4 Best Sights in The Mid-Coast Region, Maine

Learn about Wiscasset through the history of a prominent shipping family—the Tuckers—generations of whom lived in this mansion over the course of 150 years. Situated atop a hill overlooking the Sheepscot River, the house was built in 1807, when this was the busiest port town east of Boston. Originally constructed in the Federal style but transformed into an Italianate villa in the mid-1800s, the property has extravagant architectural details, including a freestanding elliptical staircase, and Victorian appointments.

What is thought to be the oldest house in Damariscotta was completed in 1754 by Nathaniel Chapman. Unlike nearby structures that have been remodeled, it retains much of its original design. Each room has been restored to represent a different era in the house's nearly three-century history.

The house where General Joshua Chamberlain resided for 50 years is now a museum documenting the life of Maine’s most celebrated Civil War hero. In addition to playing an instrumental role in the Union Army's victory at Gettysburg, Chamberlain served as Maine's governor from 1867 to 1871 and as president of Bowdoin College from 1871 to 1883. There's also a statue of him across the street, on the edge of the Bowdoin College campus.

This imposing white mansion on Main Street was built in 1807 by Captain William Nickels to show off the wealth he'd amassed in shipbuilding and international cargo shipping, which brought prosperity to Wiscasset in the early 19th century. The high Federal-style structure went on to become a hotel until it was bought and restored by the Sortwell family at the beginning of the 20th century. Furnished with fine period antiques, its beautifully carved woodwork and flying staircase are testament to the artistic skills of Captain Nickels' shipwrights.