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Our Hometowns

Tuskegee

Tuskegee

Tuskegee was incorporated in 1843. The momentum that occurred during the rest of the 1800s established the city’s reputation as an educational powerhouse.

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Tuskegee has wisely preserved its history while simultaneously preparing for the years ahead. Today it still has old world charm, with a city center dominated by the town square. There you will find a serene park surrounded by quaint storefronts and people who exude genuine southern hospitality. The future will usher in a new era of progress and prosperity that will include healthy nurturing of tourism by business and government leaders along with friendly overtures to tourists accentuated by a welcoming spirit.

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Home to Tuskegee University, this city is located 40 miles east of Montgomery, which is the state capitol.

Tuskegee is also “the cradle of Black aviation” in America and was the training ground of the famous Tuskegee Airmen whose legacy is well preserved at a museum-like facility located at Moton Field Airport.

Moton Field is both a historical treasure and a functioning airport. 

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As an airport, it is a service-centered facility that offers quality amenities. Moton Field Municipal Airport is owned by the City of Tuskegee and is located only three miles from the city’s downtown. Airport management ensures that pilots have what they need including, a lighted runway, GPS approach, aircraft detailing and painting, hangar and tie down service, pilot’s lounge and snooze comforts, Internet access, executive conference room, concierge services and FAA certified mechanical and flight training. The runway is slightly more than 5,000 feet and is large enough to accommodate jet planes.

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As the state of Alabama targets new sectors for job growth, Moton Field positions the region favorably for aviation related economic opportunities. 

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As a historical treasure, Moton Field has a sterling pedigree. It is named after Robert Russa Moton, the second president of Tuskegee Institute, (now Tuskegee University). Moton provided academic support for the Tuskegee Airmen training program.

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Citizens in Tuskegee can be proud of this city’s contribution to American history, education, architecture, agriculture, civil rights, entertainment and of course; military service and aviation. As we think about Tuskegee in the context of historical significance and natural resources, it is clear this city has a great tourism experience to offer visitors. ■

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Explore Tuskegee

South Berwick

South Berwick

South Berwick is part of “The Seacoast”, where tidal estuaries connect towns in Maine and New Hampshire. Within a generation, this small rural town has doubled in population and is now home to 8,000 people. Voted the “best small town in Maine to raise children” in 2013 by Downeast magazine, it is a desirable place to live.  South Berwick is located in a sweet spot, with the White Mountains, the Atlantic Ocean, Boston and Portland all short drives away.

 

The vibrant downtown on the Salmon Falls River includes three churches, several locally owned businesses, the public elementary school and Berwick Academy, the oldest educational institution in Maine. Powderhouse Hill ski area, owned by the town, is run and maintained by volunteers. A walk along the main streets can take you over a bridge and into New Hampshire in two different directions.

Called Newichawannock before it was colonized, meaning “river with many falls” by the indigenous Abenakis, the area had abundant fish, wildlife and forest resources as well as easy transportation on the rivers, which attracted Europeans who first settled here in the early 1600s. They brought diseases that took nine out of 10 indigenous lives and accelerated the pace of colonization.  

One of the first water-powered saw mills in America was built on the Salmon Falls river and historic industries include fishing, lumber, shipbuilding, textile production, and shoe manufacture.  Today, the largest employer is the Marshwood School District, which includes the town of Eliot. 

At the center of the village is the Jewett House, historic home of novelist and short story writer Sarah Orne Jewett, widely recognized as an important figure in American literary regionalism of the 19th century.  

There are many places for outdoor recreation with three miles of trails in Vaughn Woods State Park, seven preserves maintained by The Great Works Regional Land Trust and a scenic multi-use bike route, The Eastern Trail, that goes through South Berwick.

South Berwick’s biggest strength is the spirit of volunteerism among townspeople. The Strawberry Festival in June draws thousands of people to town as does the Pumpkinman Triathlon & Running Festival. The Hot Summer Nights summer concert series, Lanternfest and Home for the Holidays are also organized by volunteers.

South Berwick’s challenge, as we grow, is to maintain the small town character and rural spirit, while welcoming new residents and continuing to create community.■

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