History of Boothbay, Maine, USA

1671 (Boothbay) Damariscove had become a thriving community when in 1671, Massachusetts Bay Colony laid claim to the island, extending their eastern borders.
Over the next few years, the Massachusetts General Court established a local government there, and appointed a military officer and constable. The court also granted a license for a house of entertainment, while assessing taxes for the first time.
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1764 (Boothbay) Colonel David Dunbar, governor of the Territory of Sagadahock, laid out a town in 1730 known as Townsend, and convinced about 40 families of Scots-Irish Presbyterians, largely from the north of Ireland, to settle here.
Some were veterans of the Revolution of 1688. Named for Lord Charles Townshend, this settlement survived and was incorporated November 3, 1764.
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1812 (Boothbay) After the war of 1812, when the area was harassed by the British, fishing, shipbuilding and shipping developed as major economic activities, followed later in the century by shipments of ice to other parts of the country.
The ice trade was short-lived as refrigeration was introduced in the early 1900′s.
maineanencyclopedia.com/ boothbay/

1839 - Boothbay
Boothbay, Maine
Lincoln county. This town is bounded W. by the mouth of Sheepscot river, N. by Edgecomb, E. by Damariscotta river, and S. by the ocean. It is nearly surrounded by water, and is noted for its excellent harbor. Its maritime situation renders it a place of considerable business in the coasting trade and fisheries. This town lies 39 miles S.S.E. from Augusta, 12 E.N.E. from Wiscasset, 60 E.N.E. from Portland, and about 40 miles S.W. by W. from Owl's Head, by water. Boothbay is a fine watering place, and many visit it in summer months for health and pleasure. Here may be found all the enjoyments of sea air and bathing; fishing and fowling; ocean and island scenery; for which Nahant, in Massachusetts bay, is justly celebrated. Incorporated, 1764. Population, 1837, 2,562.
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

1842 - Townsend was renamed Boothbay in 1842 after the hamlet of Boothby, which is located about a mile east of Welton le Marsh in Lincolnshire, England.

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1842 - Southport was set off from Boothbay and incorporated as a town.

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1854 - Boothbay
Boothbay. a post-township of Lincoln county, Maine, about 40 miles S. S. E. from Augusta. Population, 2504.
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 - Boothbay
Boothbay, one of the most southerly towns of Lincoln County, is situated between the Damariscotta and Sheepscot rivers, having the town of Edgecomb on the north. The surface is moderately irregular, without high hills. Agriculture is largely followed, and fair crops are obtained in return for thorough cultivation. The principal occupation of the inhabitants, however, relates to the fisheries. Barter's, Sawyer's and Hodgden's islands lie near together on the west side of the town; and at the south is Squirrel Island, which, though without other than the family of the keeper in winter, is in
summer quite a populous village, being a convenient and agreeable sea-side resort. The harbors are Boothbay Harbor, midway of its southern shore; Linekin's Bay, east of the former, and separated from it by the promontory of Spruce Point ; and Pleasant Cove, off Damariscotta River, in the north-eastern part of the town. Linekin's Neck is a long projection of the south-east part of the town curving... Read MORE...

On February 16, 1889, Boothbay Harbor was set off from Boothbay and incorporated as a town.

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1895 - Boothbay
Booth'bay, a post-village of Lincoln co., Me., in Boothbay township, about 11 miles S. of Wiscasset. It contains 2 churches, a system of public schools, and industries which embrace ship-building, ice-exporting, and the manufacture of fish-oil and guano. The township em braces several villages which are favorite summer resorts. Pop. about 1800.

Boothbay Har’bor, a post-village and summer resort of Lincoln co., Me., on the Atlantic Ocean, and in Boothbay township, between the mouth of the Damariscotta and Sheepscott Rivers, 12 miles S. of Wiscasset, and 13 miles S.E. of Bath. It derives its prosperity mainly from trade and fisheries. It has 2 churches, 3 superior hotels, a savings-bank, a newspaper (the Boothbay Register and Summer Tourist), an opera-house, water-works, 2 marine railways, ice-works, fine graded schools, lodges of Knights of Pythias and Masons, &c. Pop. 1699.
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

1916
Boothbay, a post-village of Lincoln co., Me., in Boothbay township (town), about 11 miles S. of Wiscasset. It has industries in ship-building, ice-exporting, etc. The town embraces several villages which are favorite summer- resorts. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1756.

Boothbay Harbor, a banking post-village and summer-resort of Lincoln co., Me., on the Atlantic Ocean, and in Boothbay Harbor township (town), between tho mouth of the Damarisootta and Sheepscott Rivers, 12 miles S. of Wiscasset and 13 miles SE. of Bath. It derives its prosperity mainly from trade and fisheries. It has ice- works, sardine-packing houses, bone-phosphate manufactures, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1926.
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

1955 - Musical "Carousel" filmed at Boothbay Harbor

Boothbay has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Boothbay:
Boothbay Harbor: Start your visit with a stroll along the picturesque Boothbay Harbor. This bustling waterfront area is filled with shops, restaurants, and scenic views of the boats and the Atlantic Ocean. You can also take a scenic harbor cruise from here.

Boothbay Railway Village: Explore the Boothbay Railway Village, a living history museum that showcases Maine's transportation history. You'll find vintage cars, historic buildings, and even a narrow-gauge steam train that you can ride.

Maine State Aquarium: Located on the water's edge, the Maine State Aquarium is a fantastic place for both kids and adults. It houses a variety of marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, and colorful fish. Don't miss the touch tanks where you can interact with marine creatures.

Gardens and Arboretums: Boothbay is home to some beautiful gardens and arboretums. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, in particular, is a must-visit. It features stunning themed gardens, walking trails, and... Read MORE...