Coastal Maine : a maritime history
"Maine was one of the first regions of North America to be explored and populated by Europeans. In 1524, Giovanni Verrazano became the first European to leave a verifiable account of reaching its striking jagged coastline. His journey inspired other explorers to travel to Maine's shores and to found colonies along the coast. By the beginning of the eighteenth century Maine was populated by resilient settlers, whose livelihood depended on the abundance of fish and lumber. Trees tilled from the dense forests quickly fostered Maine's development into a preeminent shipbuilding community. The settlers needed boats of all sizes both for fishing and to transport lumber and other commodities up and down the coast. Soon privateers, clipper ships, Downeasters, and coal schooners were built in Maine, financed by Maine owners, and managed by Maine merchants. By the end of the nineteenth century, Maine's myriad boatyards were producing coastal steamers, ocean-going cargo vessels, and destroyers, as well as elegant yachts. At the same time, fishermen were building sloops and lobster boats in almost every quiet cove."
Print Book, English, ©1992
W.W. Norton, New York, ©1992