History of Freeport, Maine, USA

1839 - Freeport
Freeport, Maine
Cumberland county. This is a respectable town with a pleasant village, and small harbor at the head of Casco bay, on the road from Portland to Brunswick, 18 miles N. by E. from the former, 9 S.W. from the latter, and 36 S.S.W. from Augusta. Freeport was taken from North Yarmouth in 1789, and was formerly called the Harraseeket Settlement from the name of the river that passes through it. This is a place of some navigation, ship building, and agricultural enterprize. Population, 1837, 2,659.
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 - Freeport
Freeport, a post-township of Cumberland county, Maine, 35 miles S. by W. from Augusta. Population, 2629.
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
FREEPORT, a township of Cumberland co., in the state of Maine, U.S., 34 m. SSW of Augusta, at the head of Casco bay, in which it has a small harbour. Pop. in 1840, 2,662.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1871 - ACCIDENT ON MAINE CENTRAL RAILROAD.
Six Cars Thrown from the Track - Two Men Killed, Others Injured -Wonderful Escape. No Passengers Maimed.

About three o'clock Monday afternoon a despatch [sic] was received in this city that the inward bound express train with Pullman car attached on the Maine Central Railroad, had been thrown from the track near Freeport. A wrecking train was promptly made up by Superintendent Bailey at the depot in this city and sent to the scene of the accident. All sorts of conjectures gave rise to startling reports, and as the train was stated to have consisted of nine cars and all heavily loaded, it was feared the casualties were greater than had been told by the railroad officials. Fortunately they were not as large as people naturally inferred, although they were disastrous enough. Upon sifting out the true story we learn that, just before the hour given above and as the train was moving at an ordinary rate of speed, bout a mile and a half before reaching Freeport, the breaking of the... Read MORE...

1886 - Freeport
Freeport is situated in the eastern part of Cumberland County, and at the north-eastern extremity of Casco Bay. Brunswick bounds it on the east, Pownal on the north, the latter and Yarmouth on the west, and Casco Bay on the south. Cousin’s River forms the dividing line between Freeport and Yarmouth for about half the distance of their boundary. The Maine Central Railroad runs through the town, having a station at Freeport Corner, 17 miles from Portland. Other business centres are South Freeport, Mast Landing and Porter’s Landing. The surface of the town is varied, with but moderate elevations and depressions. The soil is chiefly clay loam, and generally productive. The largest crops are hay ‘and potatoes. Harraseeket River is the principal stream. The long basin at its mouth constitutes a harbor navigable by large vessels, arid its openness through the year is supposed to have given the town its name of Freeport. This harbor is formed by Wolf’s and Mitchell’s necks. Flying Point forms ... Read MORE...

1889 - Freeport
One of the most progressive and widely known towns of the Maine coast is Freeport, Cumberland County, situated at the head of a fine harbor opening into Casco Bay. In the earlier half of the century it was one of Maine's great ship ping towns. Like Portland, Kennebunk, Bath, Boothbay, its harbor was frequented by in and out-going vessels, and on its docks there were always being made great monarchs of the deep; but like many other towns, its shipping fame has passed away, This interest, which developed continually after the Revolutionary War, reached its climax in the decade between 1850 and 1860. In one year ten great ships, from seven hundred to twelve hundred tonnage, were launched, and its commerce went upon all waters. In 1860 its population was two thousand seven hundred and. ninety-two. But the disastrous effects of the war and succeeding years were fatal to its ship.. building interests. There is yet hope that these will revive, and in these later years, when the prospect for... Read MORE...

1895 - Freeport
Freeport, a post-village in Freeport - on Casco Bay), Cumberland co, Me, and on the : Central Railroad, 18 miles N.E. of Portland. It has churches. Ship-building is the most important business of this place, and it has several vessels employed in the coasting-trade and fisheries. Pop, about 600; of the township, 2457.
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
Freeport, a post-village in Freeport township (town), Cumberland co., Me., on Casco Bay and on the Maine Central R., 18 miles NE. of Portland. It has manufactures of boots and shoes, lumber, etc Pop. in 1900, 759; of the town, 2339.
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

2023 - Freeport, Maine is a charming town with a lot to offer. Here's a list of some of the best places to go and things to do:
L.L.Bean Flagship Store:

A trip to Freeport wouldn't be complete without visiting the iconic L.L.Bean flagship store. It's open 24/ 7, 365 days a year, and offers everything from outdoor gear to clothing. Don't miss the giant boot!

Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park:

For nature enthusiasts, Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park is a must-visit. Enjoy scenic trails that lead you through lush woods, along rocky shores, and offer stunning views of the coastline.

Freeport Village Station:

This is a shopper's paradise. Freeport Village Station is an outdoor shopping center with a variety of outlets, boutiques, and restaurants. You can find great deals on popular brands.

Desert of Maine:

Take a unique trip to the Desert of Maine, a quirky attraction where you can explore a landscape that looks like a desert, right in the middle of Maine. It's a fascinating geological oddity.

Bradbury Mountain State Park:

If you're into hiking and outdoor activities, head to Bradbury Mountain... Read MORE...