Wells
Named for the English cathedral town, Wells enjoys seven miles of beautiful beaches. The busy commercialism of Route 1 is separated from the beach area by a broad tidal marsh. The beaches draw thousands each summer.

Wells was Maine's third incorporated town in 1653. It began as a mill town along the Webhannet River, but the first few years the town was under frequent attacks from native Indians and others. The Battle of 1692 is the best-known conflict. French and Indians, more than 500 of them, attacked the Joseph Storer House defended by 15 townsmen and their families. After several days of their repulsing the invaders attacks, the raiders left. The house still stands on Route 1.

In the 1800s Wells had many huge wooden hotels. Thus began the tourism business. In the 1950s small cabins replaced the big hotels and today resorts have replaced the cabins.

Wells has a multitude of rare book and antique shops. There are campgrounds, summer Oceanside rentals, freshly-caught seafood at several restaurants and many stores. September and October are colorful with foliage change setting in. Visit the Wells National Eastern Research Reserve at Laudholm Farm, off Route 1, and the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge off Route 9.

Link: Wells Website