called Spruce creek, affords a convenient harbor for vessels usually employed in the coasting reade and fishery, and formerly considerable trade was carried on with the West Indies from this place; but there is little or none at present.
Kittery point was the residence of Sir William Pepperell, who commanded the New England troops in the celebrated expedition to Cape Breton, in 1745, which resulted in the capture of Louisburg. It is divided from Portsmouth, N.H. by the Piscataqua. A bridge connects it with that place. Another bridge connects it with Badger's island, on which is the United... Read MORE...
Kittery, Maine
York county. A sea port town on the N.E. bank of Piscataqua river, being the extreme south western boundary of the state on the Atlantic, adjoining York on the N.E. and Elliot on the N.W. It is one of the earliest settlements in the province, or state, and had its share of trial and suffering with others of their days, from repeated incursions of the Indians. The river or inlet, called Spruce creek, affords a convenient harbor for vessels usually employed in the coasting reade and fishery, and formerly considerable trade was carried on with the West Indies from this place; but there is little or none at present.
Kittery point was the residence of Sir William Pepperell, who commanded the New England troops in the celebrated expedition to Cape Breton, in 1745, which resulted in the capture of Louisburg. It is divided from Portsmouth, N.H. by the Piscataqua. A bridge connects it with that place. Another bridge connects it with Badger's island, on which is the United... Read MORE...
1846 - Cabinet Shop Fire
The cabinet shop of Mr. Dame, in Kittery, near Portsmouth, bridge, was destroyed by fire on the 18th, while the workmen were absent at noon. Loss 5 or $600 - no insurance. The fire was caused by a child of four or five years.
The Farmers' Cabinet
Amherst, New Hampshire
August 27, 1846
The cabinet shop of Mr. Dame, in Kittery, near Portsmouth, bridge, was destroyed by fire on the 18th, while the workmen were absent at noon. Loss 5 or $600 - no insurance. The fire was caused by a child of four or five years.
The Farmers' Cabinet
Amherst, New Hampshire
August 27, 1846
1854 - Kittery
Kittery, a post-township of York county Maine, bordering on the Atlantic, and on the Piscataqua river opposite Portsmouth, with which it is connected by a bridge. 50 miles S. W. from Portland. Its coasts are deeply indented, and afford good harbors. The Portland Saco and Portsmouth railroad passes through it. Population, 2706.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
Kittery, a post-township of York county Maine, bordering on the Atlantic, and on the Piscataqua river opposite Portsmouth, with which it is connected by a bridge. 50 miles S. W. from Portland. Its coasts are deeply indented, and afford good harbors. The Portland Saco and Portsmouth railroad passes through it. Population, 2706.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
1878 - A phenomenal spring is said to exist at Kittery, Me.
Whenever a drought becomes so severe that other springs go dry, this one bubbles up until rain enough falls to replenish the others, when it immediately subsides.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
June 1, 1878
Whenever a drought becomes so severe that other springs go dry, this one bubbles up until rain enough falls to replenish the others, when it immediately subsides.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
June 1, 1878
1886 - Kittery
Kittery forms the extreme south-western part of York County, and of Maine. It originally comprised, besides its present territory, that of Eliot, Berwick, South Berwick, and North Berwick, and was incorporated in 1647, as the plantation of Piscataqua. It is the first incorporated town in Maine. The territory of the Berwicks was set off in 1713, and Eliot in 1810. The first settlement was at the Point about 1623. The town was a portion of the Mason and Gorges Patent, and many of the present titles came through Walter Neal, their agent; who, before 1634, by grant or sale, had conveyed all the lands in the tract. During the Revolution, Kittery voted men and means, as they were required of her. Portsmouth Harbor was an important station and war-vessels and privateers were built and fitted out here. The harbor was fortified and garrisoned, both on the New Hampshire and Maine side. The quota for 1176 was 60 men, and a bounty of £6 was paid by the town for each recruit. Fort MeClary,... Read MORE...
