Bath, Maine: History in the City of Ships Walking Tour – Bath, Maine

EXPERIENCE

This fun and fascinating tour focuses on the past 400+ years of the historic and charming downtown of Bath, Maine, the fourth (after New York, Boston & Philadelphia) largest seaport in America during its 19th century heyday.

Learn Bath’s story by walking along the waterfront and among the charming period buildings, while hearing unique stories and uncovering hidden gems.

On our fun and fascinating guided walking tour, find out:
-The qualities of the Kennebec River that made it the perfect home for a shipping and shipbuilding behemoth.
-How a million dollar tree tipped the balance in the Patriots Revolutionary War cause&then accidentally fell into the Kennebec River.
-How anger at Boston s neglect led to Maine s independence (from Massachusetts) – and ushered a Bath leader to the first governorship.
-What types of record-breaking vessels the 21 side-by-side shipyards were building, and where the profits came from.
-What a store dedicated to selling toothache medicine was *really* selling
-How an enslaved woman running toward freedom found refuge in Bath, Maine – and who helped her escape.
-How a 24-year-old Brigadier General became one of the wealthiest industrialists of the 19th century – all starting on a flooded street.

Led by an educator, this perfectly paced, small group tour is designed for those who love history and offers something for everyone. The tour meets at Waterfront Park in Bath, then proceeds on a loop throughout the downtown Historic District, covering history chronologically, in the places where important events took place.

The tour ends at City Park, near the Patten Free Library, with a stunning view of the landmark Winter Street Church, and stories about how Bath citizens saved it from demolition and forged a path for the city’s preservation.

You will leave with a new appreciation for Bath, Maine-the City of Ships-and American history, plus tips and recommendations for other local attractions in Maine!

HIGHLIGHTS

Led by a local expert, this fun tour is packed with insider knowledge.
You will learn about shipbuilding’s past and present (at Bath Iron Works today.)
History comes to life, with vibrant shops, galleries & cafes to explore after.

Discover more exciting & fun things to do in Bath