Jameson Tavern – Birthplace of Maine
Its been awhile since I wrote anything on my continuing quest to visit the oldest bar in each state. For whatever its worth, this tavern brings my total to 26 oldest bars visited. Frankly, I stopped writing about them as stand alone posts. Typically, there was just not enough meat to make the post happen. Just because they are old, it does not mean that there is enough history or points of interest to capture your attention. However, in my recent travels to Maine, I found that their oldest tavern is quite full of history and more. I give you the Jameson Tavern – Birthplace of Maine.
Jameson Tavern in Freeport, Maine… 
..and, the birthplace of Maine
On this location in Massachusetts, the Jameson Tavern of Freeport opened its doors in 1779. Well, that makes no sense. But, it does. In 1779, there was no state of Maine. Rather, the Province of Maine was part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Thankfully, without the need of a civil war, Maine officially separated from Massachusetts in 1820. Furthermore, the key statehood players met in the Jameson Tavern to sign the documents that made it happen. Afterwards, they all got really drunk. I have no evidence for that last sentence. But, I am comfortable that it is true. There you go. The Jameson Tavern of Freeport, established in 1779, and the Birthplace of Maine in 1820.
Duel Threat Establishment 
High end dining… 
..but, still a place to drink
Sadly, many of the oldest bars in New England are just higher end restaurants where you take your wife on your anniversary. But, you probably will NOT go there to tie one on during Happy Hour. The Jameson Tavern is the exception to this trend. This restaurant AND bar is the true “duel threat establishment.” First, as a restaurant, the locals claim the food, especially the seafood, is exceptional, As further evidence, Bobby Flay of Food Nation has visited the site and declared the lobster stew as the best he has ever tasted. But, if you just want a few drinks (or more), the Jameson is good for that too. Their Happy Hour is very popular during season. I took advantage of the $5 Bloody Mary with the addition of the PBR accompaniment.
But wait, there’s more…
Emily 
Just a boot picture. I bought nothing
Paranormal activity abounds in the Jameson Tavern. The hauntings have occurred for over a hundred years. Furthermore, books and TV show alike have done segments on the Jameson Tavern. Apparently, there are a couple ghosts that seem to have made their home at the Jameson. The most encountered ghost is a three year old girl, named Emily. In the late 19th century, Emily burned to death in a third floor fire. Since that time, Emily has been seen throughout the tavern. Despite being horribly burned to death, Emily is reported to be a happy ghost and has never caused any significant issues. Regrettably, PugsleyTonks did not encounter Emily.
If the haunting is not enough for you, there is always L.L. Bean. The Jameson Tavern is directly behind the headquarters and flagship store of L.L. Bean. The L.L. Bean flagship store is open 24/7. Furthermore, there are several other large L.L. Bean stores near the flagship. I had no interest in shopping, but I did take a quick picture at THE BOOT. Just to wrap up my Freeport experience, I offer these final two amusing photos.
L.L. Bean mobile 
Freeport’s McDonalds (truth)
Jameson Tavern is not just the oldest bar in Maine. Oh no. Remarkably, its also the “Birthplace of Maine,” a high end seafood restaurant, an inviting drinking bar, a haunted house, and you can shop at L.L. Bean. Undoubtedly, the place has a lot to offer. If you are ever near the very pleasant town of Freeport, stop by the Jameson Tavern – Birthplace of Maine. PT
Thank you for reading “Jameson Tavern – Birthplace of Maine” on Traveling with PugsleyTonks.
If you liked that oldest bar, check this one out https://travelingwithpt.com/bar-9-talbott-tavern-ky/
If you want more on the Jameson… http://www.jamesontavern.com/
