Bath, ME Summary

Bath (population 9,950) is 38 miles northeast of Portland on I-95 and US-1. The town began life as a shipbuilding center in 1607. The state’s first sawmill was started in 1623, and many more came later. Lumber became Maine’s most saleable resource. Shipbuilding grew after American independence and became a major industry in both Bath and Wiscasset (10 miles northeast). The Maine Maritime Museum and Shipyard documents the area’s shipbuilding past. Visitors learn about the challenges these early adventurers faced. The wooden ships built then are a far cry from the guided missile frigates and merchant container ships built at the Bath Iron Works today. Portland International Jetport is the nearest major airport.