📍 Location & Geography
Kittery is a town located in York County, Maine, United States. It is the southernmost town in Maine and is situated on the Piscataqua River, which forms the boundary between Maine and New Hampshire. Kittery is known for its beautiful coastline, which includes sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and marshlands. The town also includes Kittery Point, a small, picturesque village that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates of Kittery, Maine are approximately 43.0852° N latitude and 70.7367° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Kittery is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. The town covers a total area of 75.3 square miles, of which 55.1 square miles is land and 20.2 square miles is water, according to the United States Census Bureau.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, the population of Kittery was 9,490. The population density was 172.2 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the town was predominantly White, with a small percentage of African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races. The median age in the town was 44.5 years.
🏛️ History
Kittery was first settled by Europeans in 1623, making it the oldest town in Maine. It was incorporated in 1647 and was named after Kittery Court, the birthplace of founder Alexander Shapleigh’s grandfather in England. Kittery has a rich naval history and is home to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, which is located on Seavey’s Island in Kittery.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Kittery boasts a variety of natural attractions. The town is home to several parks and nature preserves, including Fort Foster Park, Seapoint Beach, and the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. The latter is a sanctuary for migratory birds and other wildlife. Kittery also offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities due to its location along the Piscataqua River and the Atlantic Ocean.
🏫 Education
Education in Kittery is managed by the Kittery School District, which includes Horace Mitchell Primary School, Shapleigh School, and Traip Academy. The town is also in close proximity to several colleges and universities, including the University of New Hampshire and Southern Maine Community College.
🚧 Transportation
Kittery is served by U.S. Route 1, Interstate 95, and State Route 103, providing easy access to nearby cities like Portland and Portsmouth. The town also offers a local trolley service during the summer months. The nearest airport is Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, located in New Hampshire.
📜 Trivia & Events
Kittery is known for its numerous outlet stores, making it a popular shopping destination. The town also hosts several events throughout the year, including the Kittery Block Party, a community festival with music, food, and activities. Kittery is also home to the historic John Paul Jones House, where the famous naval commander once lived.