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History of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, USA
Journey back in time to Cape Elizabeth, Maine, USA
Explore Cape Elizabeth, Maine, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Cape Elizabeth Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, ME
At the southern tip of the promontory, Richmond Island was visited about 1605 by Samuel de Champlain and was the site of a trading post in 1628. John Smith explored and mapped New England in 1615, and gave names to places mainly based on the names used by Native Americans. When Smith presented his map to King Charles I, he suggested that the king should feel free to change any of the "barbarous names" for English ones. The king made many such changes, but only four survive today, one of which is Cape Elizabeth, which Charles named in honor of his sister, Elizabeth of Bohemia.
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Discover Cape Elizabeth: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1854 - Cape Elizabeth
Cape Elizabeth, Maine, 6 miles S. by E. from Portland. On it are two lighthouses, about 300 yards apart, with lights 140 feet above the level of the sea. Lat. 46° 12' N., Ion. about 124° W W.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ...
Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.)
Joseph Thomas
January 1, 1854
Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
Cape Elizabeth, Maine, 6 miles S. by E. from Portland. On it are two lighthouses, about 300 yards apart, with lights 140 feet above the level of the sea. Lat. 46° 12' N., Ion. about 124° W W.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ...
Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.)
Joseph Thomas
January 1, 1854
Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
1885 - Daniel Fogg, of Cape Elizabeth, Me., has raised a Hubbard squash which weighs two hundred and twenty pounds.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
December 12, 1885
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
December 12, 1885
1886 - Cape Elizabeth
Cape Elizabeth is the most seaward town of Cumberland County. It constitutes a broad peninsula lying between Fore River, Spurwink River and the sea. Scarborough is the adjoining town on the south-west, Westbrook, Deering and Portland, on the north, and around the southern and eastern parts flows the sea. It is separated from Portland by Fore River, and Spurwink River cuts deeply into its south-western side. Its north-eastern projection forms the southern shore of Portland Harbor. The town, including Richmond Island, has an area of 12,881 acres. The soil is various, being in different parts a red, brown, and a black loam, with some sand and clay. Being near so good a market as Portland, the buildings of the rural districts have a neat and thrifty aspect. Great Pond and Small Pond, in the southern part, are the principal bodies of water. Richmond Island, lying a mile from the southern shore, was the first locality occupied by Europeans on this part of the coast. The first settler was... Read MORE...
Cape Elizabeth is the most seaward town of Cumberland County. It constitutes a broad peninsula lying between Fore River, Spurwink River and the sea. Scarborough is the adjoining town on the south-west, Westbrook, Deering and Portland, on the north, and around the southern and eastern parts flows the sea. It is separated from Portland by Fore River, and Spurwink River cuts deeply into its south-western side. Its north-eastern projection forms the southern shore of Portland Harbor. The town, including Richmond Island, has an area of 12,881 acres. The soil is various, being in different parts a red, brown, and a black loam, with some sand and clay. Being near so good a market as Portland, the buildings of the rural districts have a neat and thrifty aspect. Great Pond and Small Pond, in the southern part, are the principal bodies of water. Richmond Island, lying a mile from the southern shore, was the first locality occupied by Europeans on this part of the coast. The first settler was... Read MORE...
1895 - LOSSES BY FIRE.
Portland, Me., June 5. - At 2 o'clock this afternoon the Portland Kerosene Oil Works, situated just across the bridge, in Cape Elizabeth, were damaged by fire to the extent of $6,000; fully insured.
The New York Times
New York, New York
June 6, 1894
Portland, Me., June 5. - At 2 o'clock this afternoon the Portland Kerosene Oil Works, situated just across the bridge, in Cape Elizabeth, were damaged by fire to the extent of $6,000; fully insured.
The New York Times
New York, New York
June 6, 1894
1895 - Cape Elizabeth
Cape Eliz’abeth, a township of Cumberland co., Me., including a suburb of Portland, is on the sea, and on the Boston & Maine, Portland & Ogdensburg, and Portsmouth, Saco & Portland Railroads, 1 mile S. of Portland. It has a state reform school, 6 churches, a high school, a dry dock, a weekly newspaper office, and important manufactures, including lead-works, oil-refineries, and rolling-mills. Pop. 5459. The cape which gives name to the township has 2 light-houses. The township contains Knightsville, Lygonia, South Portland, and Pleasantdale. A ferry and two free bridges connect it with Portland.
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
Cape Eliz’abeth, a township of Cumberland co., Me., including a suburb of Portland, is on the sea, and on the Boston & Maine, Portland & Ogdensburg, and Portsmouth, Saco & Portland Railroads, 1 mile S. of Portland. It has a state reform school, 6 churches, a high school, a dry dock, a weekly newspaper office, and important manufactures, including lead-works, oil-refineries, and rolling-mills. Pop. 5459. The cape which gives name to the township has 2 light-houses. The township contains Knightsville, Lygonia, South Portland, and Pleasantdale. A ferry and two free bridges connect it with Portland.
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
Cape Elizabeth, a township (town) of Cumberland co., Me., is on the sea and on the Boston and Maine R., a short distance south of Portland. It formerly included South Portland. Pop. in 1900, 887. The cape, which gives name to the town, has light-houses.
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
Cape Elizabeth, a township (town) of Cumberland co., Me., is on the sea and on the Boston and Maine R., a short distance south of Portland. It formerly included South Portland. Pop. in 1900, 887. The cape, which gives name to the town, has light-houses.
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
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Cape Elizabeth:
Fort Williams Park:
Explore the iconic Portland Head Light, Maine's oldest lighthouse, located within the park.
Walk along the scenic Cliff Walk that offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean.
Two Lights State Park:
Enjoy the natural beauty of this coastal state park, featuring rocky shores and walking trails.
Visit the two historic lighthouses known as "Two Lights," which were made famous by Edward Hopper's paintings.
Crescent Beach State Park:
Relax on the sandy shores of Crescent Beach, known for its scenic views and family-friendly atmosphere.
Take a stroll along the beach or explore the walking trails in the surrounding wooded areas.
Higgins Beach:
A popular spot for surfing and beachcombing, Higgins Beach offers a more relaxed and local beach experience.
Enjoy the charming beach community and maybe grab a bite at one of the local eateries.
Kettle Cove State Park:
Experience the tranquility of Kettle Cove, a small, sandy cove ... Read MORE...
Fort Williams Park:
Explore the iconic Portland Head Light, Maine's oldest lighthouse, located within the park.
Walk along the scenic Cliff Walk that offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean.
Two Lights State Park:
Enjoy the natural beauty of this coastal state park, featuring rocky shores and walking trails.
Visit the two historic lighthouses known as "Two Lights," which were made famous by Edward Hopper's paintings.
Crescent Beach State Park:
Relax on the sandy shores of Crescent Beach, known for its scenic views and family-friendly atmosphere.
Take a stroll along the beach or explore the walking trails in the surrounding wooded areas.
Higgins Beach:
A popular spot for surfing and beachcombing, Higgins Beach offers a more relaxed and local beach experience.
Enjoy the charming beach community and maybe grab a bite at one of the local eateries.
Kettle Cove State Park:
Experience the tranquility of Kettle Cove, a small, sandy cove ... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Cape Elizabeth Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, USA
We currently have information about 36 ancestors who were born or died in Cape Elizabeth.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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