History of Westport Island, Maine, USA

In 1734 George Davie purchased Wiscasset including the island of Jeremysquam from three Indians of the Abnaki tribe, which was later agreed to by the chief, Robinhood, after whom a cove in Georgetown has been named.
Indian Wars soon wiped out all the settlements in this region. It was not until after 1750 that the permanent settlers began to come in.
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Westport Island was incorporated as part of Freetown (now Edgecomb) in 1774.

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1790 - First Free Baptist Church built in Westport.

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Fort McDonough was built in Westport in 1814. It was an earthen structure on the north end of the island.

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In 1828, Westport became a separate town.

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1839 - Westport
Westport, Maine
Lincoln county. This town is surrounded by the waters of Sheepscot river and bay, and is bounded N. by Wiscasset, E. by Edgecomb and Boothbay, and S. and W. by Sheepscot's bay and Georgetown. It is 29 miles S. by E. from Augusta. Population, 1837, 580. Incorporated in 1828.
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

The first ferry from Westport to Wiscasset started in 1845.

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1854 - Westport
Westpout, a township in Lincoln co., Maine, occupying an island at the mouth of the Sheepscot river, 28 miles S. by E. from Augusta. Population, 761.
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.

(Westport) In 1857, a bridge was built between the island’s West Shore Road and Phipps Point in Woolwich.

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Around 1870, William McKinney opened a store in at the corner of Main and Post Office roads in Westport.

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1886 - Westport
Westport is an island situated in Shepscot River between Woolwich and Boothbay, in Lincoln County. It is eleven miles long, and about a mile wide. The surface is uneven, and the northern extremity terminates in a narrow headland called Squam Heights. The remains of an earth-work fortification are here to be seen by whoever us curious enough to climb the steep sides of the promontory. It was erected during the war of 1812, and bore the name of Fort McDonough. At the time of the engagement between the Enterprise and Boxer, off the mouth of the river, this work was mounted by a star battery of six guns arranged to command the river with a plunging fire, and was protected by a chevaus de frise,-a barrier of fallen timber trees bristling with sharpened branches and pointed stakes, which ran across the island from shore to shore below the battery.

The soil of Westport, ia a clay loam. Fair crops of potatoes, barley, oats and wheat are readily obtained. Westport has several excellent tide ... Read MORE...

1889 - William McKinney became the postmaster of Westport. His store also served as the post office.

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1895 - Westport
Westport, a post-village in Westport township, Lincoln co., Me., on an inlet of the sea, 7 miles E. by S. of Bath. It is on a small island which lies at the mouth of Sheepscott River and is coextensive with Westport township. Pop. of the township, 699.
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

1900 - Statement of James F. Williams in regard to Jessie Cobb murder
“I was born in the town of Westport in 1870. When I was two years old my folks removed to Boothbay where my father was interested in the livery business. Here I grew up, and of course became acquainted with every one in that vicinity. “It was only eight miles from Boothbay back to my old home in Westport, and I used to go over there frequently to dances and other amusements.

“My first acquaintance with Jessie Cobb was in Bath in 1893. She was stopping with her married sister, Mrs. French on Beacon street. She bore a good name then, and we took a mutual liking to each other. At that time I was working in Harry Lord's sail loft. I used to go down to see her frequently and always found her very pleasant. We used to go around together a great deal, and it was known to every one that we were keeping company. We finally became engaged to be married.

The marriage was to take place on Christmas in 1895. Very unfortunately, I got into this trouble, and on the 23d day of
November of that ... Read MORE...

A reporter visits Westport in 1900 investigating the Jessie Cobb murder
Westport lies between Bath and Boothbay Harbor, and is the
first stopping place out of the former city. When the little
steamboat drew up to the wharf there was no human being, and
only two houses in sight.

A legal friend had given the newspaper man a letter of
introduction to Capt. Jewett of Westport, but on inquiry it
was found that there were no less than three Captain Jewetts
on the island. Here was a pretty pickle. They were widely
scattered over the island, so the scribe started for the
nearest captain of that name. The day was hot and with a
heavy overcoat on one arm and a grip in his hand, the
reporter started gaily off through the woods.

A tramp of two miles brought him across the island to the
residence of Capt. Amos Jewett. The captain was away, but
Mrs. Jewett invited the weary traveler to come in and rest.
The people of Westport are extremely hospitable, and as
tramps are unknown there every passerby is welcome to the
best they have.

Conversation... Read MORE...

1906
Westport, a post-township (town) of Lincoln co., Me., on an inlet of the sea, 7 miles E. by S. of Bath. Pop. in 1900, 330.
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

Ellsworth Colby opened a grocery store in Westport on February 26, 1947.

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Situated on the mid-coast of Maine, this island is known for its natural beauty, historic sites, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Here's a list of places to go and things to do on Westport Island:
Hike at the Back River Preserve: This 50-acre preserve features scenic hiking trails that wind through wooded areas and along the Back River. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll, birdwatching, and enjoying the island's natural beauty.

Visit the Westport Island Historic Society: Learn about the island's rich history by visiting the Westport Island Historic Society. They have a collection of artifacts, documents, and exhibits that provide insight into the island's past.

Reid State Park: While technically not on Westport Island itself, Reid State Park is just a short drive away. This popular coastal park boasts beautiful sandy beaches, tidal pools, and hiking trails. It's a fantastic spot for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying stunning ocean views.

Kayaking and Canoeing: Explore the island's coastline and nearby waterways by renting a kayak or canoe. Paddle along the Back River or venture out into the Sheepscot River for a serene aquatic adventure.

Fishing: Westport... Read MORE...