Cape Porpoise

Located in Kennebunkport, Maine

On August 8, 1782, the English 16 gun-brig “Meriam” and the schooner “Hammond” entered the harbor and attempted to take a schooner and sloop as prizes. For three years, the chapter discussed and read letters from the state regent and state chairman of historic spots, about placing a historical marker at Cape Porpoise.

This was finally accomplished and the marker reads:

“AUGUST 8, 1782, A BRITISH SHIP OF
18 GUNS ATTACKED A SMALL FORCE OF
INHABITANTS GATHERED ON GOAT ISLAND
AND WAS DRIVEN AWAY BY SEVERE
MUSKET FIRE, LOSING 17 MEN.
LIEUT. JAMES BURNHAM OF THIS TOWN
WAS KILLED.
THIS TABLE IS ERECETED BY
THE MAINE STATE COUNCIL
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
AUGUST, 8, 1921.”