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Flag associated with New Gloucester, Maine, USA History of New Gloucester, Maine, USA

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ABOUT THE PLACE

About New Gloucester

New Gloucester, Maine, USA - New Gloucester, Maine, USA - Residence of Joseph B. Hammond, New Gloucester, Me.
New Gloucester: Situated in Cumberland County, New Gloucester is a charming rural town with historical significance. It is home to the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, the only active Shaker community in the world.

Settled in the 1740's by men from Gloucester, Massachusetts, who saw the promise of its fertile intervale and wooded hills, New Gloucester was soon completely abandoned in the face of hostile Indian action. Settlers returned in the 1750's and obtained the town's incorporation in 1774. newgloucester.com
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VINTAGE NEW GLOUCESTER

New Gloucester Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

New Gloucester, Maine, USA - Residence of Joseph B. Hammond, New Gloucester, Me.
New Gloucester, Maine, USA
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Residence of Joseph B. Hammond, New Gloucester, Me.
New Gloucester, Maine, USA - Sabbath Day Lake, New Gloucester, Me.
New Gloucester, Maine, USA
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Sabbath Day Lake, New Gloucester, Me.
New Gloucester, Maine, USA - High School (1910)
New Gloucester, Maine, USA
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High School (1910)
New Gloucester, Maine, USA - Capt. Cutter Residence
New Gloucester, Maine, USA
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Capt. Cutter Residence
New Gloucester, Maine, USA - Public Library
New Gloucester, Maine, USA
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Public Library
New Gloucester, Maine, USA - Congregational Church
New Gloucester, Maine, USA
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Congregational Church
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New Gloucester, Maine, USA - Opportunity Farm, New Gloucester, Me.
New Gloucester, Maine, USA
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Opportunity Farm, New Gloucester, Me.
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to NEW GLOUCESTER

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LOCAL HISTORY

Discover New Gloucester: History, News, Travel, and Stories

Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped New Gloucester through the years.

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 first railroad, known as the Atlantic and St. Lawrence came through New Gloucester in 1848.
www.newgloucester.com
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(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...
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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.
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.
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.

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GENEALOGY IN NEW GLOUCESTER

Discover YOUR Roots: New Gloucester Ancestry

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BIRTHS & DEATHS

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in New Gloucester, Maine, USA

We currently have information about 78 ancestors who were born or died in New Gloucester.

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MARRIAGES

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Updated: 2/6/2025 3:52:47 PM
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