Seasonal stories & historical reading
History of Alfred, Maine, USA
Journey back in time to Alfred, Maine, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Alfred, Maine, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Alfred
Alfred: Located in York County, Alfred is the county seat and boasts a rich history, with several historic buildings, including the York County Courthouse. The town is nestled in a scenic area with a mix of woodlands and farmlands.
Simeon Coffin of Newbury, Massachusetts arrived in 1764 and lived for a time in a wigwam, although the first permanent settlement took place in 1770. Known as the north parish of Sanford, the community was set off and incorporated as a district on February 4, 1794. Sawmills and gristmills operated by water power at the streams. A log jail was built in 1803, with a brick jail in 1869. The courthouse was built in 1806, the year Alfred became the shire town of York County. It was incorporated as a town in 1808, named in honor of King Alfred the Great.
Simeon Coffin of Newbury, Massachusetts arrived in 1764 and lived for a time in a wigwam, although the first permanent settlement took place in 1770. Known as the north parish of Sanford, the community was set off and incorporated as a district on February 4, 1794. Sawmills and gristmills operated by water power at the streams. A log jail was built in 1803, with a brick jail in 1869. The courthouse was built in 1806, the year Alfred became the shire town of York County. It was incorporated as a town in 1808, named in honor of King Alfred the Great.
Source
Have family roots in Alfred?Add your family to this place
MAP
Use the map to explore this place and its surroundings.
VINTAGE ALFRED
Alfred Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Alfred, Maine, USA
Postcard
Alfred, Maine. Court House.
Alfred, Maine, USA
Postcard
Alfred, Maine, Public Library, 1906
Alfred, Maine, USA
Postcard
Alfred, Maine., Village Square.
Alfred, Maine, USA
Postcard
Old Berwick Road, Alfred, Me.
Alfred, Maine, USA
Postcard
Birdseye View, Alfred, Me.
Alfred, Maine, USA
Postcard
Church, 1910
Show more vintage photos, ads & postcards
Alfred, Maine, USA
Postcard
The Common, Alfred, Me.
Alfred, Maine, USA
Postcard
Alfred, Maine, View of Railroad
Alfred, Maine, USA
Postcard
The Square, Alfred, Maine, 1910
Alfred, Maine, USA
Postcard
Main Street, Alfred, Maine
Alfred, Maine, USA
Postcard
The Common, Alfred, Me.
Alfred, Maine, USA
Postcard
Notre Dame Institute, Alfred, Maine
Alfred, Maine, USA
Postcard
Main Buildings, Shaker Village
Alfred, Maine, USA
Postcard
Alfred Congregational Church
Alfred, Maine, USA
Postcard
Roberts General Store and Holmes Mansion, Alfred, Maine
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to ALFRED
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 Alfred: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Alfred through the years.
1839 - Alfred
Alfred, Maine
One of the shire towns of York county. It lies 24 miles N. from York, 35 S. from Portland, and 86 S.W. from Augusta. Incorporated, 1808. Population, 1837, 1,360. This is a good farming town and is well watered by the higher sources of Mousum river, which meets the sea at Kennebunk. In this town is a society of those neat and industrious horticulturists and artizans, denominated "Shakers."
One of the shire towns of York county. It lies 24 miles N. from York, 35 S. from Portland, and 86 S.W. from Augusta. Incorporated, 1808. Population, 1837, 1,360. This is a good farming town and is well watered by the higher sources of Mousum river, which meets the sea at Kennebunk. In this town is a society of those neat and industrious horticulturists and artizans, denominated "Shakers."
1906 - Alfred
Alfred, a post-village, capital of York co., Me., on the Boston and Maine R., 32 miles SW of Portland. Pop. of Alfred township (town) in 1900, 937.
Here's a list of things to do and places to visit in Alfred, Maine:
Alfred Shaker Museum: Begin your visit by exploring the Alfred Shaker Museum. Housed in an authentic Shaker building, this museum provides insight into the religious and communal history of the Shakers who once lived in the area. You can view artifacts, tools, and learn about their way of life.
Alfred Historic District: Take a stroll through Alfred's historic district to admire well-preserved 19th-century architecture. The district features beautiful homes, churches, and other historic buildings that offer a glimpse into the town's past.
Hiking and Nature Trails: Alfred is surrounded by natural beauty, and there are several hiking and nature trails nearby. Check out the Massabesic Experimental Forest for picturesque trails and the opportunity to observe local wildlife.
Alfred Village Schoolhouse: Visit the Alfred Village Schoolhouse, a one-room schoolhouse dating back to 1818. It's a fascinating glimpse into the educational history of the town and the region.
York County...
Read more
Alfred Historic District: Take a stroll through Alfred's historic district to admire well-preserved 19th-century architecture. The district features beautiful homes, churches, and other historic buildings that offer a glimpse into the town's past.
Hiking and Nature Trails: Alfred is surrounded by natural beauty, and there are several hiking and nature trails nearby. Check out the Massabesic Experimental Forest for picturesque trails and the opportunity to observe local wildlife.
Alfred Village Schoolhouse: Visit the Alfred Village Schoolhouse, a one-room schoolhouse dating back to 1818. It's a fascinating glimpse into the educational history of the town and the region.
York County...
GENEALOGY IN ALFRED
Discover YOUR Roots: Alfred Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Alfred through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Alfred, Maine, USA
We currently have information about 7 ancestors who were born or died in Alfred.
View ancestors by year of birthMARRIAGES
Ancestors Who Were Married in Alfred, Maine, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Alfred.
View married ancestorsCONTINUE YOUR RESEARCH
Search Alfred Genealogy
Search by place or by ancestor name to keep exploring families connected to Alfred.
SEARCH BY PLACE
Find Family by Place
Not the place you were looking for? Start another place search and choose a location from the suggestions.
SEARCH BY ANCESTOR
Find Family by Name
You can enter part of a name if you are unsure of the full name or exact spelling.
Updated: 2/6/2025 2:08:23 PM
COMMUNITY
Discussion & Local Contributions
Share corrections, memories, local history, or family connections that may help other researchers.