Seasonal stories & historical reading
History of Southwest Harbor, Maine, USA
Journey back in time to Southwest Harbor, Maine, USA
Also known as(Manset) (Seawall)
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Southwest Harbor, Maine, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Southwest Harbor
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
[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
Source
Have family roots in Southwest Harbor?Add your family to this place
MAP
Use the map to explore this place and its surroundings.
VINTAGE SOUTHWEST HARBOR
Southwest Harbor Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Southwest Harbor, Maine, USA
Postcard
 (Seawall) - Street View. SO. West Harbor, Me., 1909){kind=small}
Street View. SO. West Harbor, Me., 1909
Southwest Harbor, Maine, USA
Postcard
 (Seawall) - Post Office, Manset, Maine){kind=small}
Post Office, Manset, Maine
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to SOUTHWEST HARBOR
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 Southwest Harbor: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Southwest Harbor through the years.
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.
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
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...
GENEALOGY IN SOUTHWEST HARBOR
Discover YOUR Roots: Southwest Harbor Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Southwest Harbor through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
BIRTHS & DEATHS
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 ancestors by year of birthMARRIAGES
Ancestors Who Were Married in Southwest Harbor, Maine, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Southwest Harbor.
View married ancestorsCONTINUE YOUR RESEARCH
Search Southwest Harbor Genealogy
Search by place or by ancestor name to keep exploring families connected to Southwest Harbor.
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 4:31:51 PM
COMMUNITY
Discussion & Local Contributions
Share corrections, memories, local history, or family connections that may help other researchers.