History of York, Maine, USA

1623 - First sawmill in the nation was established near York.

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1641 - First chartered city in America was York.

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1692 - Killed
February 4: They approached the town of York with three to four hundred inhabitants. Of the hundred killed, many are women and children, and eighty are taken captive. Into June the killings continued, now involving the Micmac, Malecite and Abnaki. Father Baudoin's mission at Beaubassin, at the head of Fundy, also provided recruits.
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1759 - First Female Novelist
America's First Female Novelist, Madam Wood (Sally Sayward Barrell) was born at York.

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Read more about Sarah "Sally" BARRELL

1761 - First Pile bridge
First Pile bridge in North America built at York.

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1839 - York
York, Me.

York co. This is an ancient maritime town, on the coast, between Kittery and Wells. It is bounded W. by South Berwick. This was for many years the shire town, and the place of holding the courts and keeping the records for the whole province, until the counties of Cumberland and Lincoln were set off in 1760. The town was incorporated in 1653.

York has a court house and gaol, but all the county courts have been, within a few years past, removed to Alfred. The principal harbor is York river, about 6 miles from Portsmouth, N.H., with water sufficient for vessels from 200-300 tons burthen. The entrance, however, is difficult, being narrow and crooked. The other harbor is cape Neddock, about 4 miles N.E. of the former, navigable about a mile from the sea at full tides only; it having a sand bar at its mouth, sufficient to prevent vessels of any considerable burthen from passing at low water.

Cape Neddock and Bald Head are the head lands. The former is a ... Read MORE...

1839 - Cape Neddock
Cape Neddock, Maine
A rocky, barren bluff, inhabited by a few fishermen, about 3 miles N. from York harbor.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1854 - York / Cape Neddick
York, a post- village and port of entry of York county, Maine, is situated on the N. or left bank of York river, about 45 miles S. W. from Portland, and 9 miles N. E. from Ports mouth. It is regularly laid out with streets intersecting each other at right angles, and is the seat of considerable business. It has some commercial advantages, the harbor being commodious, and the river navigable to this point (1 1/ 2 miles from the ocean) for vessels of 250 tons burthen. The shipping of the district, June 30th, 1852, amounted to an aggregate of 1503 tons enrolled and licensed. Of this, 1232 tons were employed in the coast trade, 172 tons in the cod fishery, and the remainder in the mackerel fishery. York was incorporated in 1653, and for many years was the capital of the county. Population, 2980.

Cape Neddock, Maine, 35 miles 8. W. from Portland. The lighthouse is on Goat Island, and contains a fixed light 33 feet above the level of the sea. Lat. 43° 101 N., Ion. 70° 36' W.
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.

1886 - York
York, in the county of the same name, is a sea-coast town, and the southernmost but one in the State. Within its limits was established
the first English city in America. In 1641 a tract near the mouth of
York River, three miles square, was incorporated by Sir Ferdinando Gorges, proprietor of the province, as the town of Agamenticus. In 1642, Gorges, desirous of a suitable capital for his Province of Maine, replaced the town corporation by a chartered city, upon which he bestowed the name of Georgeana. Its limits were seven miles inland from the sea by three in breadth; and the Agamenticus (York) River formed its south-western boundary. The date of the first settlement of York is not known. Edward Godfrey, once governor of the province, affirmed that he was an inhabitant in 1629 and 1630, and “the first that built there.” In 1643 Gorgeana is believed to have had between 250 and 300 inhabitants. Captain William Gorges, nephew of the proprietor, had been appointed by him governor of ... Read MORE...

1895 - York / Cape Neddick
York, a post-village of York co., Me, in a township of the same name, on a small inlet called York Harbor, nearly 2 miles from the ocean, and 8 miles E.N.E. of Portsmouth, N.H. It has a large hotel, which accommodates 200 guests. York Beach, 1 1/ 2 miles from the village, is a good bathing place, with a hotel and several boarding-houses. York has a commodious harbor.

Cape Ned'dick, a post-hamlet of York co., Me, in York township, on the sea-coast, about 14 miles N.E. of Portsmouth, N.H. It has a church, a woollen-factory, &c.
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
York, a post-village and resort of York co., Me., in York township (town), and on a small inlet called York Harbor, 8 miles ENE. of Portsmouth, N.H. York Beach, 1 1/ 2 miles from the village, is a good bathing-place. York has a commodious harbor. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2668.
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

1916 - Cape Neddick
Cape Neddick, a post-village of York co., Me., in York township (town), on the sea-coast, about 14 miles NE. of Portsmouth, N.H.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

1933 - BOY DROWNED IN POOL AT YORK
William Mackie, 11, Loses His Life While At Play
William Mackie, aged 11, of York Village, was drowned yesterday afternoon at the private swimming pool of Andrew Murray Williams at Highland Farm, York Village. He was playing with his brother Edward, aged 7, along the cement wall, when in some way he slipped. The younger brother ran a quarter of a mile to notify his parents. Floyd Rockwell recovered the body of the boy and physicians worked two hours in a vain attempt to revive the boy. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Mackie, and three brothers.
Portsmouth Herald
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
June 22, 1933

1950 - July 8 - The town of York, NE, was deluged with 13.15 inches of rain in 24 hours to establish a state record.

The Weather Channel

2023 - Here's a list of places to go and things to do in York:
Nubble Lighthouse (Cape Neddick Light): This iconic lighthouse is one of the most photographed in the world. You can't miss visiting this beautiful spot. You can't go up to the lighthouse itself, but the view from Sohier Park is breathtaking.

Long Sands Beach: Enjoy a day of sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing at Long Sands Beach. It's a perfect spot for a family outing or just a leisurely stroll along the shore.

Short Sands Beach: This smaller beach is right next to the downtown area and offers calm waters, making it a great place for swimming. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and arcades nearby.

York's Wild Kingdom: This family-friendly amusement park and zoo is a hit with kids. You can see a variety of animals, enjoy amusement park rides, and have a fun-filled day.

Mount Agamenticus: If you're into hiking and outdoor activities, head to Mount Agamenticus. It offers numerous trails for hiking and mountain biking, along with stunning views of the surrounding... Read MORE...