National Register Listing

Heron Neck Light Station

Heron Neck, Greens Island, Vinalhaven, ME
Local significance of the district:
Engineering; Transportation; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Maine.
Maine was the site of the first naval battle of the American Revolution: The first naval battle of the American Revolution was fought off the coast of Maine in 1775, when American forces captured a British schooner.
Maine random facts
Knox County, located in the midcoast region of Maine, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by the Penobscot and Abenaki Native American tribes, who had a strong presence along the coast. European exploration and settlement began in the 17th century, when British traders arrived, followed by French and Dutch settlers.

In the early 18th century, Knox County was part of the contested border region between British and French territories. The area played a significant role in the French and Indian War, with Fort St. George (now Thomaston) being a strategic location for both sides. British forces eventually gained control over the area, establishing settlements and forts to protect their interests.

The 19th century brought prosperity to Knox County through shipbuilding and maritime trade. Several towns along the coast, such as Rockland and Camden, thrived as major commercial centers. The granite industry also boomed during this time, with many local quarries supplying building materials for cities like Boston and New York. The county was named after Henry Knox, a Revolutionary War general and the first U.S. Secretary of War.

In the 20th century, Knox County continued to be a hub of maritime activity, but the decline of the shipping industry and the Great Depression had a significant impact. However, the area experienced a revival in the later years, with the development of tourism and a focus on preserving its natural beauty and historic sites. Today, Knox County is known for its picturesque coastal towns, historic lighthouses, and scenic landscapes that attract visitors from near and far.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Knox County, Maine.

  • 1790: Knox County was established by the Massachusetts State Legislature.
  • 1792: Thomaston was incorporated as a town.
  • 1796: Camden was incorporated as a town.
  • 1826: The Knox and Waldo Canal was completed, connecting Thomaston and Belfast.
  • 1854: Rockland was incorporated as a city.
  • 1871: The Maine State Prison was built in Thomaston.
  • 1903: The Knox County Courthouse was constructed in Rockland.
  • 1940s: The defense industry boomed in Knox County during World War II.
  • 1980s: The economy shifted towards tourism and service industries.
  • 2000s: Knox County experienced population growth and increased development.