History of New Gloucester, Maine, USA

On September 7, 1774, the Town of New Gloucester was incorporated.

www.newgloucester.com/

By 1775, some of the settlers objected to paying taxes to support the Congregational minister, Rev. Samuel Foxcroft, and this was the beginning of other religions in New Gloucester.

www.newgloucester.com

The Shakers first came to New Gloucester in 1782, and the first meeting was held in the home of Gowan Wilson Sr.

www.newgloucester.com

After having held meetings for several years, the “First Universalist Society of Christians in New Gloucester” was incorporated in 1805.

www.newgloucester.com

(New Gloucester) - According to the records of 1825, there were five stores and five taverns.

www.newgloucester.com

1839 - New Gloucester
New Gloucester, Maine
Cumberland county. This is a pleasant and flourishing farming town, 23 miles N. from Portland and 38 S.W. from Augusta. Incorporated, 1774. Population, 1837, 1,861. It is well watered by Royal's river, on which are mills of various kinds. The soil of the town is very fertile, containing large tracts of intervale. The first settlers were compelled to build a block house for their protection against the Indians. In this building the people attended public worship for a number of years. This town has an abundant water power, a school fund of $4,000, and a society of about 300 of those neat and industrious people, "whose faith is one and whose practice is one." See Canterbury, N.H.
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 railroad, known as the Atlantic and St. Lawrence came through New Gloucester in 1848.

www.newgloucester.com

1854 - New Gloucester
New Gloucester, a post-township in Cumberland co., Maine, on the Atlantic and St. Lawrence railroad, 38 miles S. W. from Augusta. Population, 1848.
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.

(New Gloucester) - . In 1860 there were six sawmills, tow tanneries, and two gristmills on the various streams and Royall’s River.

www.newgloucester.com

The Maine Central Railroad, which originally ran from Cumberland to Danville, came to New Gloucester in 1870.

www,newgloucester.com

1886 - New Gloucester
New Gloucester is situated midway on the northern line of Cumberland County, having Gray on the south-west, North Yarmouth and Pownal on the south-east, Auburn and Danville in Androscoggin County on the north-east, and Poland on the north-west. It was originally ordered to be laid out six miles square, but is nearly nine miles in length from N.N.W. to S.S.E., by six the other. It is 22 miles from Portland, on the line of the Grand Trunk and Maine Central railways, which cross the eastern part of the town.

The surface is beautifully diversified, and without either lofty hills or deep valleys, affords many pleasing prospects. Bald Hill in the northern corner of the town is the highest eminence. There is much good interval land, and the uplands are generally loamy. The hills especially, have many drift rocks of the cobble-stone size. The town is one of the best for farming purposes, and being well-wrought, has generally a thrifty appearance. There is a mineral spring of some note in... Read MORE...

1886 - New Gloucester Town Hall was built and dedicated.

www.newgloucester.com

1887 - Death of Osgood Bradbury
Osgood Bradbury, who died in New Gloucester, Me., a few days ago, aged ninety years, was born in the town where he died. His dying words were: "Hold me; I'm falling."
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
March 5, 1887

(New Gloucester) In 1890, the farm of Jacob Osgood Haskell, on the bank of Royall’s River at Upper Gloucester, was purchased and a race track built.

www.newgloucester.com

1890 - The New Gloucester Shakers changed their name to Sabbathday Lake.

www.polandtownoffice.org/

1895 - New Gloucester
New Gloucester, gloster, a post-village in New Gloucester township, Cumberland co. Me., on the Grand Trunk and Maine Central Railroads, 22 miles N. of Portland. It has several churches and a high school. At West New Gloucester there is a Shaker village. Pop of the township, 1496.
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 - Library built in New Gloucester

www.newgloucester.com

In 1902, New Gloucester High School was built

www.newgloucester.com

1906
New Gloucester, a post-village in New Gloucester township (town), Cumberland co., Me., in the Grand Trunk and Maine Central Rs., 22 miles N. of Portland. It has a packing-house and manufactures of lumber. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1162.
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

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Sebago Lakes region, New Gloucester offers a mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and historical attractions. Here's a list of things to do:
1. Pineland Farms:
Start your exploration of New Gloucester with a visit to Pineland Farms, a 5,000-acre working farm and recreational area. You can take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the miles of scenic trails that wind through the rolling hills and forests. In the winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities. The farm also has a market where you can purchase fresh produce, cheese, and other local products. Don't forget to say hello to the adorable farm animals, especially the goats!

2. Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village:
Immerse yourself in history by visiting the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, the last active Shaker community in the United States. The Shakers were known for their simple, communal lifestyle and exquisite craftsmanship. You can take guided tours to learn about their fascinating history, see their well-preserved buildings, and even purchase handmade Shaker crafts, including furniture, baskets, and herbal remedies.

3. New Gloucester... Read MORE...