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History of Shapleigh, Maine, USA
Journey back in time to Shapleigh, Maine, USA
(Hubbardstown)
Explore Shapleigh, Maine, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Shapleigh Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Shapleigh: Situated in York County, Shapleigh is a rural town known for its forests, lakes, and outdoor recreation. The town is home to several popular fishing and boating spots.
First called Hubbardstown, it was settled in 1772 when Simeon Emery erected a sawmill at the foot of Mousam Pond. On March 5, 1785, the town was incorporated as Shapleigh, named for its early proprietor.
Shapleigh is divided into the villages of North Shapleigh, Shapleigh Corner, Ross Corner and Emery Mills. wikipedia
Shapleigh is situated in the southwestern part of the state, near the border with New Hampshire. Shapleigh is part of the Lakes Region of Maine and is home to several lakes, including Square Pond, Mousam Lake, and Shapleigh Pond.
Shapleigh was originally settled by Europeans in the late 1700s and was incorporated as a town in 1785. The town was named after Nicholas Shapleigh, an early landowner and prominent figure in the region's history. Like many towns in New England, Shapleigh has a history that includes farming, lumbering, and other forms of traditional industry.
Explore even more about Shapleigh, Maine, USA. Keep reading!
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Discover Shapleigh: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1839 - Shapleigh
Shapleigh, Maine
York county. Between Shapleigh and Acton are some pleasant ponds, the source of Mousum river, which empties into the sea at Kennebunk. A bed of rich bog iron ore has recently been discovered in the town, which promises great usefulness. The surface of the town is generally level, and the soil favorable for the growth of wool, grass, wheat and other grain. Here are iron works and other manufactures.
Shapleigh was incorporated, 1785. Population, 1837, 1,547. It is 103 miles S.W. from Augusta, and 6 N.W. from Alfred.
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
Shapleigh, Maine
York county. Between Shapleigh and Acton are some pleasant ponds, the source of Mousum river, which empties into the sea at Kennebunk. A bed of rich bog iron ore has recently been discovered in the town, which promises great usefulness. The surface of the town is generally level, and the soil favorable for the growth of wool, grass, wheat and other grain. Here are iron works and other manufactures.
Shapleigh was incorporated, 1785. Population, 1837, 1,547. It is 103 miles S.W. from Augusta, and 6 N.W. from Alfred.
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
1906 - Shapleigh
Shapleigh, a post-village of York co., Me., in Shapleigh township (town), about 34 miles W. by S. of Portland. Pop. of the town in 1900, 847.
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
Shapleigh, a post-village of York co., Me., in Shapleigh township (town), about 34 miles W. by S. of Portland. Pop. of the town in 1900, 847.
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
Here are some popular things to do and place to visit in and around Shapleigh:
Shapleigh Common: The town's central green space, Shapleigh Common, is a great place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. It often hosts community events and gatherings.
Mousam Lake: Mousam Lake is one of the main attractions in Shapleigh. It's a beautiful spot for swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing. Many visitors also enjoy sunbathing on the lake's sandy shores.
Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the natural beauty of Shapleigh by hiking or walking along various trails in the area. Some popular options include the trails around Square Pond and the Acton-Shapleigh Trail.
Square Pond: Square Pond is another popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. There are also several campgrounds and vacation rentals in the area.
Shapleigh Town Forest: For a peaceful nature walk, visit the Shapleigh Town Forest, which has well-maintained trails.
Local Farms: Shapleigh is located in an agricultural area, so consider visiting some local farms, such as orchards or dairy farms, ... Read MORE...
Shapleigh Common: The town's central green space, Shapleigh Common, is a great place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. It often hosts community events and gatherings.
Mousam Lake: Mousam Lake is one of the main attractions in Shapleigh. It's a beautiful spot for swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing. Many visitors also enjoy sunbathing on the lake's sandy shores.
Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the natural beauty of Shapleigh by hiking or walking along various trails in the area. Some popular options include the trails around Square Pond and the Acton-Shapleigh Trail.
Square Pond: Square Pond is another popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. There are also several campgrounds and vacation rentals in the area.
Shapleigh Town Forest: For a peaceful nature walk, visit the Shapleigh Town Forest, which has well-maintained trails.
Local Farms: Shapleigh is located in an agricultural area, so consider visiting some local farms, such as orchards or dairy farms, ... Read MORE...
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Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Shapleigh, Maine, USA
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Ancestors Who Were Married in Shapleigh, Maine, USA
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