History of Belfast, Maine, USA

1839 - Belfast
Belfast, Maine
Is the chief town of Waldo county, and a port of entry, and is beautifully situated on Belfast bay, on the W. side of Penobscot river. It lies 40 miles E. from Augusta, 30 S. from Bangor, 30 N. from Thomaston, and, across Belfast bay, 12 W. from Castine. The town was incorporated in 1773, but was not permanently settled until about the year 1785. There is considerable good land in Belfast. In 1837 it produced 3,492 bushels of as good wheat as ever grew on the prairies of the "boundless West." The Paasaggassawakeag river passes near the centre of the town, and adds much to the appearance of the place. The harbor is very good—it is guarded by Long and Sears' islands, and has anchorage for a great number of vessels of the largest class. The proximity of Belfast to the sea, its site in relation to Penobscot river, and its excellent harbor, which was never known to have been obstructed by ice, but twice, (1780–1815,) gives it peculiar advantages for foreign commerce, the... Read MORE...

1854 - Belfast
Belfast, a seaport, port of entry, and seat of justice of Waldo county, Maine, at the head of Penobscot bay. It is 30 miles from the ocean, 30 miles S. from Bangor, 109 miles E.N. E. from Portland, and 125 miles W. S. W. from Eastport. On the opposite side of the bay, 9 miles distant, is Castine. It is irregularly built, but has a pleasant situation on the side of a hill. The Passaggassassawakeag river, a small stream, passes nearly through its centre, dividing it into two parts. It is extensively engaged in foreign commerce, in the coast trade, and in the fisheries. The harbor, which is rarely obstructed with ice, is spacious, well protected, and of sufficient depth for vessels of the largest class. During the winter season it is the centre of a large portion of the trade of the Penobscot valley, the river above being frozen. Lumber and fish are the principal exports. Ship-building is extensively carried on. Thirty vessels, (7 of them ships,) with an aggregate burden of 6803 tons,... Read MORE...

1865 - Fire
BELFAST, Me., Oct. 13. A fire last night consumed nearly the entire business portion of this city below Washington and Cross streets. Over 100 buildings were destroyed, and the loss at least is $300,000. The principal losers are S. S. Lewis, Edward Johnson & Co., the heirs of A. J. Morrison, Stevens & Co., and L. S. Smith. The fire was caused by an incendiary. A strong wind favored the flames, which threatened the destruction of the whole city. An engine from Sears-port rendered good service. Commander Wm. D. Whiting of the U. S. steamer Trojan, with his officers and crew, was most effectnal [sic] in subduing the conflagration.
The Farmers' Cabinet
Amherst, New Hampshire
October 19, 1865

1873 - GREAT FIRE AT BELFAST, MAINE. AMOUNT OF THE LOSSES AND INSURANCE. AID FOR THE SUFFERERS TENDERED.
Belfast, Me., Aug. 25.
MISS REDEMPORT, aged eighty, perished in the Frothingham House destroyed in the conflagration

yesterday. The Bangor boat this morning brought a large supply of provisions sent by the citizens of that place for sufferers by the fire. The total loss and the insurance is not yet ascertained.
Among the heaviest losers by the fire are the following:
N. Harden, storehouses, losses $25,000, insurance $15,000.
R. Sibley, buildings, molasses and sugar, loss $50,000, insurance $1,600.
J. W. Frederick, loss $10,000, insured.
W. R. Shone & Co., loss $20,000, insured for $14,000.
Matthews & Co., loss $45,000, insurance $7,200.
Belfast Foundry, loss $35,000, not insured.
M. R. Cooper, lumber yard, loss $8,000, insured for $3,300.
Carter & Co., ship yard, loss $15,000, insured for $10,000.
Dwyer & Son, loss $15,000, uninsured.

The losses thus far ascertained are about $400,000, on which there is an insurance of $125,000, divided among eastern and foreign... Read MORE...

