If history had taken a different course, this article would be about Massachusetts, not Maine. And there might be just 49 stars on our flag instead of 50. This is because Maine was actually part of Massachusetts from 1647-1820. Ironically, after agitating for their own statehood for decades, many people in Maine were opposed to it when statehood came. This is because it would pass in the U.S. Congress only if Missouri was admitted as a slave state at the same time. This horrified the strict abolitionists of Maine.
You’ll learn tons of history if you get the chance to visit the oldest cities in Maine. And if you’re not a history buff, you’ll find interesting indoor and outdoor activities all year round.
Definitions of what constitutes as a “city” vary widely. We’ve only included places with a population of at least 1,500 people, as per the 2020 census.
Environment Of Maine
Maine has a humid continental climate. This means cold, snowy winters and mild summers. Much of the state is forest, consisting of spruce, fir, and northern hardwoods. It’s an ideal home for iconic wildlife species such as black bears, moose, beavers, and white-tailed deer. Visitors can also spot bald eagles, ospreys, peregrine falcons, common loons, painted turtles, and brook trout.
1. Biddeford, 1630
Biddeford, population 22,552, was founded in 1630. It is on the south coast of Maine between Portland and Portsmouth, NH. This location has helped its development throughout history. It became a thriving manufacturing center producing lumber, fish, milled grain, footwear, granite, and bricks. The jobs in the area attracted immigrants from Ireland, Albania, and Quebec. Though these industries have run their course, the city has been revitalized with art studios, upscale housing, and cultural events.
Some of the interesting places you can visit in Biddeford are:
- Wood Island Light: an active lighthouse, and the second oldest in the state. It is open for seasonal tours.
- Saint Joseph Catholic Church: This beautiful Gothic Revival structure is the tallest building in Maine, at 235 feet.
- Biddeford Beaches: This town has three public beaches. They include the Biddeford Pool, where you and your kids can explore the ecosystem of tidal pools. Fortune’s Rocks, a popular beach for surfers and Rotary, a swimming beach, are excellent in the summer.
- Wildlife reserves: East Point Audubon Sanctuary, which is an outstanding place for birdwatching, and Blanding’s Park Wildlife Sanctuary are both worth a visit.
- La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival: This celebration of Maine’s French and French-Canadian heritage happens every year.
2. Saco, 1630
Saco, with a population of 20,381, is located right across the Saco River from Biddeford and developed along with it. Both cities were in an area that was contested between Britain and France during colonial days and the French recruited local Native American tribes as their allies in the war. After France was defeated in the Seven Years’ War, the British took uncontested ownership of the region. Both cities benefited from using the Saco River to float logs down to the seacoast. Some of this lumber was used in shipbuilding. In 2007 Saco took a forward-thinking move of building a wind turbine for electricity generation but it did not generate power at the expected levels and was shut down.
One of the most fun things to do in Saco in warm weather is to visit Kinney Shores and Ferry Beach State Park, where there’s great swimming and warm white sand beaches. At Saco, visitors can also snorkel, fish, and cater scenic boat trips. Catamaran rentals are also available. Funtown Splashtown USA, a water park, is located right in the city. Your family might also enjoy the hike to Cascade Falls.
3. Scarborough, 1631
Scarborough (population 22,135) is the next city north of Biddeford and Saco. It borders Saco on the south. It was originally a land grant to a British Earl’s nephew. But after he died on a voyage to Barbados, his wife inherited the land. It grew into a thriving settlement because of the excellent farming and fishing in the area. French and Indian attacks destroyed the initial settlement and many of the survivors relocated to Boston. But after repeated settlement and defense efforts, the town was securely established.
Scottow Hill is a historically notable site, where bonfires warned early settlers of approaching danger. Even though Scarborough is one of the oldest cities in Maine, it offers plenty that modern visitors will love as well. Things like:
- Scarborough Beach State Park
- Scarborough Marsh Nature Center
- Fuller Farm Trail
4. Topsham, 1632
Topsham has a population today of 6,623. it was founded in 1632 in the southwestern coastal region of Maine, just north of and adjacent to Brunswick. It was named after a city of the same name in England. Some of the industries that developed early in the area were lumber, shipbuilding, a grist mill, tanneries, a pottery maker, a watchmaker, a nail factory, and factories producing housing construction materials such as windows, doors, stairways, and shingles.
Topsham is an ideal place to take a self-guided historical walking tour, where you’ll see well-preserved examples of Federal and Greek Revival architecture. Visiting the city, you’ll also hear stories of its role in the Underground Railroad, which included tunnels wide enough to drive a horse and buggy through to get people from one safe house to another. Topsham has a fairground with an agricultural fair that started in 1856. Other attractions to check out include Androscoggin Swinging Bridge over the Androscoggin River; scenic hikes in the Cathance River Preserve; the Maine State Aquarium in nearby Boothbay Harbor, and Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, in nearby Freeport.
5. Gorham, 1736
Gorham, with a population of 7,469, was founded in 1736. The history of its founding and settlement was tragically tied into colonial wars with indigenous people and rivalries between the superpowers of that day. France had a generally lower population in its New World colonies spread over a larger territory than its rival Britain did and tried to compensate by recruiting Native Americans to participate in their wars. As peace was established, Gorham prospered as a center for the manufacture of textiles, carpets, lumber, barrels, carriages, and wagons a swell as brickmaking and granite and marble quarrying.
If you enjoy the outdoors, you can follow the path of the old Boston and Maine Railroad, which was dismantled in the 1960s and converted into a recreational trail. You’ll find opportunities in the area for canoeing, swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Brook trout, salmon, and smallmouth bass are all plentiful. Other area attractions are Gambo Preserve & Shaw Park, Babb’s Covered Bridge, Orchard Ridge Farm and Specialty Food Market, and the Headin’ North Guide Service.
It’s Always A Good Time To Visit Maine
We’ve looked at just a few of Maine’s oldest cities, but that’s been enough to discover how much the history of the state is tied in with Native American and colonial history. It also showcases the New England perseverance and ingenuity that built diverse, thriving industries, often in places that presented a lot of challenges, including a cold and forbidding climate much of the year. These days, any time of year is a good time to visit Maine, with indoor and outdoor activities for your whole family. Maybe it’s time to make some history in Maine yourself!
Summary Of 5 Of The Oldest Cities In Maine
Rank | City | Date Founded |
---|---|---|
1 | Biddeford | 1630 |
2 | Saco | 1630 |
3 | Scarborough | 1631 |
4 | Topsham | 1632 |
5 | Gorham | 1736 |
The photo featured at the top of this post is © SevenMaps/Shutterstock.com
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