This Maine Town Is Older Than the State Itself

Before Maine even existed, there was Kittery. Incorporated in 1647, the pretty coastal town has aged well. From its colonial roots and shipbuilding past to its centuries-old homes and forts, Kittery is a place where history is around every corner. Yet it’s no relic; today, the town draws hundreds of thousands of tourists annually, attracted by its famous outlet shopping, fresh seafood spots, and waterfront charm, making it a rare mix of past and present. Located at the very southern tip of the state along the Piscataqua River, Kittery is known as the “Gateway to Maine.”

Colonial Beginnings to Coastal Landmarks

Before the Europeans arrived and settled along the coast of southern Maine and New Hampshire in the early 1600s, the original inhabitants were members of the Maliseet, Micmac, Penobscot, and Passamaquoddy peoples, together known as the Wabanaki, or “People of the Dawnland.” The town of Kittery was named after Kittery Court, in Kingswear, Devon, England, the family home of one of the first English settlers to arrive in the area, Alexander Shapleigh. Kittery was settled in 1623 and incorporated in 1647, making the town older than the state itself, more than 170 years before Maine officially became the 23rd state in the United States on March 15, 1820.

While Alexander Shapleigh may have laid the groundwork for the first settlement in Kittery, it was the Pepperrell family who put colonial Kittery on the map. William Pepperrell was an English immigrant who settled in Kittery Point in the late 1600s, made his fortune in the fishing and shipbuilding trade, and his son, Sir William Pepperrell, became one of the most prominent figures in New England, best known for leading the successful Siege of Louisbourg in 1745. Today, landmarks like Pepperrell Cove, the Lady Pepperrell House, and the William Pepperrell House stand as reminders of their lasting influence on Kittery.

Kittery’s Historic Homes, Forts, and Landmarks

With so much rich history to discover in the centuries-old town, the highly walkable Pepperrell Cove, named for the famous family, is the perfect starting point for exploring Kittery’s homes, forts, and landmarks.

Lady Pepperrell House

The Lady Pepperrell House was built in 1760 for Lady Mary Hirst Pepperrell, the widow of Sir William Pepperrell. It is a well-preserved example of Georgian architecture and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. A one-time museum, the house is now privately owned but is open to the public several times a year for tours and events. Inside, visitors can still see much of the elegant detailing that made it one of the finest homes of its time. Even if you can’t step indoors, its scenic location in Kittery Point near the Piscataqua River makes it worth the walk, and the house remains one of Maine’s most photographed historic residences.

First Congregational Church of Kittery Point

The First Congregational Church of Kittery Point was established in 1653 and is one of the oldest continuously used churches in the U.S. and in Maine. The current building has been updated over the years, but its history and location connect directly to Kittery’s colonial roots. Across the street from the church is the First Congregational Church Cemetery, known by several different names like Kittery Point Cemetery and the Old Burying Yard, where many of Kittery’s prominent citizens are buried, including members of the Pepperrell family in the Pepperrell Family Plot.

Fort McClary State Historic Site

The Fort McClary State Historic Site is located at Kittery Point, where a fort has stood guard to protect the approaches to the Piscataqua River at the southern entrance to Kittery. Before being renamed Fort McClary in 1808 after Major Andrew McClary, the highest-ranking American officer killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill, the fort went by several other monikers, including Fort William and Fort Pepperrell (after the influential Pepperrell family). The star attractions at the fort are the large wooden Block House built in 1844 and the earthenworks, but there are often guided tours and reenactments going on, depending on the time of year. It’s also a picturesque location for picnicking, photography, and spotting ships and sailboats along the New Hampshire shoreline.

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

Established in 1800, it’s one of the oldest continuously operating naval shipyards in the U.S. As it is an active Navy base that is involved in the repair and modernization of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered attack submarine fleet of Los Angeles and Virginia-class submarines, you can’t tour the yard itself. There’s a historical marker where you can learn about the shipyard’s history, which sits at the entrance to Wallingford Square. In this community hub, you can grab artisanal sandwiches and a cup of coffee at Lil’s, burgers and a craft beer at Rudders Public House, or pick up a few Maine-made gifts at Folk.

Kittery Historical & Naval Museum

The Kittery Historical & Naval Museum bills itself as a “small but mighty museum,” and it truly lives up to the reputation. Visitors can take a self-guided tour through rooms filled with fascinating ship models, navigational instruments, and maritime tools that highlight the town’s 400-year shipbuilding heritage. The exhibits trace everything from colonial-era vessels to modern naval craft, while a 25-minute film brings the story to life. Younger visitors love the scavenger hunt, and the museum’s passionate volunteers often share additional anecdotes that make history feel alive and personal.

Kittery Today

In addition to its colonial charm, Kittery offers a mix of iconic shopping, waterfront restaurants, and offbeat attractions, so if you’re not a history buff, there are still plenty of places to explore, including quirky attractions, outlets, and picturesque beaches.

Kittery Trading Post

The Kittery Trading Post is a legendary outfitter whose name is almost synonymous with the town. Family-owned since 1938, the store grew from a one-room gas station into a sprawling attraction along Route 1. Today, visitors step inside to browse three floors packed with hunting gear, fishing tackle, camping supplies, and Maine-made oddities. The walls are filled with mounted wildlife, while outside, hand-carved statues and rustic displays capture attention. Whether you are stocking up for an outdoor adventure or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the Trading Post is as much a Kittery experience as its beaches or forts.

The Kittery Outlets

Technically, a long strip of outlet stores, the Kittery Outlets have become a destination in their own right. With more than 120 shops lining Route 1, the area attracts bargain hunters from across New England. Big-name brands mix with specialty stores, offering everything from sportswear to kitchenware. Visitors often pause their shopping for a meal at Bob’s Clam Hut, a local staple since 1956, famous for its fried clams and lobster rolls. For dessert or a nostalgic treat, Yummies Candy & Nuts is nearby, where shelves are stacked high with colorful sweets by the pound. The outlets offer shopping and snacking in equal measure.

Kittery Beaches

Not as famous as those in nearby Ogunquit or Old Orchard, Kittery’s beaches are a quieter treasure. Seapoint Beach offers family-friendly sands perfect for spreading out a blanket or going beachcombing, while Crescent Beach is smaller and feels pleasantly secluded. Fort Foster Park combines shoreline with history, featuring old military ruins, walking trails, and picnic spots overlooking the Piscataqua River. From here, you can also take in sweeping views of Whaleback Light, a historic lighthouse guarding the river’s mouth. Together, these beaches offer a laid-back way to enjoy Maine’s rugged coast.

Discover Kittery: A Town Older Than Maine Itself

Kittery may be older than the state of Maine itself, but it has never stood still. From colonial settlements and naval history to a thriving modern community, the town invites you to stroll its historic streets, browse its eclectic shops, indulge in a classic Maine lobster roll, and take in sweeping coastal views. In Kittery, where Maine’s past and present blend seamlessly, you’ll discover that even the oldest towns can feel timeless.