1878 - The latest innovation in deep-sea dredging is submarine plowing, which is now being carried on successfully in Belfast Harbor, Me.
A large Michigan plow is used, and is drawn by steam power on shore, the direction being given by a man in diver's armor.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 23, 1878

1878 - A firm in Belfast, Me., recently received a letter which, four months before, was deposited in the New York Postoffice without the addition of "Maine" to the superscription.
It had crossed the ocean to Belfast, Ireland, made the tour of Europe and come back, spotted all over with a rare assortment of Postoffice inscription.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 6, 1878

1886 - Belfast
Belfast, a city and shire town of Waldo County, is situated at the north-western angle of Penobscot Bay, about 20 miles from its mouth, and 10 west of the mouth of the Penobscot. This portion of the large bay is known as Belfast Bay. The city is bounded on the east by Searsport, north by Swanville and Waldo, west by Morrill and Belmont, and south by Northport. Its dimensions in an easterly and westerly line are about 8 miles, by 5½ north and south. The surface is uneven, rising into considerable hills in the western and southern parts. Mount Percival, within the Northport border, has summits respectively 400 and 600 feet above the level of the sea. The rock in town is generally graiiitic in its character, and is quarried in several localities. The soil is loamy arid quite fertile. The principal crops are hay and potatoes. The forest trees are mostly maple, beech amid birch. The streams are the Passag-assawa-keag, having its origin in a pond of the same name in the town of Brooks;... Read MORE...

1895 - Belfast
Belfast, a city and port of entry, capital of Waldo co., Me., is on the W. side of Penobscot Bay (which is the estuary between the Penobscot River and the ocean), about 35 miles S.S.W. of Bangor, 42 miles E. by N. from Augusta, and 30 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. It is the S.E. terminus of the Belfast division of the Maine Central Railroad, by which route it is 130 miles N.E. of Portland. It is situated on the side of a hill which over looks a wide expanse of water, and has a good harbor, which is sufficiently deep for the largest ships and is seldom obstructed by ice. Many of the inhabitants are employed in trade, navigation, and ship-building. Hay, granite, and potatoes are the chief articles of export. Belfast has a court-house, 6 churches, a high school, a national bank, a savings-bank, 2 or 3 weekly newspapers, and manufactures of bricks, carriages, machinery, paper, axes, sash, blinds, &c. It was incorporated in 1853. Pop. in 1890, 5294.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1916
Bel'fast, a city and port of entry, capital of Waldo Co., Me., is on the W. side of Penobscot Bay, 42 miles E. by N. of Augusta and 30 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. It is the SE. terminus of the Belfast division of the Maine Central R. It is situated on the side of a hill which overlooks a wide expanse of water, and has a good harbor, which is sufficiently deep for the largest ships and is seldom obstructed by ice. Many of the inhabitants are employed in trade, navigation, and ship-building, and the manufactures of the city are various and important. Among the public buildings are a public library and Masonic temple. It was incorporated in 1853. Pop. in 1890, 5294 ; in 1900, 4615.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

On March 14, 1925 the first international radio broadcast was relayed from London to Belfast and through Searsmont to New York City.

http://maineanencyclopedia.com/

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Belfast:
Belfast Harbor Walk:

Take a leisurely stroll along the Belfast Harbor Walk. Enjoy scenic views of the harbor, watch boats come and go, and appreciate the coastal charm.

Belfast Historical Society and Museum:

Learn about Belfast's history at the local museum. Exhibits often cover topics such as shipbuilding, maritime industries, and the town's development over the years.

Belfast Rail Trail:

If you enjoy outdoor activities, explore the Belfast Rail Trail. It's a scenic trail for walking, running, or biking, offering glimpses of the Passagassawakeag River.

Front Street Shipyard:

Visit the Front Street Shipyard to see the craftsmanship involved in boatbuilding. It's an active shipyard with a marina, and you might catch a glimpse of ongoing projects.

Belfast City Park:

Spend some time in Belfast City Park, which features walking trails, a beach, and recreational facilities. It's a great spot for a family picnic or a relaxing day by the water.

Colonial... Read MORE...