History of South Berwick, Maine, USA

1791 - (South Berwick) - Berwick Academy, a private, co-educational university-preparatory day school founded

February 12, 1814, South Berwick was set off from Berwick and incorporated.

1839 - South Berwick
South Berwick, Maine
York county. This town is situated on the N.E. side of Salmon Fall river, 97 miles S.W. from Augusta, and 10 W.N.W. from York. The limits of the town have recently been increased by the addition of a portion of the territory of York. It was incorporated in 1814. Population, 1830, 1,577; 1837, 2,342. The Great Falls on the river at this place afford an hydraulic power of great magnitude and value. Manufacturing operations commenced here many years ago, and have been gradually increasing; but in 1837, the "Great Works Manufacturing Company" was incorporated. This company have a large capital, and are making arrangements for manufacturing on an extensive scale. When it is considered that this place is located on navigable waters, and only about a dozen miles from the beautiful harbor of Portsmouth, by water, these operations promise a favorable result, both to individual enterprise and the public.

The village of South Berwick is pleasantly situated; it is a place ... Read MORE...

1854 - South Berwick
South Berwick, a post-village in York co., Maine, about 90 miles S. W. by S. from Augusta, near Salmon Palls river, at the junction of the Portland and Portsmouth, and the Boston and Maine railroads, contains one bank. Population of the township, 2595.
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.

1870 - Fire
SOUTH BERWICK, Me., July 26.---A destructive fire occurred here this morning, originating in the Central Building, occupied by stores and offices, and which was destroyed. The loss on the building is $7,500, and on the stock of the occupants $13,000---partially insured. The flames spread to adjoining buildings and destroyed those owned and occupied by J. P. Davis, Chas. Rayner, John A. Hooper, Ruth G. Witt, Noah Pike, Charles Mallory, Farrington & Burr, Charles E. Whitehead, and Miss Lenton. The total loss is estimated at $40,000. The insurance is estimated at $17,000.
The New York Times
New York, New York
July 27, 1870

1886 - South Berwick
South Berwick, in York County, has Eliot and York on the south and south-east, Rollinsford in New Hampshire on the west, Berwick, North Berwick and Wells on the north-west and Wells on the north and north-east. The greatest length of the town, is about 9 miles, being from north-east to south-west. The area is stated in the York County Atlas, as 13, 856 acres. The principal bodies of water are Knights, Cox and Warren ponds. Great Works River runs in a wind-ing direction through the town, and the Salmon Falls River forms the western boundary. The business centers are at South Berwick village, on the Portland, Saco and Portsmouth railroad, at South Berwick junction, at the junction of the Boston and Maine and the P.S.&P. railroads, and at Great Works. At the latter place is the mill of the Newichawannock Company, which manufactures woolen goods at Quampheagen Falls on the Salmon Falls river, the Portsmouth Com-pany manufacture cottons; the Varney Plough Company produces ploughs and... Read MORE...

1895 - South Berwick
South Ber/ wick, a post-village in South Berwick township, York co., Me., on the Salmon Falls River and the Portland, Saco & Portsmouth Railroad, 45 miles S.W. of Portland, and about 8 miles E.N.E. of Dover, N.H. It contains 6 churches, a national bank, a cotton-factory, a savings-bank, an academy, a woollen-factory, a newspaper office, and a large manufactory of ladies' shoes, with about 400 operatives. The township is bounded on the W. by the Salmon Falls River, and intersected by the Boston & Maine Railroad. Pop. in 1890, 3434.
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 - South Berwick
South Berwick, a banking post-township (town) and village of York co., Me., on the Salmon Falls River and on the Boston and Maine R., 45 miles SW. of Portland. It has manufactures of shoes and blankets, and is the seat of Berwick Academy. Pop. in 1900, 3188.
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

Whether you're a resident looking for new experiences or a visitor exploring the area, there are plenty of places to go and things to do in South Berwick and the surrounding region. Here's a list:
Hamilton House: Start your journey with a visit to the historic Hamilton House, a stunning Georgian mansion overlooking the Salmon Falls River. It's managed by Historic New England and offers guided tours that provide fascinating insights into the region's history. The well-manicured gardens and riverfront views make it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.

Vaughan Woods State Park: Known locally as "Hobbit Land" due to its enchanting trails and moss-covered rocks, Vaughan Woods State Park is a hidden gem. Explore the winding paths that lead through lush forests, along the Salmon Falls River, and to the beautiful Vaughan Brook. It's an ideal spot for picnicking, hiking, and birdwatching.

The Sarah Orne Jewett House: History buffs and literature enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Sarah Orne Jewett House. The celebrated author lived here, and the house is a National Historic Landmark. Tours offer a glimpse into her life and work, and the surrounding neighborhood is a... Read MORE...