McIntire Garrison House

The McIntire Garrison House is a colonial dwelling in York, Maine, built with thick wooden walls constructed from dovetailed sawn logs covered with clapboard siding. The structure sits on a rise above the York River and retains its original roof line and interior floor plan.

Built in 1712 during a period of regional tensions, this house served as a defensive structure protecting its occupants from threats in the area. It was designed to provide both living space and security features for settlers during an unsettled time.

The building showcases early American construction methods through its overhanging upper floor, central chimney, and wooden floors with paneled interior walls that reflect daily colonial life.

The house sits on a ridge along Cider Hill Road with views toward the York River and welcomes visitors interested in colonial architecture. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since exploring the site involves walking across the grounds.

The building features a strategically placed trapdoor in the overhanging second floor that allowed residents to observe potential threats from all directions. This opening was a clever defensive design that gave the structure a tactical advantage.