The Union Bluff Hotel, originally called the Union Bluff House, was built in 1868 by Moses French, after an explosion of tourism following the Civil War led to the community now known as York Beach. It was a time of renewed prosperity and improved transportation, which changed people's vacation habits. They were eager to travel and get away. The rugged beauty of York Beach's Union Bluffs and the sea air of the Atlantic drew people by stagecoach, horse drawn carriage and eventually by steam train and electric trolley. During the summer, guests would arrive with their trunks packed for a month long stay.