The Bay Point Hotel opened on July 4, 1889. Built and operated by Francis Cobb II, a well-known entrepreneur of the day, the Bay Point was sold in 1902 to the Ricker family, owners and operators of the splendid Poland Springs House and Poland Spring Water. Hiram Ricker embellished the L-shaped building with turrets, porches, and gingerbread decoration. It quickly became known as the grand hotel of coastal Maine. Ricker also renamed the resort hotel "The Samoset," after the Pemaquid Chief on the Maine Coast, who was among the first people to greet the Mayflower Pilgrims.