Ellsworth (Maine)

This is a blue-collar, low-income area that has a very large influx of tourists for four months of every year. Ellsworth, Maine people - perhaps like most people living outside of urban areas are somewhat reserved until they get to know you, but are almost invariably kind and helpful. Patience goes a long way in getting along in Maine. Remember that the hectic summer tourist season can at times be an abnormal and somewhat stressful experience for both locals and visitors, and that a smile and a kind word go a long way. Visit Ellsworth from late fall through early spring to see what it's really like, when the crowds have gone home!
There is a local weekly newspaper, The Ellsworth American and more information can be found on the city's web site or via the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce.

History

According to the history of the Passamaquoddy Indians, the Ellsworth area was originally inhabited by members of the Passamaquoddy and/or Penobscot tribes. In 1773 the first schooner was built at Ellsworth. This was the 'Susan and Abigail,' named after the daughters of the two most prominent citizens and original 1763 settlers from southern Maine, Benjamin Milliken and Benjamin Joy. The vessel carried pine shingles and oak staves in annual voyages to the West Indies. In the years that followed, up to the beginning of the 20th century, a great many schooners of various sizes were built in Ellsworth shipyards along the Union River.
Historian Albert Davis records that in the latter part of the 18th century, Ellsworth was known as the 'Union River Settlement' and was adjacent to the settlements of Surry (to the east) and Trenton (to the south). In 1798 the local inhabitants petitioned to be formally incorporated under the name 'Sumner.' That name having been already taken by a settlement in Oxford County, Maine, the town was finally incorporated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1800 as Ellsworth, named for Oliver Ellsworth, 3rd Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court and thought to be the person who first suggested the name "United States of America" for the newly formed country.
Davis also reports that in the late 1770s there were British raids on the Union River Settlement, with attempts to appropriate the local cattle. However, there were no formal battles in the Ellsworth area during the Revolutionary War.
In 1838 Ellsworth became the county seat of Hancock County, replacing Castine in that role. The original 1838 county buildings still stand, west of the Union River, on Bridge Hill.
Between 1860 and 1865 Ellsworth sent 653 soldiers to fight in the Civil War, according to historian Albert Davis. This was at a time when there were only 847 (male) voters in the area. Military training was held in front of the old county buildings on Bridge Hill, west of the Union River, at the triangular park site of the present Civil War Monument.
In 1869 Ellsworth was incorporated as a city by the Maine Legislature. The first City Hall was Hancock Hall, which stood at the corner of Main Street and School Street. It was destroyed by the Great Ellsworth Fire of 1933.
Work on the famous Ellsworth hydro-electric dam was begun in 1907, at the site of one of the original Benjamin Milliken Union River dams at the 'lower falls.' This led to the creation of the present Leonard's Lake just to the north of the city.
Ellsworth's first great disaster of the 20th century was the Great Flood of 1923. A spring freshet rushed over the dam and carried off the metal Union River Bridge, along with many buildings located along the river, such as the well-known Dirigo Theater, the Foundry and many wharves and warehouses. This event marked the end of Ellsworth's prominence as a shipping center. The present concrete bridge was finished in 1924.
The Great Fire of 1933 destroyed most of Ellsworth's Downtown commercial district, on the east side of the Union River. New buildings were re-built in brick, mainly in the Art Deco style. The unique Ellsworth City Hall dates from this period. Fortunately, many of the old houses outside the business district survived the conflagration.
The 1960s and 70s saw the development of a new Ellsworth business district on High Street, which is the direct route to and from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. This area is now the largest shopping district in Hancock County, with several shopping centers and many large stores, stretching nearly to the Ellsworth-Trenton boundary. Congested traffic during the summer months has led to attempts in recent years to change the road network, especially at the busy intersection of Route 1 and Route 3, known as "The Triangle."

By car

Travel north up I-95 towards Bangor until Exit 182A, then briefly follow I-395 until Exit 6A leads you on to Route 1A and south 22 miles to Ellsworth. Alternatively, drive the old but much more scenic Route 1 all the way up the Maine coast. A common compromise route by locals returning home from southern Maine is to take I-95 to just beyond Augusta, and then pick up Route 3, which leads to Belfast and then joins Route 1 up the coast to Ellsworth. This latter may be the fastest route to Ellsworth from points south, though the stretch along Route 3 lacks the charm of the coastal drive.

By plane

• Hancock County - Bar Harbor AirportLocated in Trenton, only 5 miles outside Ellsworth, near Acadia National Park

• Bangor International Airport30 miles away in Bangor.

