First a trading post, then a famous port and shipbuilding center, Thomaston, Maine, has always had a strong presence in Maine commerce. In the mid-1800s, only seven millionaires existed in the U.S., and two of them lived in Thomaston.
The town is also famous for being home to the Maine State Prison until 2002, when it moved to Warren, but Thomaston remains home to an unusual shopping experience, courtesy of Maine’s state prisoners: the Maine State Prison Showroom. https://www.maine.gov/corrections/industries/index.html.
The town's antique shops are worth a stop, and war history buffs will enjoy a visit to Montpelier, home of Gen. Henry Knox, now a beautiful museum. http://knoxmuseum.org.
Also well worth the detour is the Olson House (https://www.farnsworthmuseum.org/visit/historic-homes/olson-house), enshrined in Andrew Wyeth’s painting Christina's World. Technically in the town of Cushing, the Olson house can be easy to miss: While in Thomaston, look out for signs that indicate where to turn off from Route 1.
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