Embark on a journey through time to explore the captivating past of the Kennebunks, a remarkable region nestled along the picturesque southern coast of Maine. This illustrious area, encompassing the distinct towns of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel, has long been revered as a prime destination, drawing both eager tourists and cherished summer residents with its unparalleled beauty and deep historical roots.
The indigenous Abenaki people, who were the original custodians of this land, named the area “Kennebunk,” signifying “the long cut bank.” This description is widely believed to refer to the prominent Great Hill, which dramatically plunges to the riverbanks at the mouth of the Mousam River. Alongside the Abenaki, other Native American tribes, including the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Mi’kmaq, Kennebec, Pequawket, and Maliseet, thrived in this fertile region. Their lives were dictated by a seasonal migration pattern, enjoying the coastal bounty during warmer months and moving inland for sustenance as the colder seasons arrived.
European Arrival and Early Colonial Struggles
The first documented European to traverse these waters was Bartholomew Gosnold, an English explorer who sailed from Falmouth, England, and reputedly reached what is now Kennebunkport in the spring of 1602. Just two years later, in 1604, the renowned French explorer Samuel de Champlain meticulously charted the islands that define Cape Porpoise harbor, bestowing upon it the name “Le Port aux Isles,” or “Island Harbor,” a testament to its distinctive geography.
In 1614, the legendary English adventurer Captain John Smith, famous for his role in the Jamestown colony, undertook an extensive exploration of the Maine coast. It was he who renamed the charming harbor “Cape Porpoise,” inspired by the large schools of porpoises he observed there. His subsequent publication, Descriptions of New England in 1616, ignited considerable interest and led to a surge of fishing parties flocking to the abundant waters of the region.
The formal settlement of Kennebunk began in 1621, initially functioning as a vital trading post within the larger jurisdiction of Wells. By 1622, England had asserted its formal claim over the territory, catalyzing a wave of new settlers along the coast and the Kennebunk and Mousam Rivers. Cape Porpoise emerged as the primary settlement, supporting numerous fishing vessels, while others engaged in the thriving timber industry, establishing sawmills along the rivers, and cultivating the fertile land for farming.
By the 1640s, land grants, collectively known as “the Kennebunk Grants,” were systematically allocated across coastal and inland areas. In the 1650s, the burgeoning Massachusetts Bay Colony extended its territorial claims over southern Maine, swiftly imposing its authority by mandating the construction of roads and schools, the organization of local militias, and the collection of taxes. This period culminated in the incorporation of Kennebunkport as Cape Porpoise under the Massachusetts Bay Colony in July 1653.
Native American Conflicts and Resettlement
The delicate coexistence between European settlers and Native Americans was tragically disrupted in 1675 with the outbreak of King Philip’s War. This conflict initiated decades of sporadic but brutal clashes. The Wabanaki Confederacy, determined to halt English expansion, began to raid English settlements along the New England/Acadia border in Maine.
A devastating assault occurred in 1690 on Fort Loyal in nearby Portland, where all inhabitants were either killed or abducted. These harrowing attacks persisted, with French and Indian allies burning numerous farms and taking colonists captive. During this tumultuous time, the residents of Cape Porpoise sought refuge in a harbor fort on Stage Island, eventually being rescued by vessels from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Simultaneously, the hundreds of inhabitants of Kennebunk fled to the Storer Garrison in Wells, approximately five miles southwest. While safe within the garrison, they bore witness to a large force of 500 Indians and their French allies laying waste to the surrounding area, destroying miles of homes, mills, and livestock.
Following these horrific events, many settlers abandoned the area, leaving Cape Porpoise entirely deserted. However, hope for resettlement emerged in 1718 when descendants and new pioneers petitioned the Massachusetts legislature to re-establish a fishing community. This led to the incorporation of the town of Arundel (at Kennebunkport) in 1719. Nearly a century later, in 1821, the town was once again renamed, this time officially becoming Kennebunkport.
Despite the re-establishment, sporadic Indian attacks continued. The last recorded raid on the Kennebunks took place in 1726, targeting the Baxter and Durrell families while the men were away. After pillaging the homes, the raiders burned the houses and took Mrs. Durrell and her four children captive. Tragically, when the family’s presence impeded their escape, the captives were killed. While the Indian Wars significantly slowed settlement, they never entirely halted it, and the resilient communities gradually rebuilt their mills along the waterways.
From Mills to Maritime Power: The Kennebunks’ Industrial Rise
In 1724, Captain Thomas Perkins, Jr. constructed his residence in Kennebunk, followed by the establishment of a gristmill along the river in 1751. This mill, a vital local enterprise, operated for nearly two centuries until 1939 and was honored with a listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1873. Unfortunately, this significant landmark was tragically destroyed by an arsonist in 1994, a poignant loss to local history.
Concurrently, the region’s abundant timber resources fueled the burgeoning shipbuilding industry. Shipyards initially emerged on the Mousam River as early as 1730. However, the challenging navigation of the Mousam River’s circuitous and barred mouth prompted a relocation of the trade to the Kennebunk River by 1755, with vessels being constructed at Kennebunk Landing. Between 1790 and 1867, hundreds of ships were meticulously crafted in the half-dozen major shipbuilding yards dotting the riverbanks. Shipbuilding remained a cornerstone of the Kennebunk economy until 1918. Today, many landmarks throughout the Kennebunks proudly stand as enduring tributes to the prosperity of this storied maritime era.
