Most people know all about our potato, lumber and political history, but did you know that there’s an important piece of Maine’s past that exists in the form of a bar? For those who always found history class to be a bit boring, this might be the perfect way to make things more interesting. Head to Freeport, walk inside and order a drink at the oldest bar in Maine. And, while you’re there, take a moment to appreciate the fascinating history inside. Read on to find out what that is!
Hidden in plain sight in Freeport since 1779, Maine’s oldest bar played an important role in Maine’s history.
Jameson Tavern / Facebook
It was first a family home for John Anglier Hyde, a local Freeport doctor.
Jameson Tavern / Facebook Beginning in 1828 it acted as a local inn known as Codman’s Tavern. In 1856 the home and land was bought by John Cushing, a local shipbuilder.
Cushing’s family lived in the home until around 1801 when it was bought by Captain Samuel Jameson.
This is where we get the name!
Captain Jameson and his wife created “Jameson’s Tavern,” the name under which it operated until 1828 when it was sold it to Richard Codman.
nightbeacons / Flickr
And this is where our history begins!
Jameson Tavern / Facebook
The atmosphere and location of the inn made it perfect for meetings, including one very special meeting in particular!
Jameson Tavern / Facebook Records show that local commissioners convened in the northeast corner of the second floor to sign papers that gave Vacationland independence from Massachusetts.
Visitors today will see a plaque dedicated by the Daughters of the Revolution in 1914 that commemorates this important event in Maine history.
The Freeport location made it a good stopover point between Portland and the cities further north. It was also used as the middle point for people like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Franklin Pierce to stop en route to Bowdoin.
The tavern was purchased in 1981 and is still operated by these owners.
thratko / TripAdvisor A walk through the halls will give visitors a sense of what it may have looked like back in 1779.
However, ordering off the menu will feel like a thoroughly modern Maine experience!
ugarxdawg / TripAdvisor
Down to the local Maine beers on tap.
Jameson Tavern / Facebook
And the perfect and hearty Monday Night Dinner Specials!
Jameson Tavern / Facebook
You can’t beat the seafood.
debdanielson / TripAdvisor
And dessert is a must-have!
Kathleen M / TripAdvisor Jameson Tavern is open everyday from 11am to 9pm.
Visit Jameson Tavern at 115 Main Street, Freeport, Maine. You can call them on (207) 865-4196.
Jameson Tavern / Facebook
Beginning in 1828 it acted as a local inn known as Codman’s Tavern. In 1856 the home and land was bought by John Cushing, a local shipbuilder.
Cushing’s family lived in the home until around 1801 when it was bought by Captain Samuel Jameson.
This is where we get the name!
nightbeacons / Flickr
Records show that local commissioners convened in the northeast corner of the second floor to sign papers that gave Vacationland independence from Massachusetts.
Visitors today will see a plaque dedicated by the Daughters of the Revolution in 1914 that commemorates this important event in Maine history.
The Freeport location made it a good stopover point between Portland and the cities further north. It was also used as the middle point for people like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Franklin Pierce to stop en route to Bowdoin.
thratko / TripAdvisor
A walk through the halls will give visitors a sense of what it may have looked like back in 1779.
ugarxdawg / TripAdvisor
debdanielson / TripAdvisor
Kathleen M / TripAdvisor
Jameson Tavern is open everyday from 11am to 9pm.
For more Maine relics, head to this small town for a trip down memory lane. It’s FULL of antique stores that will fill your weekend with fun!
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