By sea

There is no longer long-distance ferry service into the Acadia region. The Cat, a high speed car ferry which previously operated between Bar Harbor, Portland (Maine) and Yarmouth (Canada) ceased operations at the end of the 2009 season.

By bus

• Vermont Transit LinesConnects Bangor with southern Maine and Boston. The bus also travels from Bangor via St. Stephen into New Brunswick, the Canadian Maritimes and Atlantic Canada.

• Bar Harbor-Bangor Shuttle

  phone: +1 207-479-5911
  Connects Bar Harbor and Ellsworth with Bangor.

By train

There are no longer any trains traveling to Ellsworth and points Downeast. However, plans are afoot in Hancock County to redevelop the old railway right-of-way for tourist excursions. The railway tracks still intersect West Main Street, just beyond the meeting point of High Street and Oak Street.

• Airport & Harbor Car Service

  phone: +1 207-667-5995
  address: 440 Oak Point Rd

• Atlantic Taxi Co. Llc

  phone: +1 207-664-4994
  address: Surry

• Cell Kell Taxi

  phone: +1 207-667-7306
  address: 58 North Bend Rd

• Ellsworth Town Taxi

  phone: +1 207-667-1000

• Woodlawn Museum

  phone: +1 207-667-8671
  May through September. the famous Black House, built in 1824. Original furniture, carriage house, outbuildings, public park.

• Ellsworth Public Library

  phone: +1 207-667-6363
  address: 20 State St
  Built in 1817 by Colonel Meltiah Jordan, listed on the National Register of Historic Houses, also known as the Tisdale House. Houses an excellent genealogical collection. Also a Wi-Fi "hot spot."

• Old Hancock County Jail

  address: State St
  Home of the Hancock County Historical Society. Ask at the Ellsworth Public Library for more information.

• Stanwood Homestead Museum and Birdsacre Sanctuary

  phone: +1 207-667-8460
  address: High St
  Look for the sign after you drive past all the shopping centers.

• Congregational Church

  address: State St
  With historical cemetery. One of the most photographed churches in Maine.

• Ellsworth City Hall

  phone: +1 207-667-2563
  Just behind the Downtown stores, near the Congregational Church and Public Library. Unique Art Deco construction, built after the Great Ellsworth Fire of 1933. Includes both Police and Fire departments.

• Agassiz OutcropIn Ellsworth Falls on Route 1A going towards Bangor, on the left just before the turn off to Route 179 An obscure but apparently important National Historical Landmark, located on private property, notable as evidence of glaciation.

• The Grand Auditorium

  phone: +1 207-667-9500 (box office), +1 207-667-5911 (main)
  address: 150 Main St
  A not-for-profit cultural arts center, with distinctive Art Deco architecture. Concerts, movies, international acts and local performers.

• Ellsworth Waterfront

  address: Water St
  Have a picnic at the Union River marina and watch for bald eagles and diving osprey.

• The Courthouse Gallery

  phone: +1 207-667-6611
  On the west side of the Union River, on Bridge Hill, halfway between the Union River Bridge and the famous Black House. Located in the vintage 1838 former Hancock County Court House, newly renovated, near the Grand Old Republic Civil War statue and memorial park. Exhibits by local and other artists.

• WDEA-AM

  phone: +1 207-667-9555
  address: 93 Main St
  Listen to Ellsworth's original radio station on 1370 kHz for 'timeless classics' plus local news, weather and Red Sox baseball.

• Bowling at Eastward Lanes

  phone: +1 207-667-9228
  address: 25 Eastward Ln
  Off the Downeast Highway, near "The Triangle".

Apart from Ellsworth's older, picturesque 'downtown' Main Street commercial area, near the Union River and original 'waterfront' district, there are many, many more stores along the busy High Street "strip" heading towards Bar Harbor, including the large Maine Coast Mall at 250 High Street. Tel: +1 207-667-9905 and the Ellsworth Shopping Center next door at 185 High Street. There's also a Wal-Mart at 461 High Street. Tel: +1 207-667-6780. (The much smaller Mill Mall at 240 State Street, out towards Ellsworth High School and Ellsworth Falls on Route 1A to Bangor, houses the University of Maine Education Center and the Maine Coast Memorial Hospital Wellness Center as well as a number of other businesses.)

• Sleeper's

  phone: +1 207-664-0174
  In the Mill Mall next to Willey's Gun Shop, Newest clothing store in the Ellsworth community. Specializing in brand name clothing, work wear and footwear. Family owned and operated since 1914.

• L.L. Bean Merchandise

  phone: +1 207-667-7753
  address: 150 High St
  Located on Ellsworth's less-than-attractive (but very useful) strip of malls and shopping centers heading down Route 1 towards Bar Harbor, at selling genuine L.L. Bean merchandise at discounted prices.

