Searsport was incorporated by the Maine State Legislature on February 13, 1845.

The first town meeting was held on March 3,1945.

Altough the name of Maineport had been origianlly suggested for the new town, the citizens requested that their community be named after David Sears, the wealthiest citizen in the area, hoping to establish a relationship that would prove profitable in the future. Sears did give $1,000 for the construction of a town hall and later his personal library as the basis for the first public library.

For the better part of the 19th century Searsport shores were busy with ship building and supporting industries. Close to the yards were steam sheds for bending timbers and planking, blacksmith shops, oakum shops, an iron foundry, and a sail loft. Stretching from Moose Point to Sears Island, these yards produced at one time or another over 200 ships.

The era of the wooden sailing vessel came to a close as steam replaced wind and iron hulls replaced wood. Yards and wharfs slowly disappeared. yet at low tide, one can still see the rocks which formed the wharfs and an occasional weathered timber.

(information taken from Searsport, Maine 150th Anniversary book)

For more information please visit Penobscot Marine Musuem