Town of Newcastle, Maine

Newcastle is a small cozy town in Lincoln County about 30 miles south of Augusta, the state capital. The town lies between the Sheepscot and Damariscotta Rivers and is welcoming to visitors, eager to share their history and community.

The Twin Villages of Newcastle and Damariscotta are linked by a bridge on their Main Streets and share a similar history to one another.

They also share a community and you’ll notice that by how easy it is to walk from one town into the other as you stroll through the shops, restaurants, and museums along Main St.

The Alewife Festival is shared by these twin towns and held every May. The festival celebrates the spawning of these small local fish with live music, food, games, arts and crafts, and a 5K race.

Visit Pemaquid Pond for a glimpse at the alewives spawning area. This is a great spot to fish and hike as well.

Exploring Newcastle Maine

The area was originally known as Sheepscot Plantation and was first settled in the 1630s by about 50 fishermen and their families. The land was claimed by the Duke of York in 1665 and was attacked and destroyed during King Philip’s War and then again during King William’s War.

The area was devastated after that and remained unoccupied until it was resettled in 1730 by Colonel David Dunbar. In 1753 the settlement was named Newcastle in honor of the Duke of Newcastle. From then on it became a mill town and continued to thrive.

In 1799 the first schoolhouse was built here. Just a couple of years later Lincoln Academy was established (1801) and is still operating today. It is the 4th oldest secondary school in Maine.

In 1871 the Knox Lincoln Railroad arrived. If you are interested in learning more about the early railroad check out the Wiscasset, Waterville, and Farmington Railway Museum in nearby Alna (at 97 Cross Road).

Another historical site worth a visit is St Patrick’s Catholic Church on 380 Academy Hill Road. Dating from 1807, it is the oldest surviving Roman Catholic Church in New England. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and contains a bell that was cast by Paul Revere.

For more local history check out the Newcastle Historical Society Museum on 120 Main St. The Museum is inside the old historic Taniscot Engine House and contains artifacts, memorabilia, photos, archives and so much more.

If you are interested in architecture and old buildings head over to the village of Sheepscot in the Sheepscot Historic District. Here you will find 51 buildings constructed in the Italianate, Greek Revival, and Federal styles.

Lakes and Parks

Newcastle is an ideal vacation spot with its easy access to the river and to lakes and trails nearby. This area has a lot to offer: fishing, swimming, boating, camping, hiking, and sightseeing.

Another popular swimming spot is at Biscay Pond. There’s a small public beach and boat launch here. This is also a popular place for ice skating during the winter months.

If you’re looking for trails and sightseeing check out these local sites:

• Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site offers 11 acres with walking trails and picnic spots. The middens are the discarded oyster shells from many generations of Native Americans dating from about 200 BCE to 1000 CE. An interesting site to visit and explore.
• Dodge Point Preserve is a nature preserve conservation area is over 500 acres and is located on the Damariscotta River. There are 4 hiking trails and a dock for boat access. This is a beautiful spot to spend the day. Bring a picnic lunch and your swimsuit or fishing pole.

Places to Stay, Eat, and Shop

There are many choices available when you are searching for places to stay in Newcastle or nearby. Even more, choice when it comes to shopping and dining.

These two B&Bs are popular with visitors because of the down-home comfort and accessibility that they each provide.

The Newcastle Inn is located 60 River Road on the Pemaquid Peninsula. It features a beautiful view of the river.

The Tipsy Butler Bed & Breakfast is located on 11 High Street in the heart of the Twin Villages and close to downtown sites and shops.

For a taste of some local seafood and oysters stop by Newcastle Publick House, located on 52 Main St.

And if you have a couple of extra hours and enjoy browsing through antiques and collectibles then you have to check out Indian Trail Antiques. This 4 story barn contains over 15,000 sq. feet of antiques and collectibles organized by type or vintage. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a museum.

Whether you are visiting or relocating you’re sure to fall in love with this small town and all that it has to offer!

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