[1] What is now the city of Bath was first settled by Europeans in mid-17th century, and was from an early date recognized as an ideal spot for shipbuilding.

It is set on a stretch of the lower Kennebec River that was originally called Long Reach, because it could be sailed without changing the rigging.

The neighborhood north of the downtown area is where some of it finest early residential architecture is to be found.

The downtown is located in the southeastern part of this area, and includes fine mid-19th buildings such as the former United States Customhouse and Post Office, designed by Ammi B.

The residential areas to the north and west include fine examples of Italianate and Greek Revival architecture.