Town of Thomaston, Maine

On famous coastal Route 1, overlooking the St. George River in Maine’s midcoast region, you’ll find the historic Main Street of Thomaston. Throughout its history, the town, which started out as a trading post, has gone by many other names: Fort Georges, Fort Wharf, and Lincoln; eventually, the name Thomaston was settled upon after Major General John Thomas. The Thomaston motto “The Town that Went to Sea” refers to the robust and prosperous shipbuilding industry that flourished in the early 19th century.

The once-bustling port of Thomaston is now home to a well-preserved and remarkable Main Street lined with buildings dating from the late 18th century to the early 19th century. The entire historic district is anchored on the eastern end with a 1929 reproduction of General Knox’s mansion—Montpelier, home to the Knox Museum.

Thomaston, today bustles with a vibrancy and energy that makes it an attractive coastal town to visit or settle down in; the palatable spiritedness of the community, the historic district, and the natural beauty of the area are a big draw. Let’s take a tour of Thomaston to see for yourself why it’s a popular and lively Maine town.

Exploring Thomaston Maine

Small towns across America (and Maine) have been dealing with reinventing themselves as the world around them changes quickly. It’s a delicate balance between what was and moving boldly forward.

DownEast Magazine recently published an article, “Best Small-Town Downtowns,” featuring Thomaston as one of a handful of Maine towns embracing this change.

It certainly doesn’t hurt that Thomaston’s Main Street is also the well-traveled Route 1, and without a doubt, the Thomaston’s Historic District is a large part of its attraction. A significant change came about in 2002 when the city established a series of panels throughout the district illustrating historical events, illuminating local curiosities, and revealing rich backstories.

The first in the US and Maine, this permanent installation is called Museum in the Streets and features 30 well-written and researched placards placed all over town. The wonderful news is it’s free, self-guided, and gives you a broad overview of Thomaston history.

The crown jewel of Thomaston’s historic district is Montpelier or the Knox Museum. The mansion was built in 1794 as a gentleman’s farm by Henry Knox, whom George Washington appointed as the United States Secretary of War from 1789 to 1794. Ready to settle down after years of service, Knox retired here with family and focused on nurturing a new nation and the rural Maine community.

The original structure fell into disrepair, was razed in 1871, and was rebuilt in 1929. Today, the museum harkens back to simpler times and an important time in our nation’s history. The home and accompanying grounds are well maintained, and you can take a tour with knowledgeable docents who make the history of Montpelier and the Knox family come alive.

Interesting Facts About Thomaston

As early as 1630, the area now known as Thomaston was little more than a trading post on the eastern bank of the lower St. Georges River.

Most notably, the river was the boundary between the territories known as New England and New France. Continual hostilities beset the region called The French and Indian Wars (1754-1763) and made living here difficult and dangerous. The hostilities ended with the fall of Quebec in 1759 and settlement flourished.

Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding continues the tradition of shipbuilding and is located on the original site of General Henry Knox Mansion along the banks of the St. George River, where wooden schooners have been constructed and launched for over 200 years.

In addition to shipbuilding, fishing, clamming, lobstering, and farming are significant local industries.

In Spring 1605, English explorer George Weymouth arrived in his ship Archangel and dropped anchor near the mouth of the St. George River. They planted a garden on nearby Allen Island, it is purported to be the site of the first farming attempt in North America. There is much speculation as to exactly where Weymouth landed, and over time it’s become established that he was in Thomaston and on the St.Georges River.

In 1977 a cross was erected on a hill overlooking the river commemorating the landing spot. The river’s name—St. George is most likely a nod to King George of Weymouth’s homeland, England, or possibly a reference to St. George, the patron Saint of England.
Subsistence and Shopping in Thomaston

Restaruants and Shopping

The local shops and eateries are what make Thomaston shine; they add to the vitality and energy necessary to keep the town on the radar as one of the “Best Small-Town Downtowns.”

The Block Saloon, a “craft cocktail and kitchen,” is a hip, stylish, and very cozy bar/restaurant to visit while you wander around Thomaston. Block Saloon offers a changing menu with smallish, creative, and shareable items. If you are craving more, check out the three-course meal, decided on by the chef, and hence the name—Chef’s Whim. There’s also a well-curated and intimate wine list and hand-crafted cocktails.

The well-established Thomaston Cafe is open for lunch and dinner, and they feature both a burger night and a prime rib night and offer plenty of vegetarian options.

If you’re wondering where the locals start their day, head over to FlipSide Coffee for hot beverages and tasty breakfast sandwiches—you’ll never be led astray by neighborhood favorites.

For all your provisioning needs, visit the Thomaston Grocery; with everything from fresh meats and seafood to homemade beans, available only on Saturdays, you’ll appreciate this little gem located right on Main Street.

And, you have to love any local grocery that posts a recipe on their FB page from Betty White in honor of Betty White—check out her special Chicken Wings Pacifica posted on January 10, 2022.

There’s so much more to explore in and around Thomaston; this is just a smattering of a few of the many highlights. We have a feeling you’re going to love a visit to Thomaston as much as we enjoyed researching and writing about it. If you’re ever in the area, drop in and see why Thomaston is one of the most up-and-coming small-town downtowns.

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