History of Gray, Maine, USA

On June 19, 1778, New Boston Plantation would be incorporated as Gray after Thomas Gray, a proprietor.

wikipedia.org

1791 - (Gray, Maine) - Along Collyer Brook, Samuel Mayall established in 1791 the first successful water-powered woolen mill in North America.
British woolen guilds had prohibited the production of goods in the colonies and tried to prevent British technology from being put to use in competition against them. Mayall smuggled out of England plans for machinery hidden in bales of cloth meant for trade with the Indians. When the guilds learned of his deception, they tried at least twice to kill him. They sent him a hat in which were hidden pins laced with poison, and then a box with loaded pistols rigged to fire when opened. Suspicious of the packages, Mayall avoided an untimely death.
wikipedia.org

1839 - Gray
Gray, Maine
Cumberland county. This is a fine farming town, watered by branches of North Yarmouth and Presumpscot rivers, and containing a large part of Little Sebago pond. It lies 17 miles N. by W. from Portland, and 44 S.W. from Augusta. Incorporated, 1778. Population, 1837, 1,671. Gray is a pleasant town and a place of considerable trade and some manufactures.
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 - Gray
Gray, a post-township of Cumberland co., Maine, 50 miles 8. 8. W. from Augusta. Population, 1788.
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
GRAY, a township in Cumberland co., in the state of Maine, U.S., 47 m. SW of Augusta. Pop. 1,740.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

During the Civil War, a Confederate soldier's body was accidentally sent to Gray.
Instead of sending it away, the people of Gray gave it a proper burial and funded a gravestone marked "The Stranger". A statue dedicated to the "Unknown Soldier" was later erected in Gray Village Center. Every year on Memorial Day, the Unknown Soldier is respected with a Confederate flag marking the grave.
wikipedia.org

1876 - Pennell Institute was built in Gray

www.graymaine.org/ history

1886 - Gray
Gray is situated near the middle of Cumberland County and 16 miles north of Portland. The Maine Central Railway passes through the eastern part of the town, about two miles from the village of Gray Corner. The bounding towns are New Gloucester on the north-east, North Yarmouth and Cumberiand on the south-east, Windham on the south-west, and Raymond on the north-west. The larger part of Little Sebago Pond lies along the north-western side of the town, and in the north-eastern part is the small body of water called “Dry Pond.” The town is regular in its form, being nearly square. It is about 12 miles long by 10 wide. Gray Corner, near the centre of the town, is the largest village. It is situated on elevated plains surrounded by hills. The location is remarkably healthy; and—as might be supposed—there are many cged people living in the town. The soil is chiefly a clayey or sandy loam, and fairly productive.. There are many farms under superior cultivation. Granite is the prevailing... Read MORE...

1895 - Gray
Gray, a post-village of Cumberland co, Me., i township, about 18 miles N. of Portland, and 3 m of the Maine Central Railroad. It has an academy, churches, a woollen-mill, and manufactures of lumber, steel shuttles. Pop. of the township, 1738. Gray is 19 miles N. of Portland.
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
Gray, a post-village of Cumberland oo., Me., in Gray township (town), about 18 miles N. of Portland. It has manufactures of lumber, etc, and is the seat of Pennell Institute. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1388.
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

Here's a list of the best places to go and things to do in Gray, Maine:
Sebago Lake State Park:

If you're a fan of outdoor activities, Sebago Lake State Park is a must-visit. It offers a stunning natural setting, perfect for hiking, picnicking, swimming, and fishing. The park surrounds the deepest lake in Maine, Sebago Lake, providing ample opportunities for water recreation.

Maine Wildlife Park:

Located in Gray, the Maine Wildlife Park is a unique experience for nature lovers. The park is home to a variety of native wildlife, including bears, moose, eagles, and more. It's an excellent place for families, and they often have educational programs and events.

Crystal Lake:

Crystal Lake is a serene spot for those seeking a quiet getaway. It's great for kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The clear waters and the beautiful landscape make it a favorite among locals.

Raymond Beach:

Just a short drive away in the neighboring town of Raymond, you'll find Raymond Beach. It's a lovely sandy beach on Sebago Lake with ... Read MORE...