Where Kittery Got Its Name

The name Kittery dates to the early 1600s. The “oldest town in Maine” was settled some time in the 1620-30s and was incorporated in 1647. Like most towns along the Piscataqua, Kittery was named by English settlers in honor of their homeland. But this town was named, not for another town, but for a manor house.

The honor of naming the town is often assigned to Alexander Shapleigh, who was reportedly born around 1574 at the Manor of Kittery Court in Devon, England. Kittery Court is located in the village of Kingsweare, across the river Dart from the city of Dartmouth. Dartmouth, New Hampshire, of course, and Exeter and Appledore are also local place names borrowed from the this region in the county of Devon.

In England the Shapleights were merchants and major importers of salt from France. It was a natural step to become involved in the fishing industry in which salted fish were imported from the Atlantic coast of America.

Alexander Shapleigh arrived in New England in 1635 aboard his ship BENEDICTION. He co-owned the ship with business partner Captain Francis Champernowne, a relative of Sir Walter Scott. Like the Pepperrells of Kittery, they also set up a salt fish operation at the Isles of Shoals and exported the popular product to Europe.

Kittery Court (also called Kittery Quay) survives and is on a popular list of sites to visit in Kingsweare. The region boasts a mediaeval castle. Today a car ferry runs from Kingsware to Dartmouth and the sleepy village is a popular tourist spot. Visitors can also take a steam railroad train along the scenic winding coast.