Maine Memory Network

Thomaston: The Town that Went to Sea - Shipbuilding

"In 1630, long before vessels were actually being built in Thomaston, English ships were navigating the George's River to reach the dense inland…"

Thomaston: The Town that Went to Sea - Early Shipbuilders - 1780s

"Several more ships were built by individuals in South Thomaston and Rockland, which were then part of Thomaston."

Thomaston: The Town that Went to Sea - Shipbuilding Today

"… Today Lyman Morse Boatbuilding Co., Thomaston, Maine 2008Thomaston Historical Society Today Thomaston continues to ride on the cutting edge…"

Thomaston: The Town that Went to Sea - Shipbuilding Declines - 1857 to 1861

"Shipbuilding Declines - 1857 to 1861 Thomaston Bank, Stereo View, Thomaston, ca. 1865Thomaston Historical Society Due to a financial crisis in…"

Thomaston: The Town that Went to Sea - The End of Wooden Shipbuilding - 1910 to 1950

"She was the last large vessel to hail from Thomaston and the last barkentine built on the coast. “Reine Marie Stewart,” sailing out of Panama, was…"

Thomaston: The Town that Went to Sea - Shipbuilding Industry Expands - 1850 to 1857

"The sailmaking business by the same name remains active today in Rockport, ME. Bohndell House, Water Street, Thomaston, Maine 2008Thomaston…"

Thomaston: The Town that Went to Sea - Shipbuilding During and after the Civil War - 1861 to 1900

"In the following year, only two ships were produced, one appropriately named “General McLellan,” after the popular major general, who reorganized the…"

Thomaston: The Town that Went to Sea - Thomaston Business District - 1857 to 1880

"By the 1880s, Thomaston was deemed to be one of the wealthiest towns in the nation due to the influence of shipbuilding."

Thomaston: The Town that Went to Sea - Edward O'Brien moves to Thomaston - 1850s

"… in Thomaston, becoming one of the most prominent shipbuilders in Thomaston history. His ships were known around the world, distinguished by a broad…"

Thomaston: The Town that Went to Sea - About Us

"The Thomaston Public Library is the fourth member of Thomaston's group. Located in the Thomaston Academy Building, the library was recently renovated…"

Thomaston: The Town that Went to Sea - 1850 to 1870

"… the War was devastating for the Thomaston shipbuilding industry, once it ended, business slowly returned and some 30 vessels were launched between…"

Thomaston: The Town that Went to Sea - Thomaston Expands - 1805 to 1846

"Thomaston Bank, Stereo View, Thomaston, ca. 1865Thomaston Historical Society The Thomaston Bank was established in 1825 at the Lower Corner on the…"

Thomaston: The Town that Went to Sea - Thomaston is Incorporated - 1777

"It is believed by many that the name of Thomaston was selected in honor of Major General John Thomas of Massachusetts, an officer who died the…"

Thomaston: The Town that Went to Sea - Architecture

"1960Thomaston Historical Society Thomaston has long been known for the impressive homes lining its tree-lined streets."

Thomaston: The Town that Went to Sea - Notable Residents

"He was Inspector of the State Prison in Thomaston, took an active interest in town affairs and was involved in the schools and the Theological…"

Thomaston: The Town that Went to Sea - 1870 to 1915

"… 1915Thomaston Historical Society In addition to shipbuilding, the lime quarry industry- now cement production - continues to be a source of…"

Thomaston: The Town that Went to Sea - Building Boom, early 19th century

"… By 1830, the census reported 4221 residents in Thomaston. To house the increased work force, additional housing was needed."

Thomaston: The Town that Went to Sea - Early Wharves and Yards - 1795 to 1825

"As lumber supplies there were depleted, several individuals relocated their shipyards downriver to Thomaston, which became the more active of the two…"

Swan's Island: Six miles east of ordinary - II. Pinkies, wherries, skiffs and chebaccos: Early Settlement

"… this structure as a model for the Knox Mansion in Thomaston. Swan sought out laborers (preferably Protestant families) to cultivate the land and…"

Scarborough: They Called It Owascoag - Maritime Tales: Shipyards and Shipwrecks - Page 2 of 2

"According to Peter Dow Bachelder in his book Ships and Maritime Disasters of the Maine Coast, the ship was the largest wooden sailing ship ever…"