History of Wells, Maine, USA

1703 - French Canadians attack Wells
In August 1703, the town of Wells, Maine, suffered a surprise attack by French Canadians and Abernaki. Nearly 300 people were captured.
History of Quebec for Dummies by Eric Bedard, published by John Wiley & Sons, Canada, Ltd.

1839 - Wells
Wells, Maine
York county. Wells lies on the sea coast between York and Kennebunk, and is 85 miles S.W. by S. from Augusta, and 30 S.W. by S. from Portland. The first settlers came from Exeter, N.H., about the year 1640. A noted Indian chief, Wawwaw, lived here about one hundred years ago, pretending to claim this and some adjoining towns. There is no evidence of any purchase of Indian title to the soil. The town charter from Thomas Gorges is dated Sept. 27, 1643.

There are a number of small streams or brooks running through the town in various directions, on which are 1 fulling, 16 saw, and 10 grist mills. The principal river is near the middle of the town, and was called by the Indians Webhannet, but is now generally called the "Town river." A sand bar at the entrance renders the navigation somewhat difficult. Ogunquit river, in the southerly part of the town, forms a harbor for small coasting and fishing vessels.

The town contains about 35,000 acres, of which one fifth may be ... Read MORE...

1854 - Wells
Wells, a post-township of York co., Maine, bordering on the Atlantic and intersected by the Portland, Saco, and Portsmouth railroad. Population, 2945.
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 - Wells
Wells, situated upon the sea-coast, in York County, was first settled by persons from Exeter, N.H., about the year 1640. Its name is supposed to have come from Wells in England. In regard to land titles, Folsom says that an Indian named Thomas Chabinoke, devised all his title and interest to Namps-cas-coke (being the greatest part of Wells) to John Wadlow or Wadleigh, upon condition that he should allow one bushel of Indian corn annually to “Old Webb,” his mother.

This title proved valid. In 1641, Sir Ferdinando Gorges presented 5,000 acres of it to Thomas Gorges, deputy-governor of his Province of Maine and mayor of Gorgeana, for a manory. He chose a tract near Ogunquit River in the south-west part of the town.

About 400 or 500 acres of this was conveyed by deputy Gorges, in 1643, to Rev. John Wheelwright (brother-in-law of the noted Ann Hutchinson), who had been banished from Massachusetts for his Antinomian principles.

Another grant was made by Gorges, July 14, 1643, to... Read MORE...

1895 - Wells
Wells, a post-village in Wells township, York co., Me., 1 mile from Wells Beach Station, which is on the Boston & Maine Railroad, 30 miles S.W. of Portland, and nearly 1 mile from the ocean. It has a free high school, several churches, and saw-mills. The township is intersected by the Portsmouth, Saco & Portsmouth Railroad. It contains a village named Wells Depot. Pop. of the township, 2773.
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

1947 - Wells devastated by the Great Fires of 1947
After a wet spring, in which the months of April, May and June were inundated with rainy weather, the climate turned to drought condition in mid July 1947. By the end of September, the ground was extremely dry...

Reports of small fires in woods began coming into the Forest Service on October 7. These early fires burned in Portland, Bowdoin and Wells. Being 30 miles (48 km) apart from each other, these three fires illustrated the danger. After this, reports of fires poured in, and by October 16, 20 separate fires were burning in the state...

Fires began in the towns of Shapleigh and Waterboro, destroying both communities, including,with only a few exceptions,most homes. The fires swept through the forests, and moved with the wind toward the ocean. In addition to Waterboro and Shapleigh, the towns of Alfred, Lyman, Newfield, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, North Kennebunkport (now Arundel), Dayton, Wells, and the cities of Biddeford and Saco were devastated by fire. With the exception... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Wells, Maine:
Wells Beach: Start your visit with a trip to Wells Beach. This pristine sandy beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles, and long walks along the shore. It's a fantastic spot for relaxation and enjoying the scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Footbridge Beach: Just south of Wells Beach is Footbridge Beach, named after the charming footbridge that crosses the Webhannet River. It's a quieter and more serene spot than the main beach, ideal for peaceful walks and beachcombing.

Moody Beach: Another beautiful beach option in Wells is Moody Beach. It's a bit more secluded and less crowded, making it a great place for a tranquil beach experience.

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge: Nature enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to this wildlife refuge named after the famous environmentalist Rachel Carson. You can explore miles of walking trails and observe various bird species and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Wells Reserve at Laudholm: This... Read MORE...