History of Durham, Maine, USA

Durham was named after County Durham, England, the ancestral home of the town's first settler. It was previously known as Royallsborough, named after Isaac Royall Jr. wikipedia

Durham is situated in southern Maine, bordered by the towns of Freeport to the south, Pownal to the west, New Gloucester to the north, and Lisbon to the east. It's part of the Portland-South Portland-Biddeford Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Durham was first settled in the late 17th century and was incorporated as a town in 1789. Its early history is closely tied to agriculture, with farming being a central economic activity. The town was named after William Henry Cavendish-Bentinck, 3rd Duke of Portland, whose family name was Cavendish-Bentinck. The name "Durham" was chosen to honor his family's connection to County Durham in England.

The town of Durham is known for its scenic landscapes, including rolling hills, forests, and the winding Androscoggin River that flows through the area. These natural features contribute to the town's rural charm and offer recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and exploring the outdoors.