Castine Town Common

Castine Town Common

  • <p>Modern photograph of the Castine Town Common- Collection of the Castine Historical Society</p>
  • <p>Photograph of the Town Common, c. 1870- Collection of the Castine Historical Society</p>
  • <p>Photograph of the Town Common bandstand, c. late 19th century- Collection of the Castine Historical Society</p>
  • <p>Photograph of the dedication of the Civil War monument, 1887- Collection of the Castine Historical Society</p>
  • <p>Photograph of Common during town band concert, 2013--Collection of Castine Historical Society</p>
  • <p>Photograph of Meeting House on the Common, c 1875--Courtesy of Wilson Museum</p>

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Castine’s Town Common is considered one of the best surviving examples of a town common in New England. The idea of “common land” in a town was part of English law and was brought to North America by early English settlers.

In 1815, John Perkins sold the “common lot” to the town for $10.00. Over time improvements were made including leveling and fencing the lot, installing a bandstand, and planting elm trees, some of which still survive.

On Memorial Day 1887, the town dedicated its Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Monument, with this slightly altered Biblical inscription: “With A Great Sum Obtained We This Freedom,” celebrating the Union cause. After World War I, another simpler monument was dedicated to commemorate those soldiers.

Today, the Common is surrounded by a mix of public and private buildings, including the town’s first church, a library, a school, and private homes. The tannery, the church’s hearse house, the county court house, jail and stocks, and a Methodist church are no longer standing.