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flag  History of Kennebunk, Maine, USA

Journey back in time to Kennebunk, Maine, USA

Explore Kennebunk, 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.

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Kennebunk, Maine, USA - Kennebunk, Maine, USA - Unitarian Church & Opera House, 1905

Kennebunk: A popular tourist destination in York County, Kennebunk is known for its historic charm, sandy beaches, and vibrant downtown area filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants. The town offers a mix of coastal beauty and cultural attractions.

First settled in 1621, the town developed as a trading and, later, shipbuilding and shipping center with light manufacturing. It was part of the town of Wells and Arundel until 1820, when it incorporated as a separate town.

The municipality includes the constituent villages of Kennebunk Village (Town), the Lower Village (Lower Kennebunk), Kennebunk Landing (the Landing), Bartlett Mills, West Kennebunk, Kennebunk Beach, Lords Point, Coopers Corner Crossing, Sea Roads Crossing, Webahennet Grove, and Vinegarhill, Cheshire Commons, Kennebunk Meadows, and various newer neighborhoods.



Explore even more about Kennebunk, Maine, USA. Keep reading!



Kennebunk Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Kennebunk, Maine, USA - Unitarian Church & Opera House, 1905
Kennebunk, Maine, USA

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Unitarian Church & Opera House, 1905
Kennebunk, Maine, USA - Unitarian Church
Kennebunk, Maine, USA

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Unitarian Church
Kennebunk, Maine, USA - Main Street, 1917
Kennebunk, Maine, USA

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Main Street, 1917
Kennebunk, Maine, USA - Memorial Day, 1929
Kennebunk, Maine, USA

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Memorial Day, 1929
Kennebunk, Maine, USA - Main Street, Kennebunk, Maine
Kennebunk, Maine, USA

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Main Street, Kennebunk, Maine

Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to KENNEBUNK

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I Love MAINE Mug – Lobster Rolls, Blueberries & Whoopie Pies Coffee Cup

Celebrate the flavors and charm of Maine with this vibrant ceramic mug! Featuring iconic treats—lobster rolls, juicy blueberries, and classic whoopie pies—plus the “I Love Maine” slogan, it’s perfect for locals, state lovers, and food enthusiasts alike.

MAINE ROOTS - I'm from MAINE! Ceramic Mug - Celebrating Moose, Lobster, and Blueberries

Start your day with a touch of Maine magic! Our Maine-inspired ceramic mug features the charming caption, "I'm from Maine! That explains a lot about my love for moose, lobster and blueberries."

MAINE Roots - Genealogy-Themed Ceramic Coffee Mug Gift Idea

Celebrate your deep New England heritage with our "Maine Roots" Genealogy-Themed Ceramic Coffee Mug. Whether you're sipping your morning brew while tracing your family tree or reminiscing about summers on the Maine coast, this mug is the perfect companion for your journey through the branches of your ancestry.

Discover Kennebunk: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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1839 - Kennebunk, Maine
Kennebunk, Maine
York county. This town is situated on the S.W. side of the Kennebunk river, and is regarded as one of the pleasantest towns in New England. Population, 1837, 2,343. In former years the business of the town was mostly of a commercial character, there being a large number of vessels owned here, which were engaged in the West India trade. But this trade is now nearly abandoned, and the navigation is engaged in the freighting, coasting, and fishing business. Ship building has been carried on here to a great extent for about seventy years, and some of the finest ships in the country have been built in this place within the last few years. There is one large cotton factory in operation, and other privileges for large manufacturing establishments on the Kennebunk, and the Mousum, a pleasant stream which meets the ocean in this town. Kennebunk is a port of entry: tonnage of the district, in 1837, 6,964 tons. Incorporated, 1820. It lies 80 miles S.W. from Augusta, 25 S.W.... Read MORE...

1906 - Kennebunk
Kennebunk, a banking post-village of York co., Me., in Kennebunk township (town) on a river of the same name, 3 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, and on the Boston and Maine R., 25 miles SSW. of Portland. It has manufactures of boots, leatheroid, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 3228.
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
Here's a list of the best places to visit and things to do in Kennebunk:
Kennebunk Beaches: Kennebunk boasts several beautiful sandy beaches, including Gooch's Beach, Mother's Beach, and Middle Beach. These are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, and building sandcastles. It's a great spot to soak up the sun and listen to the waves.

Walk Along Ocean Avenue: Take a scenic stroll along Ocean Avenue, which offers stunning views of the coastline, historic homes, and the famous Wedding Cake House. It's particularly picturesque during sunrise and sunset.

Cape Porpoise: A short drive from Kennebunk, Cape Porpoise is a picturesque fishing village. You can watch lobster boats coming and going, enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants, and visit the Goat Island Lighthouse.

Kennebunkport: Just a stone's throw away from Kennebunk, Kennebunkport is another charming coastal town that's worth exploring. You can wander along Dock Square, visit Walker's Point (the Bush family's summer home), and explore the bustling... Read MORE...

Discover YOUR Roots: Kennebunk Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Kennebunk, Maine, USA

We currently have information about 4 ancestors who were born or died in Kennebunk.

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Updated: 3/11/2026 8:50:56 PM