Kittery forms the extreme south-western part of York County, and of Maine. It originally comprised, besides its present territory, that of Eliot, Berwick, South Berwick, and North Berwick, and was incorporated in 1647, as the plantation of Piscataqua. It is the first incorporated town in Maine. The territory of the Berwicks was set off in 1713, and Eliot in 1810. The first settlement was at the Point about 1623. The town was a portion of the Mason and Gorges Patent, and many of the present titles came through Walter Neal, their agent; who, before 1634, by grant or sale, had conveyed all the lands in the tract. During the Revolution, Kittery voted men and means, as they were required of her. Portsmouth Harbor was an important station and war-vessels and privateers were built and fitted out here. The harbor was fortified and garrisoned, both on the New Hampshire and Maine side. The quota for 1176 was 60 men, and a bounty of £6 was paid by the town for each recruit. Fort MeClary,... Read MORE...
1895 - Kittery
Kittery, kitter-e, a post-village of York co, Me, on the Piscataqua River, opposite Portsmouth, N.H., and on the Portsmouth, Saco & Portland Railroad, about 4 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. It is in Kittery township, which forms the S.W. extremity of Maine, and is 51 miles S.W. of Portland. It is mainly supported by ship-building, fisheries, and the coasting-trade. Here is a United States navy yard. The township has 7 churches, and a pop, of 3333.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Kittery, kitter-e, a post-village of York co, Me, on the Piscataqua River, opposite Portsmouth, N.H., and on the Portsmouth, Saco & Portland Railroad, about 4 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. It is in Kittery township, which forms the S.W. extremity of Maine, and is 51 miles S.W. of Portland. It is mainly supported by ship-building, fisheries, and the coasting-trade. Here is a United States navy yard. The township has 7 churches, and a pop, of 3333.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1916
Kittery, kit'ter-e, a post-village of York co., Me., on the Piscataqua River, opposite Portsmouth, N.H., and on the Boston and Maine R., about 4 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. It iB in Kittery township (town), which forms the SW. extremity of Maine, and is 51 miles SW. of Portland. It is mainly supported by ship-building, fisheries, and the coasting-trade. Here is a United States navy-yard. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2872.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Kittery, kit'ter-e, a post-village of York co., Me., on the Piscataqua River, opposite Portsmouth, N.H., and on the Boston and Maine R., about 4 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. It iB in Kittery township (town), which forms the SW. extremity of Maine, and is 51 miles SW. of Portland. It is mainly supported by ship-building, fisheries, and the coasting-trade. Here is a United States navy-yard. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2872.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Kittery:
Kittery Outlet Malls:
Dive into the world of shopping at the Kittery Outlet Malls. With over 120 stores, you can find everything from high-end fashion to home goods at discounted prices.
Fort Foster Park:
Explore the natural beauty of Fort Foster Park, which boasts scenic views, walking trails, and a rocky shoreline. It's a great spot for a picnic or a peaceful afternoon by the water.
Kittery Historical and Naval Museum:
Immerse yourself in Kittery's rich history by visiting this museum. It provides insight into the area's maritime heritage, featuring exhibits on shipbuilding and the naval history of the region.
Seapoint Beach:
Relax on the sandy shores of Seapoint Beach. It's a serene spot for sunbathing, beachcombing, or taking a refreshing dip in the ocean.
Tributary Brewing Company:
Enjoy locally crafted beers at Tributary Brewing Company. They often have a variety of brews on tap, and the atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming.
Dine at Chauncey Creek... Read MORE...
Kittery Outlet Malls:
Dive into the world of shopping at the Kittery Outlet Malls. With over 120 stores, you can find everything from high-end fashion to home goods at discounted prices.
Fort Foster Park:
Explore the natural beauty of Fort Foster Park, which boasts scenic views, walking trails, and a rocky shoreline. It's a great spot for a picnic or a peaceful afternoon by the water.
Kittery Historical and Naval Museum:
Immerse yourself in Kittery's rich history by visiting this museum. It provides insight into the area's maritime heritage, featuring exhibits on shipbuilding and the naval history of the region.
Seapoint Beach:
Relax on the sandy shores of Seapoint Beach. It's a serene spot for sunbathing, beachcombing, or taking a refreshing dip in the ocean.
Tributary Brewing Company:
Enjoy locally crafted beers at Tributary Brewing Company. They often have a variety of brews on tap, and the atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming.
Dine at Chauncey Creek... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Kittery Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Kittery, Maine, USA
We currently have information about 158 ancestors who were born or died in Kittery.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Kittery, Maine, USA
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