History of Westbrook, Maine, USA

1814 (Westbrook) Originally known as Saccarappa after Saccarappa Falls on the Presumpscot River, it was a part of Falmouth (now Portland) until February 14, 1814, when it was set off and incorporated as Stroudwater.
It soon changed its name to Westbrook after Colonel Thomas Westbrook, a commander during Father Rale's War and King's mast agent who was an early settler and mill operator.
wikipedia.org

1829 (Westbrook) - In 1829, a sawmill was built which made the mill town famous for its lumber.
Other industries followed, manufacturing grain bags, machinery and water wheels, carriage and harnesses, boots, shoes and moccasins, tin ware, leather board, bricks, wooden boxes, box shook, meal and flour.
www.westbrookmaine.com /live-learn-work-play/ history-of-westbrook

1839 - Westbrook
Westbrook, Maine
Cumberland county. This flourishing town was taken from Falmouth in 1814. It is 52 miles S.S.W. from Augusta and is bounded E. by Portland. The Presumpscut river passing through the town from west to east, furnishes it with rich intervales, and numerous valuable mill privileges. The Cumberland and Oxford canal also passes through the town. This town is noted for its working cattle which are said to equal any in the country.

The principal place of business at Westbrook, is at the pleasant village of Saccarappa, where are large operations in the manufacture of lumber, and where has recently been erected, by citizens of Portland, a large brick cotton mill, containing 2,900 spindles, and 104 looms, and which is in successful operation.

Stroudwater, another village, has some navigation employed in the fishery and coasting trade, and has been celebrated for the fine ships built there. In Westbrook are extensive manufactures of tin ware and combs, which are sent to... Read MORE...

1854 - Westbrook
Westbrook, a township in Cumberland county, Maine, intersected by the Presumpscot river, which affords extensive waterpower, employed in manufacturing. It contains several villages, the principal of which is Saccarappa, on the York and Cumberland railroad, 7 miles N. by W. from Portland. The township contains 1 bank. Pop., 4852.
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.

1886 - Westbrook
Westbrook is situated in the southern part of Cumberland county, Deering on the south-east separates it from Portland, Falmouth bounds it on the north-east, Windharn and Gorham on the north-west, Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth on the south. Its territory is longest from north-east to south-west, and its width is about one half its length. The area is near 15,000 acres. The surface is beautifully diversified by swells of land rather than hills. The soil is generally loamy or clayey and is usually well cultivated. The excellent markets near give it great advantages for farming and gardening; and the farm buildings give evidence of thrift. The Presurnpscot river passes through the midst of the town, and, turning, forms nearly half the boundary on the south-east. The other streams are Stroudwater River, which crosses the south-western part of the town, and Duck Pond Brook in the north-east. Saccarappa is the only considerable village. It was long celebrated for its lumber business, begun... Read MORE...

In 1891, Westbrook was incorporated as a city.

wikipedia.org

1895 - Westbrook
Westbrook, a city of Cumberland co., Me., on the Maine Central Railroad and the Portland & Ogdensburg Railroad, 4 miles N.W. of Portland. It contains the villages of Saccarappa and Cumberland Mills. The city charter was adopted in 1891. Westbrook has several churches, and public schools, a bank, and manufactures of belting, boots and shoes, bricks, &c. Pop. in 1890, 6632.
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 - Carried All Before It.
WESTBROOK, Me., March 8. - There was a foot of snow on the ground here, and this melting caused the Presumpscot river to rise very rapidly. The ice in the river began to go out yesterday, and in an hour's time the water had risen 10 feet. The bridge at W. K. ? went, and then followed a railroad bridge. The wheelhouse of the Westbrook electric light station was carried away, leaving Westbrook without any means of lighting.

By this time the debris brought down by the raging waters had accumulated into a mass of threatening proportions. It lodged against the big iron railroad bridge of the Maine Central road. The water, which had backed up against the bridge, rose fully 30 feet, and when released spread over the adjacent territory for a distance of 100 yards back from the natural banks of the river.

Below the bridge were the mills of S. D. Warren, the largest paper mills in the world. The gate house, which recently cost $40,000, was destroyed, and this will throw 2500 people out of ... Read MORE...

1906
Westbrook, a city of Cumberland co., Me., on the Maine Central and the Boston and Maine Rs., 5 miles NW. of Portland. It has manufactures of silk, warps, and brick. The city charter was adopted in 1891. Pop. in 1900, 7283.
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

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Westbrook:
Riverbank Park:

Take a leisurely stroll through Riverbank Park. It's a charming place to relax, have a picnic, or just enjoy the scenic views along the Presumpscot River.

Duck Pond Wildlife Area:

Nature lovers will appreciate the Duck Pond Wildlife Area. It's a peaceful spot with walking trails, perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the tranquility of nature.

Westbrook Historical Society & Museum:

Dive into Westbrook's history at the Westbrook Historical Society & Museum. Learn about the town's past through exhibits and artifacts.

Maine Wildlife Park:

Just a short drive away, the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray is a must-visit. See and learn about native wildlife, including moose, bears, and eagles.

Mast Landing Sanctuary:

If you enjoy hiking, check out the Mast Landing Sanctuary. It offers a network of trails through forests and along the river, providing a peaceful escape.

Canoeing/ Kayaking on the Presumpscot River:

Rent a canoe or kayak and explore the... Read MORE...