USA/ME: Belfast

Belfast is a beautiful historic town with plenty of old remaining buildings near the old harbor and wharf area. A settlement of a British trading post existed here since 1630s, but the town itself was properly incorporated in 1770 and named after the Irish city. Belfast rapidly grew and became a major port of entry and also a shipbuilding center, producing quite a few multi-mast schooners with wood shipped down here from northern Maine woods by river. The shipbuilding resulted in wealth and many historic mansions sprang up around Belfast, gracing its streets to this date. Interestingly, the oldest shoe store in America is here. Also not to be missed is a fantastic brewery – Marshall Wharf Brewing Company.