Kennebunk is a town in York County, incorporated on July 31, 1820 from a portion of Wells that was first settled, though not permanently, in the 1640's and 1650's.
The name means the long cut bank for a land formation near the sea which may have served as a navigational aid to the Indians.
Shipbuilding and shipping were once staples of the local economy which is now oriented to tourism and light manufacturing.
The town hosts two nature preserves, both managed by The Nature Conservancy. Kennebunk Plains, a 1,000-acre sandplain community, provides vital habitat for the endangered grasshopper sparrow and four other animals and plants of special concern in Maine.
The Kennebunk River bisects the Butler/Marshall Preserves, which together span 195 acres and over a half-mile of river frontage. The area is predominantly pine forest. Picnic Rock, a large glacial boulder, is a popular spot for picnicking and swimming.
Kennebunk has seen phenominal growth in recent years, as has much of York County.
