History of Thomaston, Maine, USA

1839 - Thomaston
Thomaston, Maine
Lincoln county. This is a very flourishing maritime town, situated between the western entrance of Penobscot Bay and St. George's river, and comprises the celebrated peninsula of Owl's Head. It lies 36 miles S.E. from Augusta, 37 E. from Wiscasset, and is bounded N.W. by Warren. Incorporated, 1777. Population in 1820, 2,651; 1830, 4,221; 1837, 5,272.

Thomaston is the site of the State prison, which is located on the bank of the St. George. The buildings occupy a plat of 10 acres, including a marble quarry; they are all of stone, and are surrounded by a high stone wall. The convicts are principally employed in cutting granite into various forms for building, and which, when prepared, is transported by water. The granite is of an excellent quality, and is found in large quantites on the river.

Thomaston is a place of considerable maritime commerce and ship building, but the most important business of its people, is the quarrying and burning of lime, from... Read MORE...

1854 - Thomaston
Thomaston, a post-township of Lincoln county. Maine, bounded on the W. by St, George's river, 80 miles E. N. E. from Port land. It contains extensive beds of lime stone, from which a superior quality of lime is manufactured and exported in large quantities. The Maine state prison is situated in this township, on the bank of the river, and is enclosed by a tract of ten acres. The plan of the building and system of discipline are similar to those of the Auburn prison. The convicts are principally employed in cutting granite, which Is extensively quarried on the banks of the river, a few miles below. When wrought into various forms for buildings, it is exported to different parts of the United States. The village of Thomaston, situated on the E. bank of the St. George's, 12 miles from the ocean, contains 2 banks and a newspaper office. Population of the township, 2723.
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.

1869 - The floor of the Episcopal Church, of Thomaston, Maine, gave way on the night of March 28th,
precipitating the congregation into the basement below. Two persons were seriously and several slightly injured.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 10, 1869

1870 - John Goold was recently released from the State Prison at Thomaston, Maine,
on account of a dying confession of a man who, years before, had committed a murder for which Goold suffered imprisonment.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 26, 1870

1870 - The Congregational church in Thomaston, Maine, have amended their by-laws so as to read:
"And every member, male and female, in good standing, present at any meeting, shall be entitled to vote."
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 9, 1870

1872 - July 9 - Doughnut cutter patents by John Blondel, Thomaston, Me

historyorb.com

1886 - Thomaston
Thomaston is situated on St. George’s River, in the eastern part of Knox County. It is bounded north and east by Rocklaud, west by Warren, south by Cushing and South Thomaston. The latter, with Weskeag Stream, Mill River and Oyster River, are the principal streams. The surface of the town is gently undulating. The soil is clay and loam The usual crops are successfully cultivated, and there are many excellent farms. The forest trees are generally of soft wood. The Knox and Lincoln railroad runs through the town.

Thomaston village is pleasantly situated a little eastward of the great bend of the St. George’s, on a bay-like expansion of the river. Along its broad, well-shaded streets, are many handsome and costly residences. The State prison is a conspicuous object, consisting of a high wall enclosing several acres of ground, and including an abandoned lime-quarry. Its principal buildings are of brick and stone, and are of form and solidity well suited to their several uses. Within... Read MORE...

1895 - Thomaston
Thomaston, a post-village in Thomaston township, Knox co., Me., on St. Georges River (a deep narrow inlet of the sea), and on the Knox & Lincoln Railroad, 4 miles W.S.W. of Rockland, and 12 miles from the ocean. It contains 6 churches, 2 national banks, and a high school. It is partly supported by ship-building and extensive manufactures of lime. Here is the Maine State Prison, in which convicts are employed in manufacturing carriages and boots and shoes. The plan of the building and system of discipline are similar to those of the Auburn prison. The township has quarries of limestone and granite. Pop. of the township, 3092.
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

1906
Thomaston, a post-village in Thomaston township (town), Knox co., Me., on the St. Georges River (a deep narrow inlet of the sea) and on the Maine Central R., 4 miles WSW. of Rockland. The town has granite-quarries and ship-building industries. The Maine State Prison is located here. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2688.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1915 - FIRE SWEEPS MAINE TOWN
Burns Thomaston's Only Hotel--Incendiaries Suspected.

THOMASTON, Me., June 6. - The Knox House, the only hotel here, the Watts Block, owned by the town, a livery stable and a mercantile block containing four stores were burned early today. The loss is approximately $100,000, more than half of which is covered by insurance. W. L. Catland, owner of the stable where the fire began, believes that it was set on fire, and the authorities are investigating a report that several men were seen running from the premises after an explosion.

The Watts Block was presented to the town in 1890 by Captain Samuel Watts. Valuable records covering a century and a half which were kept in the town offices in this building were saved.
The New York Times
New York, New York
June 7, 1915

Thomaston, Maine is a charming place with a lot to offer. Whether you're into history, outdoor activities, or just soaking up the local atmosphere, there's something for everyone. Here's a list to get you started:
Main Street Exploration:

Start your journey by strolling down Main Street. You'll find quaint shops, cafes, and historic architecture.

General Henry Knox Museum:

Dive into history at the General Henry Knox Museum. Learn about the life of this Revolutionary War hero and explore the beautiful Montpelier mansion.

Thomaston Historical Society:

Discover more about Thomaston's rich history at the local historical society. It's a great way to understand the town's roots.

Wandering Harbor View Park:

Take a leisurely walk through Harbor View Park for stunning views of the harbor. It's a perfect spot for a picnic or just enjoying the scenery.

Visit Owls Head Transportation Museum:

Just a short drive away is the Owls Head Transportation Museum. Antique cars, airplanes, and more await you in this unique museum.

Owls Head Light:

Explore the picturesque Owls Head Light. The views of Penobscot Bay are breathtaking, especially during sunset.

Maine Lighthouse... Read MORE...