Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
The John Hancock Wharf was built around 1740 and is considered the earliest surviving structure related to maritime activity in southern Maine. The acclaimed politician owned the warehouse and a wharf just east of Sewall’s bridge in York for a short period of time in late 1780’s and early 1790’s.
Originally the town’s first customhouse following the Revolution, it is believed that John Hancock used the colonial warehouse to hide smuggled goods, such as rum and tea, past British customs officers.
The warehouse was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1969 and – now as a museum run by the Old York Historical Society – still embodies much of its 18th century charm. This postcard depicts the building in 1990.
About This Item
- Title: John Hancock Wharf Museum, York, 1990
- Creation Date: 1990-02-17
- Subject Date: circa 1740
- Location: York River, York, York County, ME
- Media: Postcard
- Dimensions: 8.7 cm x 13.9 cm
- Local Code: Coll. 4014, Box 16
- Collection: Postcard collection
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Customhouses--Maine--York
- Declaration Of Independence. United States--Signers
- Founding Fathers of the United States
- John Hancock Wharf Museum (York, Me.)
- Navigation--History--Maine
- Old York Historical Society
- Rum
- Smuggling--Maine
- Tea
- Wharves--Maine--York
- York River (Me.)
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.
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