• John Edwards Markets

  phone: +1 207-667-9377
  address: 158 Main St
  Located in the old Downtown area of Ellsworth, near the Grand Auditorium, John Edwards has been selling organic food, special coffees, health and organic products, homeopathic remedies, organic cosmetics and similar merchandise since 1970.

• J&B Atlantic Company

  address: Main St
  Solid wood furniture, home accessories, gifts and cigars.

• Pyramid Studios

  phone: +1 207-667-3321
  address: 10 State St
  Near the Public Library. Jewelry.

• The Book Shelf

  phone: +1 207-667-1120
  address: 14 State St
  Just off Main Street, near the Public Library. Used and collectible books.

• The Old Creamery Art and Antiques Mall

  phone: +1 207-667-0522
  address: 13 Hancock St
  Just off Main Street.

• Union River Gallery

  phone: +1 207-667-7700
  address: 17 School St
  Fine art and crafts.

• Grasshopper Shop

  phone: +1 207-667-5816
  address: 124 Main St
  Maine-made gifts and souvenirs.

• Crossroads Antiques

  phone: +1 207-667-2082
  address: 142 Main St

• Seaglass Infusion

  phone: +1 207-667-0505
  address: 173 Main St
  Jewelry incorporating local Maine sea glass and sea stones.

• Big Chicken Barn

  phone: +1 207-667-7308
  Far out on Route 1, going south towards Bucksport. Famous for its books and antiques and actually sited in a very large, renovated chicken barn, you can spend hours browsing here.

• Maine Holiday Wreaths

  phone: +1 207-667-5561
  address: Main St

• Mike's Country Store

  phone: +1 207-667-4444
  address: 90 Water St
  Small but famous local general store, in operation since 1897, seven days a week, with the slogan 'Your Grandparents Shopped Here.'

• Willow and Me

  phone: +1 207-460-1077
  Custom made jewelry.

• Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop

  phone: +1 207-667-6886
  address: 193 Main St
  In Ellsworth.

• Ruth Foster's

  phone: +1 207-667-2593
  address: 95 Main St
  Children's clothing.

• Beal's Jewelry & Gifts

  phone: +1 207-667-2161
  address: 97 Main St

• Shoegazer

  phone: +1 207-667-5453
  address: 2 State St
  Interesting, unique shoes in the Downtown area, near the Public Library. Open M-Sa.

• Mitch's Antiques & Usables

  address: 350 Surry Rd
  Just before the Surry town line. Antiques, collectibles & just plain junk.

• Tree Stump Leather

  phone: +1 207-584-3000
  Route 3 towards Bar Harbor. Locally made leather work, such as knife sheaths and holsters.

• Mainely Used Antiques

  phone: +1 207-667-7755
  address: 27 Downeast Highway (Route 1)

• Maine's Own Treats

  phone: +1 207-667-8888
  address: 68 Bar Harbor Rd
  Trenton, just outside of Ellsworth, on the way to the airport, Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. Maine jams, etc.

• Riverside Café

  phone: +1 207-667-4213
  address: 151 Main St
  Great place for breakfast or lunch, but be prepared to wait during the peak summer season, unless there is room at the counter. Good coffee.

• Sylvia's Café

  phone: +1 207-667-7014
  address: 240 State St
  At Mill Mall, out towards Ellsworth High School and Ellsworth Falls. Popular with locals.

• The Union River Lobster Pot

  phone: +1 207-667-5077
  address: 8 South St
  Centrally located quite near the Union River Bridge, with excellent seafood and close-up views of the Union River.

• Kathy's Breakfast and Chowder House

  phone: +1 207-667-7152
  address: 952 Bar Harbor Rd
  Trenton outside of Ellsworth, towards the airport and Acadia National Park. Serves lobster in 14 different ways!

• The Mex

  phone: +1 207-667-4494
  address: 191 Main St
  Mexican food far, far north of the border! A popular restaurant in the old Downtown section of Ellsworth, in business since 1980.

• Finelli Pizza

  phone: +1 207-664-0230
  address: 12 Downeast Highway (Route 1)
  Reputedly the best pizza in eastern Maine, New York style.

• Helen's Restaurant of Ellsworth

  phone: +1 207-667-2433
  address: 55 Downeast Highway
  Out on Route 1, heading downeast.

• Jordan's Snack Bar

  phone: +1 207-667-2174
  address: 200 Downeast Highway (Route 1)
  Popular, high-quality roadside stand with indoor and outdoor seating. Fried seafood, ice cream.

• Finn's Irish Pub

  phone: +1 207-667-2808
  address: 156 Main St
  Irish specialties and beer, music some evenings.

