In 1789 , Wiscasset was declared a Port of Entry. Then, Wiscasset
was the busiest port east of Boston. In the late 1700s, the harbor
was so busy it was said that sometimes you could walk from boat to
boat across the harbor. Now, the harbor is used for summer recreation
and fishing.
For 124 years Wiscasset remained a Port of Entry. The first Customs
House burned in 1866. Four years later the Customs House was
replaced. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places!
Now, the Customs House is a gift shop and residence.