John Hancock Wharf, York

The Old York Historical Society sought funding to sell a covenant to the state on the historic 0.54 acre John Hancock Wharf property located on the York River in the town of York (York County). Hancock Wharf was used in the 1700’s as a commercial wharf for sailing vessels bringing a variety of goods to the region and before the end of World War I the wharf was employed for lobstering. In more recent years the wharf has primarily served recreational boaters in the summer and offered some commercial boat access in the winter. Old York Historical Society saw the opportunity to rekindle the wharf’s historic use by way of a sale of covenant to secure the property’s permanent capacity to support commercial fisheries access to the local fishermen. Funds will be used to stabilize the shoreline, repair the earthen wharf with cribwork, add another ramp and float, enlarge the current decked area, build a new bait storage shed, and install an electric hoist. The wharf will provide 3 commercial lobster boats loading and unloading capacity, gear and bait storage, parking and access to fuel. Old York Historical Society was granted an allocation of $255,000.00 from the Land for Maine’s Future Board to purchase a covenant on their property. Click here to learn more about Hancock wharf on the Old York Historical Society website.<

John Hancock Wharf, York
Driveway approach to the earthen pier.

John Hancock Wharf, York
Earthen pier.

John Hancock Wharf, York
Existing ramp and float looking downriver.