Window Cleaning & Exterior Services in Boothbay, Maine

History of Boothbay, Maine

Boothbay was settled as early as the 1630s by English colonists, making it one of the oldest communities on the Maine coast. The area was originally known as part of the Wawenock territory and passed through several colonial land grants before being incorporated as a town in 1764. Early residents made their living through fishing, farming, and the timber trade, taking advantage of the protected harbors and inlets that characterize the Boothbay peninsula.

Shipbuilding became a major industry in Boothbay during the 18th and 19th centuries, with numerous yards constructing schooners and fishing vessels along the waterfront. The arrival of steamship service in the late 1800s opened the region to tourism, and visitors began flocking to the Boothbay area for its scenic beauty, cool summer breezes, and fresh seafood. The neighboring village of Boothbay Harbor, which separated from Boothbay in 1889, became the primary tourist center, but the town of Boothbay continued to maintain its own distinct character.

Today Boothbay is perhaps best known as the home of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, which opened in 2007 and has grown into the largest botanical garden in New England. The gardens attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and have become a major economic driver for the region. Boothbay retains a mix of year-round residents and seasonal visitors, with lobstering, tourism, and small businesses forming the core of the local economy.