A Historic Stay in Kittery, Maine: Discover the Rich History Near The Water Street Inn
Welcome to Historic Kittery, Maine
The state of Maine is filled with rich history, and The Water Street Inn, a charming and historic inn in Kittery, is perfectly situated to explore it all. Located in Kittery, Maine—first settled in 1623 and incorporated in 1647—it’s the oldest incorporated town in the state. During the American Revolution, the first U.S. naval vessels were constructed on Badger's Island, including the USS Ranger (1777) commanded by John Paul Jones. (The John Paul Jones House Museum, run by the Portsmouth Historical Society, is open for visits seasonally.)
Fort McClary State Historic Site in Kittery, Maine – a must-see near The Water Street Inn.
Things to Do in Kittery, Maine
Many visitors enjoy things to do in Kittery Maine, like heading to Kittery Point, which is located directly on the ocean. This scenic area is home to Fort McClary State Historic Site, positioned at the mouth of the Piscataqua River to protect Portsmouth Harbor and the nearby Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Another great spot to explore is Fort Foster Park, which was active from 1901–1946 and now features beaches and trails along the water.
Another great spot for history buffs is The First Congregational Church which was formed in 1714 and the oldest church building in continuous use in Maine.
Explore the Legacy of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the nation's first and oldest continuously operating federal navy yard, was established in 1800 on Fernald's Island. During the Civil War, the facility rebuilt the USS Constitution and built the USS Kearsarge. Today, it focuses on the overhaul, repair, and modernization of nuclear submarines.
In 1905, construction began on the Portsmouth Naval Prison, a military prison dubbed "The Castle." It was the principal prison for the Navy and Marine Corps, as well as housing for many German U-boat crews after capture, until it closed in 1974. Also in 1905, the Portsmouth Navy Yard hosted the Treaty of Portsmouth which formally ended the Russo-Japanese War. President Theodore Roosevelt won the 1906 Nobel Peace Prize for arranging this peace conference.
Visit Kittery Foreside and Local Landmarks
Within walking distance of The Water Street Inn, the charming neighborhood of Kittery Foreside is filled with charming shops and a variety of delicious restaurants. It’s also home to one of Kittery’s most striking buildings: the Rice Public Library, constructed in 1889 in the Romanesque Revival style with Queen Anne influences. This imposing two-story structure is known as the most outstanding library building in the state.
Finally, the Whaleback Light Station, located in the Piscataqua River at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbor, was constructed in 1872 to replace an early lighthouse (built in 1829). A granite tower built of large square-cut stones, it stands 59 feet above the mean high tide level, with an octagonal lantern.
Stay at The Water Street Inn - A Historic Inn in Kittery
The Water Street Inn is a beloved Kittery Maine hotel tucked along the bank of the sparkling Piscataqua River, right next to John Paul Jones Memorial Park. The three-floor brick home was built in 1879 by George Trefethen, who belonged to a prominent Kittery family. He signed the attic ceiling in Room 5 in pencil, which has been preserved. The inn’s third-floor rooms boast panoramic views of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and most rooms also feature their own gundalow plaques—a nod to the area’s maritime past.
Your Coastal New England Getaway Awaits
Though steeped in history, The Water Street Inn has all the conveniences and comforts you expect from a modern hotel in coastal New England. Our local, independent inn is the perfect choice for anyone looking for places to stay in Kittery, whether you are enjoying our Maine “vacationland” and indulging in lobster, blueberries and lupin sightings or visiting as a history buff.
We provide a perfect New England getaway—your home away from home on the coast of Maine.