History of Kittery, Maine, USA

Oldest incorporated town in Maine.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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,...

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.

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.