|
BACKGROUND:
In
June 1605 George Waymouth,
English navigator/explorer,
anchored at the base of the St. George River after making landfall at
Monhegan. While exploring in the area,
it is believed he explored the Georges River in a smaller exploration
vessel
called a light horseman, and planted a second cross at the bend of the
river at
the approximate location of the Thomaston town landing.
On July 6, 1905,
the Maine Historical Society, along with Thomaston citizens, officials
and people from neighboring towns, gathered to celebrated the
300th anniversary
of Waymouth's arrival. Over two thousand
people were
in attendance. The Cutter Woodbury,
Steamers Castine, W. G. Butman and Bristol
led a number of smaller craft on an excursion to Pentecost
Harbor at Allen
Island at the
mouth of
the Georges River
(or St. Georges River). It
is believed this is where Waymouth anchored with his ship Archangel and that he erected a cross on Allen
Island.
A granite cross was unveiled, a flag raised
and a 21 gun salute was fired by the Arkansas. The procession returned to the town landing,
whereupon another salute was made at the site where it is believed a
second
cross was erected. A procession formed
to march up Knox Street
to
the town Mall, accompanied by a band and 125 school children. Ceremonies were held at the Mall, a small
green on Main Street,
where
a memorial boulder was unveiled and various events took place
throughout the
afternoon and into the evening.
In June 2005, the Thomaston
Historical
Society organized a similar
celebration for the 400th anniversary. Called
"The Georges - A River of Discovery," the two-day
event was planned with various events taking place.
We
honored the memory of Captain George
Waymouth’s early
explorations
by celebrating
the heritage of the Georges River
and its importance to all of the communities bordering its length. It is important that we continue to appreciate
and
protect this river, one that has played such an important role in each
of our
towns' rich historical achievements.
|
