During the early European-American settlement of Maine's towns, many areas were largely agricultural and animals including swine, horses, cattle, and sheep were allowed to roam free. As infrastructure improved and towns formed, the wandering animals became a health hazard and a nuisance. As a result, many towns constructed small pounds or enclosures to confine loose animals. The owner of the lost animal could then reclaim it from the pound for a small fee. At first, the residents of Waldoboro (originally spelled Waldoborough) built a wooden pound to serve the community, but it quickly became apparent that a stone structure was needed. Located on Route 220, this rectangular pound measures roughly forty-five feet by fifty-five feet. The walls are six feet high and constructed of dry laid rough stones in a random fashion. The irregular walls are topped with a layer of flattened slabs held in place of forged staples driven into hand-drilled holes. Currently it is owned by the Waldoborough Historical Society and serves as a tourist attraction and educational tool.
Year Listed: 1976
For more information: https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail?assetID=099d8c46-3379-4d0f-a581-f89eb2ddd8d8