History of Harpswell, Maine, USA

1700's - A Baby's Adventure
In the year 1819,died in the town of Greene, Me., an old man named Thomas, who had a thrilling wolf-story of his own to tell, though the experience was too early for his memory, he being at the time a baby in arms. Mr. George J. Varney relates the adventure in the Lewiston Journal. Mrs. Thomas was a fisherman's wife who lived in the town of Brunswick, Me., where Bowdoin College now stands. At one time when her husband was in port, but could not come home, she started on foot to Harpswell, a distance of ten miles, to see him, carrying her youngest child in her arms. Returning, with a load of fish on her back as well as the burden of her babe, she heard a wolf howl in the forest, and terror quickened her pace, though she was already fain to sink with fatigue.

She was midway of the five miles of unbroken woods when the howl of the wolf again smote her ear, and this time other voices, one after another, joined in. The pack had gathered on her trail!

She must climb a tree, one would... Read MORE...

1839 - Harpswell
Harpswell, Maine
Cumberland county. This township comprises a promontory in Casco bay, formerly Merrycomeag, and several islands surrounding it, the largest of which is called Sebascodegan. The waters which enclose this territory are so situated, at the northern and eastern extremity of Casco bay, that a canal of about a mile in length would unite them with Kennebec river near Bath. The soil of Harpswell is very fertile, and the location delightful in summer. It is a resort for invalids and parties of pleasure. The people are principally engaged in farming and fishing. It lies 22 miles N.E. from Portland by water, and 4 miles S.E. from Brunswick. Incorporated, 1758. Population, 1837, 1,344.
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 - Harpswell
Habpswell, a township in Cumberland co., Maine, on the N. side of Casco bay, 45 miles S. by W. from Augusta. Population, 1586.
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
HARPSWELL, a township in Cumberland co., in the state of Maine, U.S., 22 m. NE of Portland. Pop. 1,448.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1886 - Harpswell
Harpswell is the south-easterly town of Cumberland County. It consists of a peninsula 9 miles in length, extending south-westward, with a parallel line of islands on each side. These are known as Harpswell Neck, and, on the east, Great Island, Orr’s Island, with numerous smaller ones. Between the peninsula and the Islands named is the long Harpswell Harbor. On the west side of the peninsula is Middle Bay. These two bodies of water at their northern extremity approach so near to each other that where it joins Brunswick, the peninsula is little more than 45 rods wide. Great Island, the largest of the islands, and the most easterly part of the town, is separated from West Bath by New Meadows River. The three larger islands have their greatest length nearly north and south, and succeed each other in the same direction. The two first are connected with each other, and the first with the mainland by bridges. Each is penetrated from the north and from the south by several harbors and inlets, ... Read MORE...

1895 - Harpswell
Harps' well, a township of Cumberland co., Me., comprising a peninsula and some islands in Casco Bay, 14 miles of Portland. It is a pleasant summer resort, and has an insurance company and 5 churches. Pop. 1749.
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
Harpswell, a township (town) of Cumberland co., Me., comprising a peninsula and some islands in Casco Bay, 14 miles Es. of Portland. It is a pleasant summer- resort. Pop. in 1900, 1750.
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

1941 - 37 DROWNED OFF YACHT
Harpswell, Me., July 2 -(AP) - The 44-foot motorboat Don was pictured today by State Fisheries Warden JOHN STEVENS as a jinx ship that was "overcrowded" when it exploded and sent 37 men and women picnickers to death Sunday.

Declaring the Don had "sunk three times in the past decade" only to be raised, STEVENS told newsmen the craft was "topheavy" and that it carried 150 gallons of gasoline, some in cans on deck, when it set out of its last voyage to Monhegan Island, 20 miles away.

He added that is was inadequately equipped with life preservers for the party of Rumford and Mexico, Me., residents.

None of the first nine recovered bodies - two men and seven women - bore life preservers when they were picked up yesterday in the waters along the shores of Casco Bay. Two other bodies were held aboard fog-bound search craft overnight.

With every indication that there were no survivors of the trip that started so gaily, the disaster took the highest toll of life in New England... Read MORE...

Here's a list of some of the best places to go and things to do in Harpswell:
Cundy's Harbor:

Start your exploration of Harpswell at Cundy's Harbor, a charming fishing village. Enjoy scenic views of the harbor, watch the boats go by, and take a stroll along the docks.

Bailey Island:

Connected to the mainland by the iconic Cribstone Bridge, Bailey Island is a must-visit. Explore the rugged coastline, visit the Giant's Stairs, and savor fresh seafood at Cook's Lobster & Ale House.

Orr's Island:

Connected to Bailey Island, Orr's Island offers more opportunities for coastal exploration. Visit the historic Orr's Island Library and take in the stunning views from locations like Devil's Back Trail.

Reid State Park:

A short drive from Harpswell, Reid State Park is known for its long sandy beaches, rocky tide pools, and hiking trails. It's an excellent spot for picnics, beachcombing, and enjoying the Atlantic Ocean.

Hiking Trails:

Harpswell has a variety of hiking trails that showcase its natural beauty. Check out the Cliff Trail for panoramic ... Read MORE...