History of Kennebunkport, Maine, USA

1839 - Kennebunk Port
Kennebunk Port [Kennebunkport], Maine
York county, is situated on the N.E. side of the Kennebunk river. This town was formerly extensively engaged in the West India trade, but its navigation is now employed in the freighting, coasting, and fishing business. The extensive granite quarries here are likely to become a source of considerable business. The stone, bearing a strong resemblance to the Quincy, finds a ready market where granite is made use of in building. Thirty years ago, this town, and Kennebunk, on the opposite side of the river, were the most active and busy ports in Maine; but the tide of emigration has carried off most of the young men, leaving a surplus of girls; so that whatever activity there now is in the place, is of a domestic character, not creating that noise and bustle incident to the operations of the other sex. Kennebunk Port lies about 4 miles N.E. from Kennebunk. This town and Kennebunk are much united in maritime pursuits and both enjoy a good harbor for... Read MORE...

1854 - Kennebunk / Kennbunk Port
Kennebunk, a post-village and port of entry of York county, Maine, on the S. W. side of the Kennebunk river, at its entrance into the Atlantic, where it forms a good harbor, 25 miles 8. W. from Portland. Manufacturing is carried on to some extent, but the chief interests are commerce and ship-building. The shipping of the port, June 30, 1852, amounted to an aggregate of 10,862 tons registered, and 3616 tons enrolled and licensed. Of the latter 2556 tons were employed in the coast trade, and 895 tons in the cod fisheries. During the year, 12 vessels, (6 of them ships,) with an aggregate burthen of 6782 tons, were admeasured. Population of the township, 2650.

Kennebunk Depot, a post-office of York co., Maine.

Kennebunk Port, a sea-port and post-village of York county, Maine, at the mouth of Kennebunk river, opposite Kennebunk, with which its trade is united, 24 miles S. W. from Portland. The inhabitants are engaged in commerce and in ship-building. Population of the township,... Read MORE...

1886 - Kennebunk Port
Kennebunk Port, in the eastern part of York County, is bounded on the east by Biddeford, west by Kennebunk, north by Lyman, and south by the sea. Its area is 14,108 acres, exclusive of water. The Boston and Maine and the Portsmouth, Saco and Portland railroads cross the town about midway of its length. A branch is expected to be run to the port village from the former road by July, 1881. Its principal village is at the south-east angle, on two or three small but deep bays, known as Cape Porpoise Harbor. These are protected from the force of the ocean waves by a cordon of islands, of which there are sixteen within the town limits. Upon one of the outermost of these is Great Island Light, which marks the north side of the harbor entrance. The light-house is a stone tower, whitewashed, and connected with a one and a half story wooden dwelling, painted white. It shows a flashing white light, visible eleven nautical miles on an eastward arc. The custom-house of the Kennebunk District is... Read MORE...

1887 - J. S. Trowbridge, the author, of of the earliest discoverers of Kennebunkport, Me., as a summer resort,
has grown rich from the rise of property and is one of the principal stock-holders in the company which now owns all the land available for cottages.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
October 1, 1887

1895 - Kennebunkport
Ken"nebunkport', a post-village and summer resort of York co., Me., is on the Atlantic Ocean, at the mouth of the Kennebunk River, and in a township of its own name, about 10 miles S. of Biddeford. It has 4 churches, a graded school, and a harbor, and is partly supported by navigation and ship-building. Pop. 750; of the township, 2196.
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
Kennebnnkport, a post-village and summer-resort of York co., Me., is on the Atlantic Ocean, at the mouth of the Kennebunk River, in a township (town) of its own name, about 10 miles S. of Biddeford and 3 miles from Kennebnnk. It is on the Boston and Maine R. and has manufactures of lumber and boats. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2123.
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

1947 - Kennebunkport devastated by the Great Fires of 1947
After a wet spring, in which the months of April, May and June were inundated with rainy weather, the climate turned to drought condition in mid July 1947. By the end of September, the ground was extremely dry...

Reports of small fires in woods began coming into the Forest Service on October 7. These early fires burned in Portland, Bowdoin and Wells. Being 30 miles (48 km) apart from each other, these three fires illustrated the danger. After this, reports of fires poured in, and by October 16, 20 separate fires were burning in the state...

Fires began in the towns of Shapleigh and Waterboro, destroying both communities, including,with only a few exceptions,most homes. The fires swept through the forests, and moved with the wind toward the ocean. In addition to Waterboro and Shapleigh, the towns of Alfred, Lyman, Newfield, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, North Kennebunkport (now Arundel), Dayton, Wells, and the cities of Biddeford and Saco were devastated by fire. With the exception... Read MORE...

Here's a list of the best places to go and things to do in Kennebunkport:
Dock Square: This is the heart of Kennebunkport, a bustling area filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Take a leisurely stroll, shop for unique gifts, and enjoy some delicious seafood.

Walker's Point: Visit the summer home of the Bush family, the 41st President of the United States. While you can't tour the property, you can catch a glimpse of the stunning coastline and perhaps see a presidential motorcade during their visits.

Goose Rocks Beach: This is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, known for its soft white sand and gentle waves. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the ocean or a sunset walk.

Cape Porpoise: A small, picturesque village within Kennebunkport, Cape Porpoise offers a quieter atmosphere. Visit the Cape Porpoise Pier, where you can watch lobster boats and enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants.

Kennebunkport Historical Society: Learn about the town's history at the Pasco Center, where you can explore exhibits and artifacts... Read MORE...