History of Porter, Maine, USA

1839 - Porter
Porter, Maine
Oxford county. Porter is bounded W. by New Hampshire, and Ossipee river separates it from the county of York. It lies 99 miles S.W. from Augusta, 42 W.N.W. from Portland, and 37 S.W. from Paris. Population, 1837, 1,087. Incorporated, 1807.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1854 - Porter
Porter, a post-township in Oxford co.. Me., 90 miles S. W. from Augusta. Pop., 1208.
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.

1886 - Porter
Porter is the south-western town of Oxford County. Hiram bounds it on the east, Brownfield on the north, Parsonfield in York County, on the south, and Freedom, in New Hampshire, on the west It is 6 miles in length by 4½ in width, having an area of 18,500 acres. The Great Ossipee River forms the boundary line on the south, while on the southern half of the eastern line lies a chain of ponds, of which Stanley’s, the largest, is about one mile in length. Spectacle Pond, nearly the same size, lies in the south-eastern part; Long Pond, of equal area, lies in the south-west, and (Jolcord Pond, the largest (area, about a square mile), lies near the centre of the town, with Bickford Pond about a mile to the south-west. In the north-eastern part are several high elevations, bearing the names of Bald Ledge, Devil’s Den, Pine Hill, Burnt Meadow Mountain, and Mount Eagle. The surface is generally uneven, but the hillsides afford excellent pasturage, and many cattle are raised. The town has also... Read MORE...

1895 - Porter
Porter, a post-village in Porter township, Oxford co., Me., on the Ossipee River, about 40 miles W.N.W. of Portland. It has 3 churches and a saw-mill. Pop. of the township, 1104.
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

1906
Porter, a post-village in Porter township (town), Oxgord co., Me., on the Ossipee River, about 40 miles WNW. of Portland. Pop. of the town in 1900, 886.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

Porter, Maine, might be a bit off the beaten path, but that's part of its charm. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Porter, mixing a bit of nature, history, and local flavor:
Porter Preserve:
Start your journey with nature by exploring Porter Preserve. It's a fantastic spot for hiking and bird watching. The preserve offers well-maintained trails, and during the right season, the foliage is stunning.

Porter Lake:
If you're into fishing or just appreciate a serene lakeside setting, Porter Lake is the place to be. You can try your hand at catching some local fish or simply enjoy a quiet afternoon by the water.

Parsonsfield Seminary:
For a dose of history, visit the Parsonsfield Seminary. This historic building, dating back to 1832, was once a prominent educational institution. Wander around the campus and imagine what life was like in the 19th century.

Cottage Pottery:
Explore local artistry at Cottage Pottery. This charming studio might have unique handmade pieces that capture the essence of the region. It's also a great place to pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Explore Nearby Cornish:
Just a stone's throw away is the town of Cornish.... Read MORE...