Popham Beach was the site of a very early English settlement attempt, 1607, well before the crazed religious Pilgrims in Plymouth Mass. It only lasted the winter, they headed back on the supply ship in the spring. That they built the settlement on the beach instead of a bit up the protected Kennebec River was a factor, as was antagonizing some natives instead of trading with them.
Plenty of fishermen were here earlier, staying over to keep claim on nice beaches for the cod work.
Nutjob Pilgrims get the ink, go figure.
Beautiful there, if I can stop by I shall. BJ