Machias – Historic Gem of Washington County
with Elyse Socker
July 15th, 2025
The town of Machias is the county seat for Washington County and a lovely but less-traveled part of Downeast. The word Machias in the Passamaquoddy language means “bad little falls”, which refers to the beautiful and rugged waterfalls located on the Machias River in the center of the community. The town became famous as the location of the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War, 250 years ago this year. In 1775, locals were told of the battles of Lexington and Concord. When a small Royal Navy ship demanded Machias provide lumber to be used by British forces down in Boston, the locals decided on a different plan. The Machias Patriots sailed after the little British ship, fought its crew, and captured it. Today, you can visit Burnham Tavern (built in 1770), where the Patriots came up with their audacious plan to take on the British, and which was set up as a hospital during the battle. Nearby Machiasport is known for the unique Jasper Beach, a sandless beach covered in beautiful stones worn round by the sea - a beach with its only match in faraway Japan - and the 1810 Gates House Museum. This trip will include a guided tour of Burnham Tavern, and visits to Jasper Beach, The Gates House, Helen’s Restaurant for lunch (famous for their blueberry pie), the stunning Bad Little Falls, and a final stop at lovely Roque Bluffs State Park. No meals or optional admission donations are included. We will meet at Camden Hills Regional High School then travel on a coach bus to Machias, with a brief rest stop in Ellsworth. Planned Itinerary: Leave CHRHS 7:30 AM Brief pit stop in Ellsworth Burnham Tavern 10:30 AM Helen's 12:30 PM Gates House 2:45 PM Jasper Beach 4:00 PM Takeout options in Machias 5:15 PM (Riverside Cafe, Tom's Mini Mart, or Freshies) Roque Bluffs 6:00 PM Depart 7:00 PM Brief pit stop in Ellsworth Arrive CHRHS 10 PM
