History of Ellsworth, Maine, USA

In 1773 the first schooner was built at Ellsworth. This was the Susan and Abigail, named after daughters of the two most prominent citizens, Benjamin Milliken and Benjamin Joy.

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(Ellsworth) In 1798 the inhabitants petitioned to be incorporated under the name Sumner.
That name having been already taken by a settlement in present-day Oxford County, Maine, the town was incorporated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1800 as Ellsworth, named for Oliver Ellsworth, the Connecticut delegate to the 1787 National Convention that was then working on a Constitution for the new United States of America, and later the third Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Oliver Ellsworth is thought to be first to suggest the name "United States of America".
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In 1838, Ellsworth became the county seat of Hancock County, replacing Castine.

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1839 - Ellsworth
Ellsworth, Maine
Chief town of Hancock county. This is a pleasant and flourishing town on both sides of Union river, at the head of navigation. The village is principally on the E. side, where there is a good bridge across the river, 3 miles above the entrance of the river into the waters connected with Blue Hill bay. The tide rises at the bridge 10 or 12 feet, and Ellsworth possesses an enviable position for maritime and inland trade. The location of the courts for this county was changed from Castine to this place in 1838. The court house is eligibly situated on the W. side of the river. Ellsworth is quite an agricultural township. It has a good soil, and considerable attention is given to the growth of wheat and wool. It lies 81 miles E. by N. from Augusta and 30 N.E. by E. from Bangor. Population, 1830, 1,385—1837, 2,195.
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 - Ellsworth
Ellsworth, an important commercial town, capital of Hancock co., Maine, is situated on both sides of the navigable river Union, which is here crossed by 4 bridges. 30 miles S. E. from Bangor. About 35,000,000 feet of lumber are annually exported. It contains a bank. Population of the township, 4009.
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.

1859
ELLSWORTH, a township in the state of Maine, U.S., 89 ENE of Augusta, on Union river. Pop. 2,253.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

In 1869, Ellsworth was incorporated as a city by the Maine Legislature. The first City Hall was Hancock Hall, which stood at the corner of Main Street and School Street.

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1870 - Woman Soldier
The Ellsworth (Maine) American has had a visit from a woman in that vicinity who served in the army two years, dressed in male attire. She has resumed female habiliments, though she uses tobacco.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
March 26, 1870

In 1888, electricity was introduced into the Ellsworth area.

wikipedia.org

1895 - Ellsworth
Ellsworth, a city, port of entry, and the capital of Hancock co., Me., is in Ellsworth township, and on the navigable Union River, a few miles from the ocean, and about 28 miles S.E. of Bangor. It contains a court-house, a custom-house, a savings bank, a public library, 6 church", 2 newspaper offices, and numerous saw-mills. Several bridges cross the river hero. The prosperity of this place is mainly derived from the lumber-business, navigation and ship-building. It is surrounded by attractive scenery. Pop. in 1890, 4804.
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

1896 (Ellsworth) The disputed city elections in 1896 resulted in the appointment of two separate Ellsworth police forces, each of which threatened to arrest the other.

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1906 - Ellsworth
Ellsworth, a city, port of entry, and the capital of Hancock co., Me., on the navigable Union River, a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean and about 28 miles SE of Bangor. It is on the Maine Central R., and has manufactures of lumber, boots and shoes, woollens, sails, iron, and soap and ship-building interests. A national fish-hatchery is established here. Pop. in 1890, 4804; in 1900, 4297.
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

1907 - Work on the Ellsworth hydro-electric dam began in 1907, at the site of one of the original Benjamin Milliken Union River dams. This led to the creation of the present Leonard's Lake just north of the city.

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1907 - $25,000 FIRE AT ELLSWORTH.
Ellsworth, Me., Jan. 25. - Hampered by frozen hydrants and in a temperature of 25 degrees below zero the volunteer firemen of Ellsworth, battled the Masonic block, a three-story brick structure on State Street, and threatened to wip out other buildings in the business section.

At 1 o'clock the flames had communicated from the Masonic building to the adjoining block occupied by the hardward store of Morrison, Joy & Co.

The basement and street floor of the Masonic building was occupied by the plant of the Hancock County Democrat, while the second and third floors were retained for the use of Ligonia Lodge of Free Masons. It is supposed that defective insulation of electric light wires in the basement of the building started the blaze.

The Masonic building was valued at $20,000, and the loss on the newspaper plant is estimated at $5000 more.

At 2 o'clock the fire was under control. The firemen succeeded in confining it mainly to the Masonic building, the building occupied by... Read MORE...

1916
Ellsworth, a city, port of entry, and the capital of Hancock co., Me., on the navigable Union River, a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean and about 28 miles SE. of Bangor. It is on the Maine Central R., and has manufactures of lumber, boots and shoes, woollens, sails, iron, and soap and ship-building interests. A national fish-hatchery is established here. Pop. in 1890, 4804 ; in 1900, 4297.
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

1923 - (Ellsworth) - Great Flood of 1923. A spring freshet rushed over the dam and carried off the metal Union River Bridge, along with many buildings along the river, such as the Dirigo Theater, the Foundry and many wharves and warehouses.
This event marked the end of Ellsworth's prominence as a shipping center.
wikipedia.org

May 7, 1933 - Great Ellsworth Fire of 1933 destroyed 130 homes and downtown businesses.
FLAMES SWEEP ELLSWORTH, ME.
Most of Town Doomed as 50 Business Buildings and 200 Dwellings Burn
HALF-MILE WALL OF FIRE
The New York Times
New York, New York
May 8, 1933

2023 - Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or foodie, Ellsworth has something to offer. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Ellsworth:
Acadia National Park: Start your visit to Ellsworth with a trip to Acadia National Park, which is just a short drive away. Explore the park's hiking trails, take a scenic drive along Park Loop Road, or relax on the beautiful Sand Beach. Don't forget to visit Cadillac Mountain for breathtaking sunrise or sunset views.

L.L. Bean Outlet: If you're a fan of outdoor gear and clothing, make sure to visit the L.L. Bean Outlet in Ellsworth. You can find great deals on high-quality outdoor equipment.

Woodlawn Museum: Learn about the history of Ellsworth and its prominent Black family at the Woodlawn Museum. The estate features a historic house, beautiful gardens, and walking trails.

Stanley Museum: Explore the history of the Stanley family, famous for their Stanley Steamer automobiles. The museum showcases a fascinating collection of vintage cars and related memorabilia.

Bird Watching: Ellsworth is a great place for birdwatching. Head to the Fields Pond Audubon Center, where you... Read MORE...