Today there is a restaurant in Winterport called 'The Bacon Tree' but did you know the name comes from a real bacon tree in Winterport's History?!

Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
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According to reports and local legend in the late 1700's a tree full of bacon was a very real thing. In 1779 a ship of British Soldiers landed on the shores of the Penobscot River in Winterport/ Hampden area. Here they went after goods from the town locals like cocoa, which is why the incident is often called 'The Cocoa Episode'.

While the cocoa was being loaded onto the ship by the British the locals discovered a large cache of arms and turned the tables on the British. The ship was captured by American, Lieutenant Morse, who set fire to the ship and fled.

Fearing repercussion from the British, the residents of Winterport began to hide their valuable goods. Some went as far as burning their goods, while others just hid. One local, Judge Goodwin, utilized a large Norway Pine in his field as a way to hide his goods including silver and of course, BACON!

The hide was successful as the British did return and passed by the judge's tree without a second look. His plan had worked and because he was so grateful to the tree he asked that it be preserved for and cared for after his death.

We couldn't find the exact location of the actual bacon tree and it seems to not be around today. It seems the only Bacon Tree in Winterport today is the fantastic little breakfast and lunch spot, with a name to honor the local legend.

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