History of Gorham, Maine, USA

1828 - Shocking Accident.
An explosion took place in one of the Powder Mills in Gorham, July 19th which occasioned the death of six of the workmen, viz: Wm. Moses, Noah Babb and James Green, of Standish - Josiah Clark, Jr., and Hanson Irish, of Gorham, and Major Means, of Windham - all young men without families. Daniel Moses, of Standish, was also injured to such a degree that his life was despaired of, although he was alive on Monday morning. The melancholy accident, says the Portland Advertiser of yesterday, was occasioned in exchanging the composition from one mortar to another. A young man, unacquainted with the work, to loosen some of it from the mortar, dropped the copper pestle. He was told to desist by one of the workmen, but repeated it three times, when the powder took fire and exploded about sixteen casks.
American Advocate
Hallowell, Maine
July 25, 1828

1839 - Gorham
Gorham, Maine
Cumberland county. This town is watered on the N.E. side by Presumpscut river, and the Cumberland and Oxford canal. It is 9 miles W.N.W. from Portland and 63 S.W. from Augusta. Gorham was first settled in 1736, by John Phinney and others from Barnstable county, Mass. Maine was at that time almost a wilderness. Portland, Saco and Scarborough were very feeble in consequence of the depredations of the Indians. There people endured great privations, and for many years were in constant apprehension of attack by the savages. "The wives and daughters of the first settlers of Gorham shared in all the toils and wants of their husbands and fathers; they used to labor in the field, carry burdens, go to mill, and aid in defence of their property. One time when most of the men were away, the Indians attacked the fort, and the wife of Hugh McLellan rallied the women in the garrison, shut the gates, mounted the walls, fired upon the Indians, and by her courage and activity baffled the ... Read MORE...

1854 - Gorham
Gorham, a post- township of Cumberland co., Maine, on the York and Cumberland railroad, 10 miles W. by N. from Portland. Pop., 3088.
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.

1855 - VIOLENT TORNADO IN GORHAM, MAINE.
From the Portland Advertiser.
A violent tornado was experienced in Gorham on Sunday night. The dwelling house of MR. NILES, a frame building, one and a half stories in height, was moved from its foundation, back about ten feet, when it brought up against an apple tree. Thus far it saved MR. NILES a good deal of trouble and expense, for he intended to move his house back to the very spot where the tornado left it. But he was not quite so well pleased with the freaks the wind played with his barn; it took it completely apart and carried the timbers, boards, &c., up a hill some two hundred feet and left them there!
Several houses in the vicinity had their chimneys blown down, and the roofs of quite a number were started. The duration of the tornado was short, and its track was quite narrow. Some of the neighbors living but a short distance from MR. NILES, and upon higher ground, heard the sound of the wind but felt nothing of its effects. MR. NILES and his family were in the house at... Read MORE...

1886 - Gorham
Gorham is one of the pleasantest and most substantial towns in the State. It is situated on the south-western side of Cumberland County, 10 miles from Portland. Windharn bounds it on the north, being separated from it by Presumpscot River. On the south-east is Westbrook, on the south Scarborough, on the north-west Standish, and on the south-west Buxton. in York County. The Oxford and Cumberland Canal passes through the town nearly parallel to the Presumpscot River from Casco Bay to Sebago. Stroudwater Pond and River drain the southern part of the town, and Little River drains the centre. The Portland and Rochester Railway crosses the southern part of the town, having a station at Gorham Village; and the Portland and Ogdensburgh crosses the northern part, having a station at White Rock, and at Gambo Falls, in Windham, adjoining. Gorham village, Little Falls, Great Falls and West Gorham are the principal business centres. There are numerous manufactures in town and at its borders. At... Read MORE...

1895 - Gorham
Gorham, a post-village of Cumberland co., Me., in Gorham township, on the Portland & Rochester Railroad, 10 miles W. of Portland. It has 4 or 5 churches, a money order post-office, a high school, a savings-bank, and manufactures of woollen goods, carpets, and powder. The town ship is traversed by the Portland & Ogdensburg Railroad. Pop. of the township in 1880, 3233; in 1890, 2888.
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 - Gorham
Gorham, a banking post-village of Cumberland co., Me. in Gorham township (town), on the Portland and Rochester R., 10 miles W. of Portland. It has manufactures of leather, lumber, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2540.
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

2023 - Here are some of the best places to go and things to do in Gorham, Maine:
Sebago Lake State Park: Just a short drive from Gorham, Sebago Lake State Park is a must-visit for outdoor lovers. It boasts one of the largest freshwater beaches in the state and offers swimming, picnicking, hiking, and boating opportunities. You can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards to explore the pristine waters of Sebago Lake.

Hike at the White Mountains: Gorham is close to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, making it an ideal base camp for hiking adventures. The Presidential Range, located in the White Mountains, offers some of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in the region. Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast, is a popular choice for experienced hikers. If you prefer easier trails, there are plenty of options for all skill levels.

Gorham Village: Stroll through the heart of Gorham, where you'll find a charming village center with locally-owned shops and restaurants. It's a great place to pick up unique gifts, enjoy a delicious meal, or simply ... Read MORE...