USA > Maine > A gazetteer of the United States, comprising a series of gazetteers of the several states and territories. Maine > Part 10
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Camden.
This sea-port is finely located for navi- gation, with two beautiful harbors, on the W. side of Penobscot bay, 10 miles N. from Thomaston, and 17 S. from Belfast. This place has some navigation engaged in the coasting trade and fisheries, and considerable ship building is carried on ; but the principal business is the manufac- ture of Inne from inexhaustible quarries of marble, or limestone. About 200,000 casks of lime are annually shipped from this place to all parts of the United States. This lime is noted for making a cement of a superior quality. The Megunticook river waters a part of the town, and gives it a great water-power, which might be well applied to manufacturing purposes. From a mountain in the rear of the town a beautiful prospect is presented of Pe- nobscot bay and its numerous islands. Camden is a pleasant retreat in summer months.
Cape Elizabeth'
Was formerly a part of Falmouth, from which it was separated in 1764. It was the first settled town in the county of Cumberland, that part of its territory called Richmond's island having been oc- cupied as early as 1623. Its southern and eastern borders are washed by the sea, and the northern by Fore river, which separates it from Portland. It contains 12,881 acres of land. It was a place of some importance in the early history of the country ; previous to 1010, an enis- copal church was established upon Rich- mond's island, and 60 persons were em- ployed there in curing and packing fish, and making oil for exportation. After
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the jurisdiction of Massachusetts was ex- tended over it, in 1658, it declined, and for- ever lost its commercial character, except for a short period before the revolutiona- ry war, when a few schooners and sloops were employed from the place in the fish- eries and the West India trade. The re- volution proved very destructive to that town ; it drew off a large proportion of its active population, and annihilated its commerce. There are some patches of rich and valuable land in the town, espe- cially near the southern border, and in the valley of the Shurwink river.
Castine
Derived its name from a French baron of that name, who resided here upwards of twenty years after 1667. This penin- sula, jutting out into Belfast bay, at the mouth of the Penobscot river, was for- merly called " Major Biguyduce," pro- nounced, Bagaduce. The peninsula em- braces 2500 acres of land, and was hrst settled by the English in 1760. The British occupied this place in both of the wars with the U. S. It was the shire or chief town of the county, from 1789 to 1538, when the courts were removed to Ellsworth. Castine possesses an excel- lent maritime position ; but its trade from the country is limited, being cut off by the more inland towns. Its trade, how- ever, is considerable. The lumber and coasting trade, with the fisheries and ship building, give active employment to its people. It is 132 miles N. E. from Port- land, 12 E. from Belfast, and 30 miles S. from Bangor. It lies in 44º 22/ 30/ N. lat., and 68° 45' 0/ W. lon.
China.
This is a township of excellent land, and is watered by a lake, or "Twelve Mile Pond," a fine miniature of the beau- tiful Skaneateles, in the state of New York. At the ontlet of this pond, into the Kennebec, are excellent mill privile- ges. On the bank of the pond is a very flourishing village, a steam saw mill, and an academy. China is bounded N. by Winslow and Albion, and E. by Palermo. This place is distant from Boston 179 miles. A trip from China to Boston and back again, may be performed in less time than it takes to travel 100 miles on any canal in the country. China lies 48 miles S. W. from Bangor.
Clinton.
This fine township is bounded on the W. by Kennebec river, and on the E. by Burnham. The Sebasticook passes through the town, and, at the falls on that river, affords it a great hydraulic power.
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GAZETTEER OF THE UNITED STATES.
It has a neat and pleasant village on the bank of the Sebasticook, some manufac- tures, and large agricultural products. Clinton lies about 12 miles S. by E. from Skowhegan.
Concord.
In this town is one of the most delight- ful spots in the state. It is an intervale on the west side of the Kennebec, in a curve of the river. It is so surrounded by mountains as to form a complete ami- phitheatre, the river entering on the north and leaving on the south, in a curve, so as to make but a slight opening in the mountains. The river has the ap- pearance of coming out of and again en- tering the mountains. A little cottage, painted white, with its out-buildings, is situated in the midst of this intervale, and a mill sends up its dashing foam and rum- bling sounds from the side of a hill on the east, where the water pours over a precipice nearly 150 feet perpendicular, forming a beautiful cascade. This scene- ry is a combination of the smiling and the grand ; and were this lovely spot located near some populous city, it would be thronged with visitors from spring to au- tumn.
Cornville.
This town is well watered by the Wes- saransett river, a branch of the Kennebec. There is much choice land in Cornville. A few of the inhabitants, in 1837, by way of experiment, raised 7000 bushels of wheat. Cornville is bounded N. by Ath- ens, E. by Hartland, S. by Skowhegan, and W. by Madison.
Deer Isle.
The town of Deer Isle is constituted of three principal islands-Deer island, Lit- tle Deer island, and the Isle of Haut. They comprise about 17,000 acres, and were inhabited before the revolutionary war. The principal island lies about 2 miles S. W. from Sedgwick harbor. These islands have good harbors, and are well located for the shore fishery. Al- though these islands are surrounded by the sea, they produce good crops and wheat.
Dover,
Bounded N. by Piscataquis river, S. by Garland, W. by Sangerville, and E. by Atkinson. It lies 35 miles N. W. from Bangor. There is a number of saw mills in this town, from which considera- ble lumber is produced. Dover is the shire town of Piscataquis county, and is remarkable for its beauty.
