Camden Maine Is The Epitome Of A Small Waterfront Village In Maine

One of the top Maine Tourist attractions along the midcoast region of Maine is the little town of Camden, Maine. When you think of coastal Maine, you most likely think about small fishing villages, lobster pots, sailboats in the harbor, small seafood restaurants and oceanfront homes. Chances are what you think of when you think of Maine is a place that is very much like the town of Camden.

Camden, Maine is the epitome of a small waterfront New England community. Camden is located in Knox County Maine and has a population of about 5,200. This seaside village tucked at the base of the Camden Hills and Camden Harbor is a popular tourist town.

The area was first settled in the late 1700's by farmers hoping to cultivate the mountainous terrain. A battery was built on the top of a hill overlooking the village of Camden during the war of 1812. This battery had two guns placed on the top of the hill, well within sight of the harbor. The British stayed away as a result of this battery in fear that they might get fired upon. What they did not realize is that while the village had the guns they did not have anybody who knew how to fire them.

The village of Camden grew quickly after the war and many trades became prominent in the area. Thanks to the Megunticook River, which runs from the harbor and through the village, there was an abundance of power available for mills. Several mills were built here as a result of this. Carriage factories, blacksmith shops and shipyards accompanied these mills.

Industry continued to develop in the area during the 1880's. Manufacturing in the area became lucrative and local quarries made it possible to process lime, which was fired at kilns and shipped to other locations. These practices provided some growth in the area and soon many fine residences were built in this waterfront village.

If you have an idea of what a small seaside village in Maine looks like but have never actually visited here, then this might be the result of having watched one of the many films and or television programs that have been filmed here. The soap opera Passions uses Camden for shots of their town Harmony. The film Peyton Place was shot here in 1957. Many celebrities have called this area home including singer Gordon Bok, musician Don Mclean of American Pie fame, director David G. Conover, and novelist Richard Russo.

Camden Maine offers several points of interest, the most popular of which is the Curtis Island Lighthouse. This small light was built in 1835 and has a historic keeper's house, barn and boathouse nearby. While the lighthouse is not open to the public, it is the subject of many photo opportunities. A great way to see the lighthouse is by sightseeing cruises that travel around Camden Harbor. The sightseeing cruises are a great way to see the area. Several companies offer sightseeing cruises that include the chance to observe the Camden lighthouse along with other lighthouses and uninhabited islands in the area that contain undisturbed wildlife.

Camden Maine truly is the epitome of a Maine waterfront town complete with lighthouse and lobster pots. Several restaurants offer fresh seafood. You can also enjoy the sites that a small Maine village has to offer.