Burnham Tavern
Gambrel-roofed Burnham Tavern, built on a rise overlooking the Machias River in 1770, is said to be the oldest existing building in eastern Maine. It occupies a unique place in local history: In June 1775, a month after the Battle of Lexington, a group of locals hatched a plan here that led to the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War. The armed schooner Margaretta was in Machias harbor to stock up on wood for the British barracks. Locals didn’t think much of that plan, and attacked the ship with smaller boats, muskets, swords, axes, pitchforks—whatever they could grab. The Mainers prevailed, killing the captain of the Margaretta in the process; visitors can learn all about the episode during a tour of the tavern. On display is booty taken from the British ship, along with the original tap table and other historic furniture and ephemera. The tours last around 1 hour.
Gambrel-roofed Burnham Tavern, built on a rise overlooking the Machias River in 1770, is said to be the oldest existing building in eastern Maine. It occupies a unique place in local history: In June 1775, a month after the Battle of Lexington, a group of locals hatched a plan here that led to the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War. The armed schooner Margaretta was in Machias harbor to stock up on wood for the British barracks. Locals didn’t think much of that plan, and attacked the ship with smaller boats, muskets, swords, axes, pitchforks—whatever they could grab. The Mainers prevailed, killing the captain of the Margaretta in the process; visitors can learn all about the episode during a tour of the tavern. On display is booty taken from the British ship, along with the original tap table and other historic furniture and ephemera. The tours last around 1 hour.
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