Kennebunkport Live Cam

History

The history of Kennebunkport is deeply intertwined with the early settlement of Maine and its development as a thriving maritime community. Originally inhabited by the Abenaki tribes, the area was first encountered by European explorers in the early 1600s. The town’s name derives from the Abenaki word "Kennebunk," meaning “the place where the river bends.” The first European settlers arrived in the 1620s, with the area being officially incorporated as a town in 1718.

In the 18th century, Kennebunkport flourished as a shipbuilding center and a hub for the fishing and trading industries. The town's strategic location along the Atlantic coast provided access to abundant marine resources and made it an ideal spot for shipbuilding. During this period, Kennebunkport became home to numerous shipyards, and many vessels were constructed for trade, fishing, and whaling. The town’s economy thrived, and its waterfront became bustling with activity.