Revolution, Statehood, and Diversified Industry
During the tumultuous American Revolution, the people of Kennebunk demonstrated their unwavering support for the colonies, sending delegates and essential ammunition to Boston. The Battle of Cape Porpoise, fought on August 8, 1782, showcased their resilience when a British ship armed with 18 guns attacked a small local force on Goat Island. The inhabitants bravely repelled the assault with intense musket fire, inflicting 17 casualties on the British, though Lieutenant James Burnham of Arundel tragically lost his life.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1820 when Maine declared its independence from Massachusetts. This historic event led to the formal establishment of the Kennebunk District of Wells as the town of Kennebunk, and Arundel officially became Kennebunkport, marking a new chapter in their independent identities.
In 1825, the Kennebunk Manufacturing Company attempted to establish a cotton mill by erecting two dams on the Mousam River, but their venture proved unsuccessful. However, in 1832, the Mousam Manufacturing Company successfully built a cotton factory, paving the way for further industrial development. Soon, a diverse array of factories emerged, producing goods such as thread, twine, shoes, doors, and trunks, transforming the local economy.
The Rise of Tourism and Elite Summer Colonies
The year 1835 saw the construction of the iconic Goat Island Lighthouse off Cape Porpoise, near Kennebunkport. Built for $6,000, its beacon served as a crucial guide for mariners navigating the sheltered harbor. The original station was rebuilt in 1859, with the addition of the keeper’s quarters in 1860. The light station remains active today, a testament to its enduring importance, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, encompassing the lighthouse, keeper’s home, boathouse, and oil house. Currently, the island is accessible to the public only by special arrangement.
The arrival of the Portsmouth, Saco, and Portland Railroad to West Kennebunk in 1842 revolutionized transportation, providing local farmers with unprecedented opportunities to efficiently ship their produce to broader markets.
Following the American Civil War, the Kennebunks began to experience a significant rise in tourism. Affluent visitors, seeking a refreshing seasonal escape from the bustling cities, flocked to the area, often spending entire summers. The expansion of the Boston and Maine Railroad system, with a branch line extended into Kennebunk Village in 1872, greatly facilitated this influx of vacationers. Before long, over 40 hotels and inns graced Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, while many visitors began constructing elaborate “cottages” along the coastline, transforming them into cherished weekend and seasonal residences.
The Nonantum Resort, majestically situated on the Kennebunk River, first opened its doors in 1884. It proudly stands as one of only two remaining Grand Hotels in the Kennebunks today, preserving a legacy of luxury and hospitality.
Cape Arundel: A Legacy of Grandeur and Recreation
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the affluent residents and visitors increasingly gravitated towards building in Kennebunkport, particularly in the prestigious Cape Arundel area. Just east of the Kennebunk River’s mouth, a prominent resort community took shape. Today, this area is known as the Cape Arundel Summer Colony, characterized by its magnificent summer estates. Many of these grand properties line Ocean Avenue, stretching along the southernmost reach of the Kennebunk River and wrapping around the cape just east of Walker’s Point, which extends elegantly into the sea. Recognized for its historical significance, Cape Arundel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
The exquisite stone chapel of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, located at 167 Ocean Avenue within the Cape Arundel district, was consecrated in 1892 and has continuously served its congregation. Its grounds feature a unique outdoor Seaside Chapel, built on a site once used as a fort protecting the harbor. The church rectory, a private home built in 1891 for the Nesmith family, later belonged to Arthur Atwater Kent, the renowned inventor of the automobile ignition system and the first affordable radio. Kent aptly named his residence “At Water’s Edge.”
The esteemed Cape Arundel Golf Club was established in 1896 by the discerning residents of the Cape Arundel Summer Colony, with its clubhouse built in 1900. As one of Maine’s oldest golf clubs, it has long served as a vibrant social hub for Kennebunkport’s summer elite. Located at 19 River Road, the club earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.
In 1889, the exclusive Kennebunk River Club was founded along Ocean Avenue by 13 summer residents, evolving into a private, seasonal club. Their iconic Clubhouse, now known as the Boathouse, was completed in 1890. Over the years, the club expanded its membership, offering boating, tennis, and a variety of social activities. It remains a private institution today, and its distinctive two-story frame boathouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
The Bush Family and Modern Connections
In 1902, David Davis Walker, great-grandfather to President George H. W. Bush, and his son, George H. Walker, constructed grand mansions at Walker’s Point in Kennebunkport. While David Walker’s original house was later replaced, the current residence has been an integral part of the Bush family for over a century. President George H. W. Bush spent much of his formative years at this cherished Kennebunkport estate. As an adult, he, his wife Barbara, and their children—George W., Jeb, Marvin, Neil, Dorothy, and Robin—spent most of their summers there. The house is affectionately referred to as the “Summer White House,” and the Bush family continues to cherish and utilize this historic home today, adding a significant layer to the Kennebunks’ storied legacy.
At the turn of the 20th century, specifically in 1900, the Atlantic Shore Line electric trolley line inaugurated its passenger and freight services, connecting numerous towns across York County. With an impressive 87 miles of track, it transported nearly five million passengers by 1907, profoundly shaping the region’s social and economic fabric in the early 20th century. The trolley system operated until 1927, and its rich history, along with various trolley cars from different eras, is meticulously preserved at the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, located at 195 Log Cabin Road. A collection of Maine Trolley Cars was added to the National Register listing in 1980.
Conclusion: The Enduring Allure of the Kennebunks
From its ancient Native American origins and the early European settlements to its transformation into a maritime powerhouse and then a premier tourist destination for the affluent, the Kennebunks have always represented a unique blend of history, natural splendor, and community spirit. The tales of conflict and resilience, industrial innovation, and the eventual embrace of leisure and luxury paint a vivid picture of a region that has continually adapted and thrived. Today, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel remain captivating destinations, inviting visitors to explore their historic streets, enjoy their scenic coastlines, and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of stories that define this remarkable corner of Maine. Whether drawn by presidential history, the charm of a New England summer, or the echoes of a vibrant past, the Kennebunks continue to enchant all who experience their timeless allure.
