National Register Listings in
Washington County, Maine

Archibald-Adams House Best, Charles, House Boynton High School, Former Boynton Street Historic District Brewer, Henrietta, House Brewer, John N.M., House Bucknam House Bucknam, Samuel, House Burnham Tavern Calais Free Library Calais Historic District Calais Observatory Calais Residential Historic District Campbell, Col, Samuel, House Campbell, David W., House Campbell, Frank, House Campbell, Gen. Alexander, House Central Congregational Church Centre Street Congregational Church Chaloner House Charlotte Pound Cherryfield Academy Cherryfield Historic District Columbia House Columbia Union Church Dennysville Historic District East Machias Historic District Eastport Historic District Eastport Historic District (Boundary Increase) Fort O'Brien Fort Sullivan Fowler, Jeremiah, House Gallison Memorial Library Gates House Gilmore House Grace Episcopal Church Hamilton, Thomas, House Hinckley Hill Historic District Holmes Cottage Holmes, Dr. Job, House Indian River Baptist Church Jellison, Theodore, House Jonesboro Grange #357 Jonesboro Union Church Libby Island Light Station Liberty Hall Lincoln House Lion, The (locomotive) Little River Light Station Lubec Channel Light Station Machias Post Office and Customhouse Machias Railroad Station Machias Valley Grange, #360 (Former) Mansion House, The Marsh Stream Farm McCurdy Smokehouse McGlashan-Nickerson House Moore, Henry D., Parish House and Library Narraguagus Light Station Nash, William M., House Patten Building Perry, Clark, House Petit Manan Light Station Pettegrove, Joshua, House Pike's Mile Markers Plummer, Capt. John, House Porter Memorial Library Ruggles House Sewell Memorial Congregational Church St. Anne's Episcopal Church St. Croix Island International Historic Site Talbot, James R., House "The Rim" and Site of Fort Foster Todd House U.S. Inspection Station-Calais (Ferry Point), Maine Union Church, (former) Union Evangelical Church Union Hall Union Meeting House Wallace, Everett, House Washburn, George, House Washington County Courthouse Washington County Jail West Quoddy Head Light Station West Quoddy Lifesaving Station Whitlocks Mill Light Station Whitneyville Congregational Church Windswept Young, Daniel, House
Maine was once part of New France: In the 17th and 18th centuries, the area that is now Maine was part of New France, which was a French colony in North America that included parts of what are now the United States and Canada.
Maine random facts
Washington County, located in the northeastern corner of Maine, has a rich history that spans thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by various Indigenous tribes, including the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot peoples, who lived off the land and utilized the bay and rivers for fishing.

In the early 17th century, European explorers and settlers began arriving in the area. Dutch colonists were among the first Europeans to establish a presence, followed by the English who claimed the land for their expanding colonies. The English established trading posts and fishing villages, leading to increased European presence in the region.

During the American Revolution, Washington County played a significant role. The population was divided in its support, with some residents favoring independence while others remained loyal to the British Crown. The area's coastal location made it a hotbed for smuggling and privateering, as it provided easy access to the Gulf of Maine and the Atlantic Ocean.

In the 19th century, Washington County experienced significant economic growth, particularly in the lumber and fishing industries. Sawmills and shipyards were established, taking advantage of the region's abundant forests and access to the sea. The coastal towns also became popular summer destinations for wealthy tourists, who were drawn to the picturesque coastlines and natural beauty of the area.

Today, Washington County continues to be known for its natural resources and picturesque landscapes. It remains a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and kayaking. The county also has a strong sense of community pride and embraces its historical roots, with numerous museums, festivals, and events celebrating the region's unique history and culture.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Washington County, Maine.

  • 1789 - Washington County established as a county in the state of Maine
  • 1808 - Machias becomes the county seat of Washington County
  • 1838 - Washington County's population reaches 10,784
  • 1860s - Lumber industry booms in Washington County
  • 1889 - Washington County's population reaches its peak at 34,518
  • 1914 - Eastport becomes the easternmost port in the United States
  • 1940s - Decline in the lumber industry negatively affects Washington County's economy
  • 1961 - Quoddy Dam is completed, creating the West Quoddy Head State Park
  • 2002 - Washington County's population declines to 33,941
  • 2012 - 75% of the county's land is under forest cover