An Early History of the Kennebunks
The early history of Kennebunk is to be found within the town of Wells, incorporated in 1653, which encompassed the present town of Kennebunk. Separation did not occur until 1820, the same year Maine separated from Massachusetts. The area now known as the town of Kennebunk lies mainly between the Mousam and Kennebunk rivers. The district extends from the middle of the commercial center easterly along Summer St. to Kennebunk Landing. Up to 1700, little progress was made in the settlement of Kennebunk. Between 1700 and 1750, however, the lands and privileges between the two rivers were in great demand. On March 22, 1736, one hundred acres of land were surveyed for Nathaniel and Richard Kimball. This survey inaugurated the permanent settlement of the village area. Up to that time, no dwelling had been erected within its limits. There had been a few temporary structures, but by 1736 they no longer existed.

From the mid eighteenth century on, the area between the Mousam and Kennebunk rivers grew into a large town with a history significant to Maine and the nation. Local businesses prospered in the village and along the Kennebunk River. The most successful of these commercial ventures were, of course, those related to shipbuilding.

The significance of this historic district lies in its architecture, for nothing remains of the great shipyards. The homes of the shipbuilders, ship owners, and sea captains survive, however, leaving a largely unchanged picture of life in a sea-oriented village of earlier times. Within the small area is a great spectrum of architecture ranging from mid eighteenth-century Colonial to late nineteenth-century Queen Anne. All but one of these great houses were built of wood, the most readily available building material. The one brick house is the famous "Wedding Cake House." Almost all designed and built by local men, these homes are a great tribute to the talent of the Maine craftsmen and house joiners.