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History of Southwest Harbor, Maine, USA
Journey back in time to Southwest Harbor, Maine, USA
(Manset) (Seawall)
Explore Southwest Harbor, 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 Southwest Harbor Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Southwest Harbor: Located on Mount Desert Island in Hancock County, Southwest Harbor is a picturesque coastal town near Acadia National Park. It’s a quieter alternative to Bar Harbor, offering charming shops and harborside views.
[SOUTH-west HAR-bor] was settled in 1761 and incorporated on February 21, 1905 from a portion of Tremont.
It lies on the southwest entrance to Somes Sound, thus the name, diagonally across from Northeast Harbor, a village in the town of Mount Desert.
Southwest Harbor has been both a fishing and summer resort community from its earliest days as a town...
South of the harbor, the small villages of Manset and Seawall face the entrance to Somes Sound and the Cranberry Isles. maineanencyclopedia.com
Explore even more about Southwest Harbor, Maine, USA. Keep reading!
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Discover Southwest Harbor: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1906 - Southwest Harbor
Southwest Harbor, a post-village and summer-resort on Mount Desert Island, Hancock co., Me., about 40 miles ESE. of Belfast. It is situated on the W. side of the entrance to Somes Sound. About 3 miles to the S. is the so-called "sea wall," a natural pebble ridge about 1 mile in length. It has sardine-packing industries. Pop. about 375.
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
Southwest Harbor, a post-village and summer-resort on Mount Desert Island, Hancock co., Me., about 40 miles ESE. of Belfast. It is situated on the W. side of the entrance to Somes Sound. About 3 miles to the S. is the so-called "sea wall," a natural pebble ridge about 1 mile in length. It has sardine-packing industries. Pop. about 375.
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 places to visit in Southwest Harbor:
Acadia National Park: Southwest Harbor serves as a gateway to Acadia National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Explore the park's hiking trails, go biking, or enjoy scenic drives along Park Loop Road.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse: This iconic lighthouse is a must-visit. It's particularly beautiful at sunset and provides a great spot for photography.
Seawall: Head to Seawall, a picturesque granite seawall that offers breathtaking views of the coastline and is a great place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
Echo Lake Beach: Spend a relaxing day at Echo Lake Beach, a freshwater lake located within Acadia National Park. You can swim, kayak, or simply enjoy the serene surroundings.
Wonderland Trail: This easy hiking trail leads you through a beautiful coastal area with tidal pools and diverse wildlife. It's a great option for a family-friendly hike.
Somes Sound: Explore the stunning fjard-like Somes Sound by taking a boat tour or going... Read MORE...
Acadia National Park: Southwest Harbor serves as a gateway to Acadia National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Explore the park's hiking trails, go biking, or enjoy scenic drives along Park Loop Road.
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse: This iconic lighthouse is a must-visit. It's particularly beautiful at sunset and provides a great spot for photography.
Seawall: Head to Seawall, a picturesque granite seawall that offers breathtaking views of the coastline and is a great place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
Echo Lake Beach: Spend a relaxing day at Echo Lake Beach, a freshwater lake located within Acadia National Park. You can swim, kayak, or simply enjoy the serene surroundings.
Wonderland Trail: This easy hiking trail leads you through a beautiful coastal area with tidal pools and diverse wildlife. It's a great option for a family-friendly hike.
Somes Sound: Explore the stunning fjard-like Somes Sound by taking a boat tour or going... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Southwest Harbor Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Southwest Harbor, Maine, USA
We currently have information about 10 ancestors who were born or died in Southwest Harbor.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Southwest Harbor, Maine, USA
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