History of Eastport, Maine, USA

1814 - Eastport is the only United States owned principality that has been under rule by a foreign government. It was held from 1814 to 1818 by British troops under King George following the conclusion of the War of 1812.

www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ maine.html

1839 - Eastport
Eastport, Maine
Washington county. The township of Eastport embraces and is constituted of Moose, Dudley's, Frederick, and Patmos islands, the chief of which, whereon the village of Eastport stands, is Moose island, in sight of, and but a short distance from, Indian and Campo Bello islands, belonging to the British. Eastport is a beautiful harbor in Passamaquoddy bay, on the eastern boundary of the United States, and noted for smuggling adventures by stangers visiting the place during the embargo and war. It is about 7 miles N. by W. from West Quoddy Head, 176 E. by N. from Augusta, and about 30 E.N.E. from Machias. The tide is very rapid, and rises 25 feet. There are two long bridges connecting Moose island with Dennysville and Perry; each cost $10,000. Eastport and Lubec are the chief towns in Pasamaquoddy bay, and are extensively engaged in the fisheries, and the trade of the extensive waters of the river St. Croix and Bay of Fundy. Tonnage of Passamaquoddy bay, 10,712. Cobscook... Read MORE...

1854 - Eastport
Eastport, a post-township of Washington county, Maine, 234 miles N. E. from Port land. The township consists of Moose Is land, comprising about 2000 acres, and several other small islands in Passamaquoddy bay. Population, 4125.
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.

1864 - Disastrous Fire at Eastport, Me.
A fire broke out at half past 1, Sunday morning, on Union wharf, Eastport, Me., and continued until 8, consuming all the business part of the town. About fifty places of business were destroyed, including the best stores. The building containing the Frontier bank and telegraph office, &c., was burned. Loss estimated at $500,000.
The Vermont Phoenix
Brattleboro, Vermont
October 28, 1864

1869 - TELEGRAMS. TERRIFIC HURRICANE AT EASTPORT, ME. Great Destruction of Property and Life. THE STORM IN MAINE.
Fearful Hurricane at Eastport - The Town in Ruins - Terrible Loss of Life - A Large Number of Vessels Wrecked - The Swift River Freshet - Immense Destruction of Property.

EASTPORT, Me. Oct. 5, via BANGOR, Me., Oct. 9. - This town was visited by a fearful hurricane last night, vessels, wharves, stores, and fish-houses were smashed to atoms. Great quantities of fish and oil were destroyed.

The steamer New-York narrowly escaped loss with all on board. She was driven ashore and lost both anchors and her rudder. Many of the merchants here have lost all their property. The heaviest losers are J & S Griffin, $10,000; E. W. French $6,000 and J. S. Pearce. J. & S. Griffin lost their vessels, fish and storehouses. Mr. Pearce lost his store and all the stock. E. W. French had vessels wrecked and stores and wharves washed away. Most of the fishing vessels are in pieces.

EASTPORT, Oct. 6, via BANGOR, Oct. 9. - Twenty-seven vessels are ashore in Rumney's Bay. The schooners Romp and Percy... Read MORE...

1875 - June 18 - A severe coastal storm (or possible hurricane) struck the Atlantic coast from Cape Cod to Nova Scotia. Eastport ME reported wind gusts to 57 mph.

WeatherForYou.com

1876 - February 17 - Sardines 1st canned (Julius Wolff-Eastport, Maine)

historyorb.com

1886 - Eastport
Eastport is a town and island in the south-easterly part of Washington County, in Passamaquoddy Bay. The nearest towns are Perry on the north-west, and Lubec on the south-west. Lubec Bay and its passages separate it from the mainland on the west, and the waters of Passamaquoddy Bay divide it from Campo Bello and Deer islands, which belong to Great Britain. It is connected with Perry by means of a bridge 1,280 feet in length. The greatest length of the town is about 5 miles in a north-western and south-eastern direction the greatest width is about 2 miles. The form of the island is extremely irregular, and furnishes several good havens. The village is situated on the south-easterly part of the island, on a spacious harbor never closed by ice. Catching and curing fish has been and is still the principal industry of the town. There are now thirteen sardine factories in full operation in Eastport, employing about 800 hands. These factories run night and day during the season, and turn out ... Read MORE...

1886 - A MAINE TOWN IN FLAMES. THE DISASTROUS FIRE THAT SWEPT THROUGH EASTPORT.
PORTLAND, Me., Oct. 14. - The most disastrous fire that ever visited Eastport laid waste to-day a large portion of the town. The fire caught among the sardine factories, of which there are eight situated close to the water front. Water-street is the principal business thoroughfare, and at latest accounts this street was being rapidly destroyed by the fire, and it was branching off to streets occupied by dwelling houses. The Passamaquoddy Hotel was on fire, and it was feared the fire could not be staid. Fortunately there is no wind. Although the town was burned two years ago, still all the protection against fire they have got are two old-fashioned hand fire engines. The fire started in G. W. Capen's sardine factory, and swept with resistless fury through Water-street. At last accounts four sardine factories had been burned in addition to many stores and dwelling houses. The telegraph poles were burned, so that no dispatches have been received for some hours. Linemen and operators have ... Read MORE...

1895 - Eastport
Eastport, a port of entry of Washington co., Me., is on Moose Island, in Passamaquoddy Bay, about 25 miles S.S.E. of Calais, and 100 miles E. of Bangor. The island is separated from the mainland by a narrow channel, which is crossed by a bridge. The tide rises here about 25 feet, and prevents the harbor from being obstructed with ice, The town is on the eastern frontier of the United States, and is the head-quarters of the American sardine-canning industry. It is supported by fisheries, coast-trade, and manufacturing. It contains 8 churches, a national bank, a newspaper office, a savings-bank, and the Boynton High School. Pop, in 1890, 4908.
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
Eastport, a city and port of entry of Washington co., Me., is on Moose Island, in Passamaquoddy Bay, about 25 miles SSE. of Calais, on tho Washington County R. The island is separated from the main-land by a narrow channel, which is crossed by a bridge. The tide rises here about 25 feet and prevents the harbor from being obstructed by ice. The town is on the eastern frontier of the United States and is the head-quarters of the American sardine-canning industry. It is supported by fisheries, an extensive lumber trade, and various manufacturing industries. The harbor is defended by Fort Sullivan. Pop. in 1890, 4908; in 1900, 5311.
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

2023 - Despite its small size, Eastport offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Eastport:
Quoddy Head State Park:

Explore the stunning coastal landscapes at Quoddy Head State Park, home to the easternmost point of the United States. The park features hiking trails, a historic lighthouse, and breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy.

Eastport Historic District:

Take a stroll through the Eastport Historic District, where you'll find well-preserved 19th-century architecture. The district is home to charming homes, shops, and galleries.

Raye's Mustard Mill Museum:

Visit Raye's Mustard Mill, the last traditional stone-ground mustard mill in North America. The museum offers tours where you can learn about the mustard-making process and the history of this iconic local business.

The Tides Institute & Museum of Art:

Explore the Tides Institute & Museum of Art, which showcases contemporary art and regional history. The museum often hosts exhibitions, events, and artist residencies.

Lubec and West Quoddy Head:

Take a short drive to the nearby town of Lubec... Read MORE...