• Bangkok Restaurant

  phone: +1 207-667-1324
  address: Route 1
  Thai food.

• Denny's Restaurant

  phone: +1 207-667-4193
  address: 75 High St

• Friendly's Restaurant

  phone: +1 207-667-7749
  address: 253 High St

• Friends and Family Market

  address: Rte 1A Ellsworth Falls
  Family run market with everything that you might need. Famous butter rolls are not to be missed

• Shinbashi

  phone: +1 207-667-6561
  address: 139 High St
  Spin-off of Bangor's "Green Tea," serving Asian food (Chinese, Japanese, Thai) with an extensive sushi selection. Highly authentic food for Ellsworth -- the food marked "spicy" is actually pretty darned hot!

• Rooster Brother

  address: 29 Main St
  At the Union River Bridge at the foot of Bridge Hill, in the historic Victorian Odd Fellows Hall Building. Specialty food, wine, cheese and coffee roasting. Breakfast from 7:30AM M-F with various excellent coffee choices, plus muffins and croissants.

• Coffee at The Maine Grind

  phone: +1 207-667-0011
  address: 192 Main St
  Near the Grand. with a Wi-Fi "hot spot." Features art exhibitions and live performances.

• Parkers Bar & Grill Pizzeria

  phone: +1 207-667-8700
  address: 59 Franklin St

• Pepper's Pub

  address: 20 Water St

• Peter & Larry's

  phone: +1 207-667-9341
  address: 215 High St

• Homestead MotelHistoric 1810 building plus new units, on the west side of Ellsworth, on Route 1.

• Twilight MotelOn the east side of Ellsworth, on the road to Bar Harbor, at the junction of Routes 1 and 3

• Eagle's Lodge Motel

  address: 278 High St
  Just past "The Triangle," on the way to Bar Harbor.

• Holiday Inn

  phone: +1 207 667-9341
  address: 215 High St

• Comfort Inn

  phone: +1 207 667-1345
  address: 130 High St

• Colonial Inn

  phone: +1 207 667-5548
  address: 321 High St

• Lakeside Cedar Cabins

  phone: +1 207-667-9295
  address: 397 Mariaville Rd
  Nine housekeeping cedar cabins along ten-mile long Graham Lake, a warm water lake with bass fishing and swimming. Each cottage accommodates five persons and include two bedrooms with double beds, bathroom with shower, and kitchen/living area with double futon. Screened porches as well as decks overlooking the lake, plus wood stoves.

• Sunrise MotelJust outside Ellsworth, in Trenton, near the airport and Acadia National Park.

• Open Hearth InnJust outside Ellsworth, in Trenton, near the airport and Acadia National Park.

• Isleview Motel and Cottages

  phone: +1 207-667-5661
  address: 1169 Bar Harbor Rd
  Cabins, motels rooms and budget rooms available. Located just outside of Ellsworth in Trenton, 7.5 miles from Acadia National Park.

• Ramada Ellsworth

  phone: +1 207 667-9341
  address: 215 High St.
  100% smoke free. Services, attractions, and accommodations. 9 miles from the Hancock County- Bar Harbor Airport

Ellsworth is a very safe place, with relatively little crime. However, petty theft is possible anywhere in the United States, especially in large shopping centers and during the busy summer tourist season. Realistically, your biggest risk is in driving your car. Don't drive if you drink, and always drive carefully and defensively, here and everywhere else. Ellsworth drivers are generally polite, careful drivers, but the summer season can be a crazy time on the Maine roads. If visiting Ellsworth in the winter, take special care on the slippery, snowy roads, especially if you're unfamiliar with winter driving conditions.

Wireless internet service covers the Downtown area and Ellsworth Public Library.

• Downeast.net

  phone: +1 207-667-7414
  address: Main Street
  Internet services.

• Acadia National Park - the first National Park east of the Mississippi. Busy during tourist season but one of the most beautiful parts of the Maine coast. Approximately 30 minutes south of Ellsworth via Route 3.
• Acadia Information Center - located on Route 3 in Trenton, just outside Ellsworth, with free assistance in planning your visit to the Acadia National Park region.
• Blue Hill - beautiful, quaint village about 14 miles southwest of Ellsworth via Route 172, located on Blue Hill Bay. Historic houses, antiques, harbor with boats. Well worth the visit.
• Mount Desert Island
• Bar Harbor
• Acadia Air Tours at the Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport in Trenton, about 10 minutes from Ellsworth on the way to Bar Harbor, offers scenic flights with both gliders and old-fashioned biplanes that allow you to see Ellsworth, Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park from a unique perspective.