Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site

Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site

Parks Directory of the United States / State Parks / Maine

Location: Just north of Damariscotta along Business Route 1, near the Round Top Center for the Arts.
Facilities: Scenic walking trail (maintained by the Damariscotta River Association).
Activities: Hiking, bird watching, nature and archeological study.
Special Features: Site features an oyster shell mound created by Native Americans roughly between 2,200 and 1,000 years ago. Named "Whaleback" because of its size and shape, the mound (midden) consists mainly of discarded shells along with related cultural materials. Studies of the many bones found among the shells shows that the midden-builders were skilled hunters and fishermen with a well-rounded diet that included large game, different kinds of fish, and wild birds.
Address: c/o Damariscotta River Assn
PO Box 333
Damariscotta, ME 04543
Phone: 207-563-1393;
Web: www.maine.gov/doc/parks/programs/db_search
Size: 11 acres.

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