Eastport is often used as an example of the quintessential Downeast coastal community. It’s an accurate description due to Eastport’s rocky coastal setting, its sardine fishing and canning history, it’s remaining but struggling fisheries, its rugged remoteness and quaintly charactered downtown. But these days, there’s more going on than might meet the eye or ear. Proposed developments in LNG (liquid natural gas) and resort projects are pulling on the population and splitting it into defined camps. The quaint downtown, while brimming with Downeast character, is struggling with many empty shop fronts. The rugged remoteness of the area is both an asset and hindrance. Its isolation creates a wonderful “getaway” for those that have discovered Eastport as a recreation destination or place to retire but that same isolation makes it difficult to lure new business and industry. Then there is the quietly unfolding 12 year development plan that has made slow but steady headway into revitalizing an area that has suffered many losses.

In its heyday, Eastport was the sardine producer for the nation. By the 1870’s, its shores were lined with canneries and processing plants. These plants provided good steady work for sometimes an entire family as men, women and children worked the lines cutting and canning the fishy delicacy. Shipbuilding existed in the town long before the canneries and played an important role in Eastport’s early history. By the time the canneries opened, shipping was beginning to slump but the sardines created new business for them. During the 1830’s, these elements made Eastport second to only New York as a trading port during this time. Eastport was a bustling commerce and entertainment center for its patrons and populace. Due to its remote location and few surrounding communities, Eastport served as the major service center for both the local businesses and population. The town also featured bars, lecture halls and stage productions to bring culture and recreation to the town.

Things topped out for Eastport in the early 20th century as shipping and shipbuilding faded from the economic landscape. The canneries continued to prosper through WWII but dwindled from 18 to 5 factories during this period. By the 1960’s, only 2 canneries remained with the final closing taking place in the 80’s. In many ways, the demise of the canneries spelled the beginning of hardship for Eastport. Without the canneries and ships, Eastport lost its economic energy and has been recovering ever since.