Shipping magnate William Nickels had this impressive mansion built in 1807 as a symbol of his wealth and status. His ships traveled to Europe and the West Indies, bringing back fine imported goods for wealthy Wiscasset households. William and Jane Nickels’ lavish lifestyle came to an abrupt end when Thomas Jefferson’s Embargo of 1807 devastated the East Coast economy by prohibiting international trade. By the time of his death in 1815, William Nickels was bankrupt, Jane had died, and their children were left with nothing but debt.
The Nickels’ house became a hotel managed by innkeeper Mary Turner for forty-four years. Known as Turner’s Tavern, it served working and professional guests while Mary also raised her family of nine children. After her death, a series of owners ran the hotel until 1899 when it was purchased by industrialist Alvin Sortwell as a summer home for his family. The Sortwells lovingly restored the house over a period of years and decorated it in the Colonial Revival style with fine antique furnishings.
The Nickel’s House is a National Historic Landmark and one of New England’s finest Federal-style houses.
