Welcome to Kittery
Kittery, ME Historical Overview
Kittery was named after Kittery Court in Devon, England, when the Shapleigh and Champernowne families arrived from Kittery Court and founded a new settlement at the mouth of the Piscataqua River in 1623. Kittery became incorporated as a town in approximately 1647.
Before the arrival of Europeans, this area was known to Native Americans as Amiciskeag, which in the Algonquin dialect translates roughly into “fishing point.”
Living in Kittery, ME
Maine’s oldest and southernmost town, Kittery is bordered by York and Eliot, includes several of the offshore Isles of Shoals, and is just across the river from historic Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It currently boasts approximately 5,000 residents.
In 1800, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard opened on Seavey’s Island in the Piscataqua River. Some of the original vessels of the U.S. Navy were built here during the Revolution, including the Ranger, built for John Paul Jones. The Navy's oldest continually operating shipyard, the Shipyard is named for the city of Portsmouth, NH, but is officially located in Kittery. PNS is one of the largest employers in the area. On Kittery Point, Fort McClary was officially established in 1808, followed by Fort Foster in 1901. Forts McClary and Foster are now public parks with beaches and trails. To learn more about Kittery’s long, rich naval history, one can visit the Kittery Historical and Naval Museum.
Schools and Education in Kittery, ME
Kittery has three schools: Mitchell Primary School, Shapleigh School, and High School at Traip Academy. Kids and adults alike are kept busy throughout the seasons by participating in one of the many community events and celebrations. An all-time family favorite is June's Kittery Block Party, a joyous celebration of local art, culture, and food with a great neighborhood atmosphere.
Things to Do in Kittery, ME
The shopping in Kittery is renowned, whether it’s the national name-brand outlet malls on U.S. Route 1, or jewelry, art, and weavings by local artisans at Wallingford Square in the revitalized downtown known as Kittery Foreside. Kittery also has a 72-acre forest and two ocean beaches, both of which are backed by marshes and provide excellent bird-watching sites.
The arts are alive and well here. The Star Theater at the Kittery Community Center has year-round productions, as does the Kittery Dance Hall. From sea shanties at a tavern to outdoor concerts in the summer, music is always in the air in Kittery. The creative visual arts are well represented by The Kittery Art Association.
No description of this town would be complete without a nod to its blossoming dining scene, especially in Kittery Foreside or down "Gourmet Alley". Whether the desire is for authentic Indian cuisine at Tulsi or craft beer and gourmet flatbread pizza at When Pigs Fly, the food shouldn’t be missed. Want to know where the locals go? Try Bob’s Clam Hut, which has been serving some of the best-fried seafood in the area since 1956.
Kittery, ME Real Estate Market
The Kittery, ME, real estate market offers diverse properties ranging from historic homes to modern condos. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or an investor, Kittery provides plenty of opportunities. Explore the full listing of homes for sale in Kittery, ME, and find your dream property in this beautiful coastal town.
