Positioned on top of a slight hill overlooking the outlet of the Ducktrap River into Penobscot Bay, the George Ulmer House is a two-story timber-framed residence with a hipped roof and two interior brick chimneys. The house demonstrates the Federal style with its symmetrical front facade and delicate inverted cove brackets under the cornice . George Ulmer, a Revolutionary War veteran, arrived in Lincolnville in 1784 with his brother Philip, also a veteran. The Ulmers, through a variety of endeavors, amassed substantial wealth in a short amount of time, but subsequently lost most of it. The brothers started several mills, bought acres of land for timber harvesting, and built ships in Ducktrap Harbor. In addition, George became the land agent of Henry Knox, the Continental Army general and the first U.S. Secretary of War, who was granted large tracts of land in Maine. With this role, George gained additional lucrative appointments as sheriff, tax collector, and Justice of the Peace. At his peak, he owned over 2,400 acres of land in Maine and his house was appraised at $1,200 (after Philip's $800 house, the highest house valuation in the area was $350). Although George gained massive wealth, his harsh business dealings alienated his neighbors who sabotaged his property with lasting financial consequences. Along with a series of unfortunate events and poor business decisions, George's empire quickly declined and by 1812 he sold the house and much of the land around it.
Year Listed: 2006
For More Information: https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail?assetID=b7f88cc2-43e4-49d3-88a4-992856d9949b