Rockport Lime Kilns and Railroad Tracks

The Visit: On January 26th I visited the Lime Kilns in Rockport, Maine. The site is now mainly used as a town boat launch and unfortunately the kilns have accumulated a bit of trash, but overall the area is well kept.
Historical Significance: By the early 1800's there were nearly 60 lime kilns along the midcoast of Maine and Rockport became the leading lime producer for the world. By the 1900's railroads were transporting 100,000 tons of limerock yearly from Rockport, making it an economic success. Soon into the 1900's though lime necessity declined as new materials came into the market. The kilns and railroads were abandoned and deteriorated to what is there today. For almost 100 years Rockport helped boost Maine's economy until, like many industries in Maine, it could no longer compete with new materials and industries.

Resources: Maine Coast Lime Industry: http://www.mainecoastguide.com/sidebars/lime.html,

Preserve America: Camden, Maine

The Visit: On January 26th I also visited the town of Camden, Maine. This town has been dubbed as a Preserve America Community and represents the historical preservation that Maine cherishes in many of its towns. There are no fast food restaurants with no drive throughs and only a few big name gas stations. The town has relatively clean streets and has restored several historical places so that they can be used for the community while also keeping their historic charm. There is a sense of local pride for its cultural and natural heritage and it makes Camden a lovely town to take a walk through.

Historical Significance: Camden is one of 12 Preserve America Communities in Maine, Portland being another. To be given this award the community must "protect and celebrate their heritage, use their historic assets for economic development and community revitalization, and encourage people to experience and appreciate local historic resources through education and heritage tourism programs."(Preserve America) Maine is a state that emphasizes the importance of keeping its rustic qualities while using those qualities as assets for means of income, primarily in tourism. But what separates Maine from many other states is that this preserving of communities and landmarks was not only for the economic benefit. It created a sense of pride in which Mainers can proudly show their appreciation for their State's history. Towns like Camden and Portland have demonstrated these cultural values that many Maine residents believe in by becoming Preserve America Communities.

Resources: Preserve America:  http://www.preserveamerica.gov/overview.html,  Maine Preservation: http://www.mainepreservation.org/

Balance Rock, Fernalds Neck

 
The Visit: On January 26th, I visited Balance Rock in Fernalds Neck in Lincolnville, Maine as well. To reach this landmark I walked .2 miles into the Fernalds Neck Preserve on a relatively well groomed trail. At the site there is a small plaque located on the rock itself that dedicates it to Vinton and Elizabeth Harkness. The rock is perfectly balanced on another rock that forms into a cliff which overlooks Megunticook Lake. The preserve is well maintained and therefore provided for a lovely afternoon walk.
Historical Significance: Balance Rock signifies the process in which Maine's coast gained its reputation as the "rocky coast". 20,000 years ago the Laurentide Ice Sheet traveled south from Canada and eventually covered all of Maine. As glaciers transported sediment they formed Maine's lakes, mountains, valleys,and coastal lowlands. Maine's identity is often associated with its geography and Balance Rock is an example of how influential the glaciers were to the geography of Maine.

Additional Information From: Growing Up In Maine: http://www.growinupinmaine.com/2007/04/ancient-balancing-act-in-maine_20.html,   Coastal Mountains Land Trust: http://www.coastalmountains.org/conserved_lands/preserves/fernald.html,    Maine's Glacial Moraines: http://www.maine.gov/doc/nrimc/mgs/explore/surficial/facts/jan00.htm