National Register Listing

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

a.k.a. Kittery Navy Yard

Seavey Island, Kittery, ME
Local significance of the district:
Industry; Military; Engineering; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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
York County, Maine, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back over 400 years. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Abenaki and the Micmac, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for sustenance and trade. They were later encountered by European explorers in the early 17th century.

The first permanent European settlement in York County was established in 1624 by English settlers who were part of the New England Company. They named the settlement Agamenticus, which later became known as York, after the English city. York quickly became an important trading post due to its proximity to the coast and access to the York River.

Over the years, York County played a significant role in key events of American history. During the American Revolution, the county was a stronghold of patriotism and saw several skirmishes and battles. In 1777, the Battle of Hubbardton, a significant Revolutionary War engagement, took place in present-day Shapleigh.

The county's economy grew alongside its population, with agriculture, lumbering, and fishing becoming major industries. The town of Biddeford became known for its thriving textiles and shipbuilding industries in the 19th century. Today, York County remains an important agricultural and industrial region while also being a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches and historical sites.

Throughout its history, York County has experienced periods of growth, prosperity, and adversity. It has witnessed the transformation of Maine from a colony to a state and has played a role in shaping the nation. With its rich heritage and natural beauty, York County continues to be a place of historical significance and cultural significance in the state of Maine.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of York County, Maine.

  • 1636: York County is founded as one of the four original counties in the Province of Maine.
  • 1652: The county becomes part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
  • 1820: York County becomes part of the new state of Maine when it separates from Massachusetts.
  • 1847: The Portland and Rochester Railroad is completed, connecting York County to the rest of Maine and facilitating transportation and trade.
  • 1898: The county experiences economic growth with the establishment of various manufacturing and textile mills.
  • 1952: The Maine Turnpike, a major highway connecting Maine to Massachusetts, opens and passes through York County.
  • 1963: The Biddeford-Saco Bridge is constructed, improving transportation between Biddeford and Saco.
  • 1984: The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is established, protecting valuable coastal habitats.
  • 2004: The county experiences a population boom and suburban growth, driven by its proximity to Portland and desirable coastal areas.