When visiting Kittery, Maine, you should plan your trip around the many attractions and fun activities available in the area. The town is home to several beaches and is a great destination for swimming, hiking, and strolling. But be aware that you cannot run on the beach during peak hours, so plan your activities accordingly. Here are a few ideas of things to do in Kittery:
Hike – You can hike in the Kittery Town Farm Forest. The 1.2-mile Quimby Trail winds through the Kittery Town Farm Forest. It passes through a historical cemetery, including the gravesite of Captain John R. Haley, who died in Kittery in 1864. The trail also passes through several unmarked graves. While visiting the town, make sure to keep your dog on a leash.
Shop – Kittery is known for its outlet shopping. With more than 120 stores spread over a one-mile stretch of Route 1, this town is popular with serious shoppers. If you want to get out of the city, try hiking and biking trails along Kittery Point. Its vantage point provides amazing views of Portsmouth and the Isles of Shoals. If you plan your trip around the stores, you may even catch a glimpse of whales and sea turtles!
Aliens – Although the town had a large population of foreigners, there were very few aliens living in Kittery. Until the war, the town had remained stable or stagnant. The few changes that had occurred were attributed to the Shipyard ramping up its workforce during the war. Despite these minor differences, most Kittery residents were natives who had lived in the town for generations. However, when you visit the town, remember to stay patient and kind, and be sure to follow all health and safety guidelines.
The Dennett Garrison is one of the oldest houses in Kittery. The building was built on land originally granted to Christian Remick in 1661. His son Isaac Remick later sold the land to John Dennett in 1698. The house was constructed between 1698 and 1720 and designated as a garrison. The house was originally meant to serve as a defensible for Indian raids. And it still does.
A few museums are also located in Kittery. A museum with a collection of artifacts, weapons, and other nautical artifacts is worth visiting. It is the oldest building still standing in the town and features exhibits relating to maritime history. Tourists flock to the museum to learn about local history and naval traditions. It is the largest tourist attraction in the area. And, with a massive collection of exhibitions, it is not hard to see why Kittery is such a popular destination.
While this historic landmark is quite impressive, its location was also an important factor in the town’s development. In 1838, a group of 39 aliens had officially lived in Kittery, Maine. Some had lived in the area for decades, while others had come only a few weeks. In the 1860 census, Governor Lewis E. Barrows signed an executive order requiring all non-citizen immigrants to register. Many aliens followed the rules of the law and completed the registration forms, which were collected by the Adjutant General’s office.