WESTPORT

Westport Island was known to the Indians and early settlers as Jeremy Squam Island. Westport Island is eleven miles long, lies south of Wiscasset on the Sheepscot River and is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Robinhood, an Indian Sagamore, sold the island to John Richards, an early settler, in 1649. It was Surveyed as early as 1744 for its timber which was valuable because of the export of sailing ship mast pines.

A precipitous cliff on the western bank of the river is known as Doggett's Castle. Here Captain Samuel Doggett (1685-1745) used to moor his ship "Dolphin" and trade with the Indians. Through the years the Island has kept is quiet feeling, and simple, peaceful life. Fishing and other hand trades are the principal industries.

Just north of the historic Town Hall (1790) and adjoining Church, you will find the historic Squire Tarbox Farm (built in 1763-1825). Squire Sam was involved with fishing and shipping, was the Town's First Selectman and its Postmaster. The Squire Tarbox Farm is on the National Register of Historic Places and is now a country inn with dinner restaurant open to the public. It is also a small goat cheese dairy. Samuel Tarbox had twelve children, and one of his grandsons died with General Custer at the Battle of Little Big Horn. Squire Sam is buried with members of his family in a wrought iron fenced cemetery a short distance north of his farm.

Residents of the Town of Westport welcome your visit. We hope that you enjoy your Sunday drive.