Maritime History

Downwind + Eastward = DownEast. It’s just that easy.

When ships sailed into the District of Maine—originally part of Massachusetts—from the south, they sailed downwind and eastward with the prevailing winds. Sailor shorthand re-coined it “DownEast.” Today, the term is still used to describe the Maine coast roughly between the Penobscot River and the St. Croix.

Want to learn more? Call at any—or all—of the 45 stops along the Downeast Fisheries Trail, from the Penobscot River to the Bay of Fundy, that bring to light the long and culturally diverse relationship DownEast Acadia shares with the sea.

A Seafaring Past. A Maritime Future.

At the heart of Castine, you’ll find Fort Pentagöet, an outpost built and held by the French in the 1630s, then held by the Dutch, British (briefly), and then finally America. Castine holds the unique status of having been under the rule of four separate nations. While you are there, visit the Maine Maritime Academy and see how Maine’s seafaring traditions and training are passed on to future generations of mariners.

Visit Machias during Margaretta Days, held each June to celebrate the first naval battle of the American Revolution. The attack on the British was conceived in Burnham’s Tavern. Townspeople armed with farm implements and muskets captured the British naval vessel Margaretta and fought off the British to control the town. Early structures and earthworks from this battle can still be seen at Fort O’Brien in Machiasport.

Head to Brooklin, where the region’s historic reputation for building swift and sturdy sailing ships lives on. Enroll in a boatbuilding course at the WoodenBoat School or visit the WoodenBoat Store for all manner of sailing gear and gifts for the landlubbers at home.

Visitors don’t have to look far to find a seafaring excursion. Visitors can find a harbor, chat with a mate or captain, and climb aboard one of the dozens of modern sailing ships, original or replica lobster boats, windjammers, or Maine-built schooners.

Stroll the beautiful, historic town of Castine with its rolling views of the ocean. While you're there, mail your postcards from the oldest continuously operating post office in the US.
Take a selfie with the beloved cod fisherman and mermaid statues on the waterfront in Eastport.
Pay homage to the sea's might at Lubec's Lost Fisherman's Memorial.
Embark on a boat excursion to experience the powerful tidal forces of Passamaquoddy Bay that create the world's highest tides and the largest tidal whirlpool in the western hemisphere, The Old Sow.

Make it a Two Nation Vacation. Rediscover the first settlement of Samuel de Champlain at St. Croix Island International Heritage Site.
Visit the many DownEast ports that dutifully served the canned and smoked fish industries for over 100 years.
McCurdy's Smokehouse in Lubec offers visitors guided tours and hands-on activities that share those stories.
The Wabanaki Culture Center and Museum is home to artifacts, historical displays and works of art of the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot Native American Tribes.

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