Otway is the major "crossroads" for Down East business and transportation offering visitors and residents alike. Otway has long been home a "working community" of maritime trades, farming operations and small businesses.
Otway was named for Captain Otway Burns, an American Privateer during the War of 1812, and his ship, the Snap Dragon. Otway Burns is buried in the Old Beaufort Burying Ground on Ann Street. There is a canon on top of his grave. Burns was born in Swansboro and served as a customs officer in Portsmouth.
Otway is one of the main crossroads communities and the business center of Down East.
Otway was home to Decator Gillikin, said to be the strongest man Down East. There are many stories written and told about Decator, similar in nature to Paul Bunyan stories.
Otway is a farm-based community.
Otway is home to the Crow Hill Hunting Preserve, a members-only hunt club.