|
|
The tiny coastal village of Castine is known for its historic 18th century architecture and Fort Madison is one of the most interesting. BBOnline draws up a list of attractions for you.
Fort Madison
Perkins Street
Castine, Maine 04421
Fort Madison has quite a history, built in 1811, taken over by the British in the War of 1812 and rebuilt during the American Civil War. It changed hands between the French, British and the Dutch. Today, it's a park where you can explore the fort's excavated remnants and enjoy a picnic lunch with great views of the harbor.
State of Maine
Maine Maritime Academy
67 Pleasant St.
Pilot House
Castine, Maine 04420
www.mainemaritime.edu
If you're in the village at the right time (around July to August), you'll be able to tour this 500-foot naval research ship used for training students from Castine's well known Maine Maritime Academy. The ship anchors in Penobscot Bay and the village is full of students training for the Merchant Marine.
Wilson Museum
120 Perkins Street
Castine, Maine 04421
(207) 326-9247
www.wilsonmuseum.org
The museum focuses on the tool-making genius of pre-historic humans. It was founded by Dr. John Howard Wilson, a geologist who possessed a lifetime collection of pre-historic American artifacts. Two other building sit on the premises: the historic 19th century John Perkins House (which you can tour) and a working blacksmith shop. This is a good place to discover more about the history of the area.
Among the exhibits are 6 dioramas, including one of Stonehenge. These were commissioned by Dr. Wilson and built by the reputed Ned J. Burns who did some of his finest work for the Museum of the City of New York.
If you've seen the movie "A Night at the Museum," you'll know what dioramas can do to the imagination. It's an experience you wouldn't want to miss from your Castine Bed and Breakfast.
Dice Head Lighthouse
Perkins Street
Castine, Maine 04420
www.lighthouse.cc
Castine has its own romantic lighthouse named after the land it's built on which belonged to the Dice family. The lighthouse is close to the Maine Maritime Academy and views of the Penobscot Bay from Dice Head are dramatic. The restored building is closed to the public and the keeper's house is privately occupied, rented by the town to pay for the upkeep of the property.
But the grounds are open till sunset and you can get good views of Camden Hills across the bay by taking the path around the tower. It's a pleasant walk through the woods on the property to the rocks on the waterfront where the lighthouse stands. Read about the interesting keepers of Dice Head Light on the website.
Castine Historical Society
Abbott School, Castine Town Common
Castine, Maine 04421
(207) 326-4118
www.castinehistoricalsociety.org
The society housed in the beautiful historic Abbot School building, chronicles the history of Castine and exhibits some interesting memorabilia. There's a fascinating quilt which records the history of this village from the time of the first French traders to the modern era. The 24-foot-long quilt is the creation of more than 40 women from Castine. The society arranges group walking tours. Make sure you get a bit of history and culture during your Castine Inn stay. It will complete your Castine experience.