History of Sanford, Maine, USA

1839 - Sanford
Sanford, Maine
York county. Sanford is watered by Mousum river; it has a good water power, and an establishement for the manufacture and printing of cotton goods. Incorporated, 1768. Population, 1837, 2,342. It lies 94 miles S.W. from Augusta, 35 W.S.W. from Portland, and is bounded S.W. by 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

1854 - Sanford
Sanford, a post-township in York co., Maine, intersected by the route of the York and Cumberland railroad, 86 miles S. W. from Augusta. Population, 2330.
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 - Sanford
Sanford, in York County, is the western portion of a tract of land
purchased in 1661 by Major William Phillips of the Indian chiefs Fluellen, Captain Sunday and Hobinowell. It was confirmed by Gorges to the major or his son Nathan, in 1670. In 1696, Mrs. Phillips willed it to her former husband's son, Peleg Sanford, from whom the name is derived. It was at first called Phillipstown. Sanford was surveyed in 1734, and settlement commenced in 1740. The northern part of the town was settled in 1745 by Captain David Morrison. He purchased the lot containing the mill privileges above Springvale, and built a house and saw-mill. The record of a town meeting, held in 1770, show that the chief business of the meeting was to authorize the employment of a minister and schoolmaster for three months. The first mention of any ministerial service is that of a marriage by Rev. Peltiah Tingley, a Baptist, in 1774. Tradition says that the first preaching in town was from the top of a high rock which... Read MORE...

1895 - Sanford
Sanford, a post-village in Sanford township, York co., Me., on the Mousam River, about 35 miles W.S.W. of Portland, and 4 mile S. of Springvale Station, which is on the Portland & Rochester Railroad. It has 2 churches, a graded school, and 2 or 3 woollen-mills, in which carriage robes and blankets are made. It is often called Sanford Corner. The township contains a larger village, named Springvale, which has a cotton-factory. Mousam River £ water-power for many mills. Pop of township, 2734.
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

1901 Sanford, Maine
SANFORD is situated in latitude 43° 25' north, and in longitude
6° 13' east from Washington, or 70° 47' west from Greenwich.
It is about four miles south from the Court House, Alfred, thirty-one west-southwest from the Cit}^ Hall, Portland, and eighty-two south-west from the State House, Augusta. These are air-line distances. It is bounded on the north by Acton and Shapleigh, on the north-east by Alfred, on the southeast by Kenuebunk and Wells, and on the southwest by North Berwick and Lebanon. Owing to its irreg-ular boundaries, a part of Shapleigh lies west, of North Berwick, southeast, and of Lebanon, northwest, of Sanford. Its length is nearly twice its breadth, averaging about ten miles })y five. Its lower boundar}' is nearly six and three-quarters miles. Its greatest length, from the corner of Acton, Lebanon and Sanford to the Wells line, is about eleven and a half miles. A straight line from that corner through the pond at Sanford to the Kennebunk line near the Mousam River ... Read MORE...

1906
Sanford, a post-village in Sanford township (town), York co., Me., on the Mousam River, about 35 miles WSW. of Portland. It has manufactures of dress goods, carriage-robes, carriages, mohair yarn, etc. The Mousam River affords water-power for many mills. Pop. of the town in 1900, 6078.
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

Mousam River: The Mousam River flows through Sanford and offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and scenic walks along its banks. It's a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Sanford Springvale Rail Trail: This scenic trail is perfect for hiking, biking, or jogging. It spans over 7 miles and takes you through lush forests and beautiful landscapes.

Sanford Maine Stage: If you're a fan of theater, don't miss a performance at the Sanford Maine Stage. They often host local talent and put on entertaining productions.

Springvale Historic District: Take a stroll through Springvale's Historic District to admire the well-preserved Victorian-era architecture. It's a step back in time and perfect for history buffs and photography enthusiasts.

Willard Beach: Located on Lake Arrowhead, Willard Beach is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and even boating. It's a popular spot during the summer months.

Emery's Bridge Park: This park is a peaceful spot along the... Read MORE...