Newcastle is a town in Lincoln County, incorporated as a District on June 19, 1753 from the former Sheepscot Plantation, and as a town on August 23, 1775. It set off land to New Milford (Alna) in 1795 and annexed land from Jefferson in 1858.
Settled in the early 1630's, Newcastle was the first town to be incorporated within the colonial territory of Sagadahoc. It was named for the Duke of Newcastle, the King's primary secretary and a friend of the colonies.
Newcastle, located on U.S. Route 1 just west of the Damariscotta River, is home to Maine's oldest Catholic Church, St. Patrick's, completed in 1808.
Nearby Great Salt Bay is protected by Maine legislation and is the state's first marine shellfish protected area.
Dodge Point Public Reserved Land, with over 8,000 feet of frontage on the western shore of the Damariscotta River, encompasses 521 acres. It features pocket sand and pebble beaches, freshwater ponds and stream-cut ravines in the interior uplands. Recreation includes hiking, cross-country skiing, skating, swimming and fishing. An interpretive trail starts at the Old Farm Road and the Shore Trail has fine views. Visitors arrive by boat from the public landing in Damariscotta or by vehicle using the River Road in Newcastle.
