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History of Bethel, Maine, USA
Journey back in time to Bethel, Maine, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Bethel, Maine, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Bethel
Bethel: Bethel, located in Oxford County, is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly in winter for skiing at the Sunday River Resort. The town offers scenic views of the White Mountains, as well as opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping.
In 1769, the township was granted as Sudbury-Canada by the Massachusetts General Court to Josiah Richardson of Sudbury, Massachusetts and others (or their heirs) for services at the Battle of Quebec in 1690. It was first settled in 1774 when Nathaniel Segar of Newton, Massachusetts started clearing the land.
The Revolutionary War, however, delayed many grantees from taking up their claims. Only 10 families resided at Sudbury-Canada when it was plundered on August 3, 1781 during the last Indian attack in Maine. Two inhabitants, Benjamin Clark and Nathaniel Segar, were abducted and held captive in Quebec until the war's conclusion, after which the community grew rapidly. On June 10, 1796, Sudbury-Canada Plantation was incorporated as Bethel, the name taken from the Book of Genesis and meaning "House of God."
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In 1769, the township was granted as Sudbury-Canada by the Massachusetts General Court to Josiah Richardson of Sudbury, Massachusetts and others (or their heirs) for services at the Battle of Quebec in 1690. It was first settled in 1774 when Nathaniel Segar of Newton, Massachusetts started clearing the land.
The Revolutionary War, however, delayed many grantees from taking up their claims. Only 10 families resided at Sudbury-Canada when it was plundered on August 3, 1781 during the last Indian attack in Maine. Two inhabitants, Benjamin Clark and Nathaniel Segar, were abducted and held captive in Quebec until the war's conclusion, after which the community grew rapidly. On June 10, 1796, Sudbury-Canada Plantation was incorporated as Bethel, the name taken from the Book of Genesis and meaning "House of God."
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VINTAGE BETHEL
Bethel Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Bethel, Maine, USA
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Farwell Mt. and Androscoggin River
Bethel, Maine, USA
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Bean's Ferry, Androscoggin River
Bethel, Maine, USA
Postcard
Prospect Hotel
Bethel, Maine, USA
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Lower Main St., 1914
Bethel, Maine, USA
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Bethel Inn
Bethel, Maine, USA
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Church St.
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Bethel, Maine, USA
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View Showing Waterspout Mt., E. Bethel, Me.
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to BETHEL
I Love MAINE Mug – Lobster Rolls, Blueberries & Whoopie Pies Coffee Cup
Celebrate the flavors and charm of Maine with this vibrant ceramic mug! Featuring iconic treats—lobster rolls, juicy blueberries, and classic whoopie pies—plus the “I Love Maine” slogan, it’s perfect for locals, state lovers, and food enthusiasts alike.
MAINE ROOTS - I'm from MAINE! Ceramic Mug - Celebrating Moose, Lobster, and Blueberries
Start your day with a touch of Maine magic! Our Maine-inspired ceramic mug features the charming caption, "I'm from Maine! That explains a lot about my love for moose, lobster and blueberries."
MAINE Roots - Genealogy-Themed Ceramic Coffee Mug Gift Idea
Celebrate your deep New England heritage with our "Maine Roots" Genealogy-Themed Ceramic Coffee Mug. Whether you're sipping your morning brew while tracing your family tree or reminiscing about summers on the Maine coast, this mug is the perfect companion for your journey through the branches of your ancestry.
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Bethel: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Bethel through the years.
1796 - Bethel, Maine incorporated
Bethel, one of the oldest villages in western Maine, was incorporated on June 10, 1796 from Sudbury Canada Plantation.
1839 - Bethel
Bethel, Maine
Oxford county. Incorporated in 1796. Population, 1837, 1,864. Bethel lies 18 miles N.W. from Paris, 61 N.W. from Portland, and 63 W. from Augusta. This town is bounded N. and W. by Androscoggin river, and S. by Greenwood. This is a fine farming town and produced 5,214 bushels of wheat in 1837.
Oxford county. Incorporated in 1796. Population, 1837, 1,864. Bethel lies 18 miles N.W. from Paris, 61 N.W. from Portland, and 63 W. from Augusta. This town is bounded N. and W. by Androscoggin river, and S. by Greenwood. This is a fine farming town and produced 5,214 bushels of wheat in 1837.
1854 - Bethel
Bethel, a post-township of Oxford county, Maine, 45 miles W. by N. from Augusta. Population, 2253.
1886 - Bethel
Bethel is situated on both sides of the Androscoggin, a little West of the centre of Oxford County. The Grand Trunk railway also passes through the town, following the course of the river to near the centre, when the road turns away to South Bethel, and thus out of the town on the south side. The greatest length of the town is from north east to the south-west. The area is 25,920 acres. The Androscoggin river enters the western side to near the centre, then turning northward forms the dividing line on the north-east between Bethel and Hanover. Chapman River and Sunday River are the principal tributaries of the Androscoggin on the north, and Mill Stream and Alder Brook on the south, within this town. The surface of the country is undulating and hilly. The principal eminences, beginning at the northwest, are Ellingwood Mountain, then Sparrowhawk Mountain, at an equal distance south of the River; Paradise Hill, near Bethel Hill village (Bethel Post-Office), Walker's Mountain, just north...
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1895 - Bethel
Bethel, a post-village and summer resort of Bethel township, Oxford co., Me., on the Androscoggin River, and on the Grand Trunk Railway, 70 miles N.N.W. of Portland. It contains an academy, a savings-bank, several churches, and a superior hotel. It has manufactures of lumber, leather, starch, &c. It is surrounded by fine mountain scenery. The township has 6 churches. Pop. 2286.
1906 - Bethel
Bethel, a banking post-village and summer-resort of Bethel township (town), Oxford co., Me., on the Adroscoggin River and on the Grand Trunk R., 70 miles NNW. of Portland. It has manufactures of lumber, charis, etc. It is surrounded by fine mountain scenery, and there are mineral springs in the region. Pop. of the village, about 800; of the town in 1900, 1835.
Here are some places to visit and things to do in the Bethel area:
1. Sunday River Ski Resort: If you're visiting Bethel during the winter months, Sunday River Ski Resort is a top-notch destination for skiing and snowboarding. With eight interconnected peaks, it offers a variety of terrain for all skill levels. The resort also hosts events and activities throughout the year, so be sure to check their calendar for any special happenings.
2. Grafton Notch State Park: This stunning state park is located just a short drive from Bethel and offers an array of outdoor activities. Hiking is a popular choice here, with trails like the Table Rock Loop and Old Speck Mountain Trail providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls. In the fall, the foliage is absolutely stunning.
3. Bethel Outdoor Adventure & Campground: If you're an adventure enthusiast, this place has you covered. They offer activities like kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and even guided fishing trips on the Androscoggin River. Plus, they have a campground...
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2. Grafton Notch State Park: This stunning state park is located just a short drive from Bethel and offers an array of outdoor activities. Hiking is a popular choice here, with trails like the Table Rock Loop and Old Speck Mountain Trail providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls. In the fall, the foliage is absolutely stunning.
3. Bethel Outdoor Adventure & Campground: If you're an adventure enthusiast, this place has you covered. They offer activities like kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and even guided fishing trips on the Androscoggin River. Plus, they have a campground...
GENEALOGY IN BETHEL
Discover YOUR Roots: Bethel Ancestry
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BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Bethel, Maine, USA
We currently have information about 23 ancestors who were born or died in Bethel.
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Updated: 2/6/2025 2:16:50 PM
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