Winterport was settled in 1760, and became a significant shipbuilding center. It was incorporated on March 12, 1860 from a portion of Frankfort. Winterport is in Waldo County, Maine; on the Penobscot River just above Bucksport, accessed by Maine Routes 69 and 139, and U.S. Route 1A. Today, Winterport is primarily a rural community with its land area extending ten miles west of the river. In recent years, a marina has expanded, and an export business has been established on the river. Winterport's Main Street (U.S. Route 1A) has been reconstructed to showcase its historic district.