Dresden.
This town is bounded N. by Pittston, E. by Alna, and S. by Woolwich. It lies on the E. bank of Kennebec river, near the head of Swan island, 9 miles N. W. from Wiscasset, and 59 N. E. from Port- land. This is a large agricultural town- ship, with some trade on the river. Pre- vious to the division of the county, in 1789, Dresden was the shire town or place where all the courts in Maine were hold- en, east of Kennebec river.
Eastport.
The township of Eastport embraces and is constituted of Moose, Dudley's, Frederick and Patmos islands, the chief of which, whereon the village of East- port stands, is Moose island, in sight of, and but a short distance from, Indian and Campo Bello islands, belonging to the British. Eastport is a beautiful harbor in Passamaquoddy bay, on the eastern boun- dary of the United States, and noted for smuggling adventures by strangers visit- ing the place during the embargo and war. It is about 7 miles N. by W. from West Quoddy Head, and 230 N. E. from Port- land, 335 from Boston, and 767 miles from Washington. Lat. 44º 54' N. Lon. 66º 56' W. The tide is very rapid, and rises 25 feet. There are two long bridges con- necting Mooseisland with Dennysville and Perry ; each cost $10,000. Eastport and Lubec are the chief towns in Passama- quoddy bay, and are extensively engaged in the fisheries, and the trade of the ex- tensive waters of the river St. Croix and bay of Fundy. Cobscook bay and its tributary waters, on the west, give to Eastport a large trade in lumber. Moose island is finely located for ship building. This island contains 2150 acres of rough land. It was first settled in 1780. In 1790 it contained only 244 inhabitants. There is now on the island a handsome village, containing 60 wharves, 80 stores, 5 meeting-houses, and a United States garrison. Our tables of navigation exhi- bit the amount of maritime business in this district, and it is probably the great- est resort for foreign vessels in the Union.
Eden
Is situated on the north part of the is- land of Mount Desert, and taken from the town of Mount Desert (which former- ly comprised the whole island) in 1795. First settled, 1763. This town has a good soil, good harbors, and possesses great ad- vantages for the shore fishery. It is said that 500 bushels of cranberries have been picked in Eden in a season. Cranberry isles lie on the coast, about 3 miles south.
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MAINE.
Ellsworth,
Chief town of Hancock co. This is a pleasant and flourishing town on both sides of Union river, at the head of navigation. The village is principally on the E. side, where there is a good bridge across the river, 3 miles above the entrance of the river into the waters con- nected with Bluehill bay. The tide rises at the bridge 10 or 12 feet, and Ells- worth possesses an enviable position for maritime and inland trade, ship building and the fisheries. The location of the courts for this county was changed from Castine to this place in 1838. The court house is eligibly situated on the W. side of the river. Ellsworth is quite an agri- cultural township. It has a good soil, and considerable attention is given to the growth of wheat and wool. It lies 30 miles S. E. from Bangor.
Exeter.
Exeter is 22 miles N. W. from Bangor. It is bounded N. by Garland, E. by Co- Tinthi, S. by Stetson, and W. by Corinna. At the " Four Corners," in the northerly part of this town, is a pleasant village with considerable trade and some mills. The people of Exeter in 1837, with a soil not above mediocrity, proved without ef- fort, by raising 12,058 bushels of wheat, that the state of Maine is abundantly able, by means within itself, to supply the whole family of Yankees with bread- stuff's, and have some to spare to others.
Falmouth
Is a pleasant town at the head of Casco bay, 8 iniles N. from Portland, and bound- ed on the N. by Cumberland. It is wa- tered by Presumpscut river, and has a number of vessels employed in coasting and fishing. The soil on the whole coast of Maine is not so fertile as in the inte- rior parts of the state, yet Falmouth com- prises a considerable quantity of good land. The town was incorporated as early as 1718, and included the territory of the city of Portland until 1786.
Fairfield.
This beautiful township is located on the W. side of Kennebec river, and lies S. of Bloomfield, N. of Waterville, E. of Mercer and Dearborn, and W. of Clin- ton. Fairfield is the most southern town- ship in Somerset county. It is watered by a small stream running into the Kennebec, and by a branch of Water- ville river. This town is favored with a fine soil, and navigable privileges to Augusta. It has a pleasant village, and considerable trade.
Farmington,
County town of Franklin co. This very beautiful town is watered by Sandy and Little Norridgewock rivers. At the union of these rivers are excellent mill privileges, and a delightful village, the seat of justice. Farther up the Sandy, about 5 miles, is another beautiful village, the seat of a flourishing academy. The soil of Farmington being of a superior quality, the inhabitants are induced to devote much attention to agricultural pur- suits ; yet it is a place of some manufac- tures, and considerable trade in lumber and other merchandise. The agricultural products of Farmington are various and valuable. It is bounded W. by Temple, and N. by Strong.
Freeport.
This is a respectable town, with a plea- sant 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, and 9 S. W. from the latter. Freeport was taken from North Yarmouth in 1789, and was formerly called the Har- rusecket Settlement, from the name of the river that passes through it. This is a place of some navigation, ship building, and agricultural enterprise. The people of this town are considerably engaged in the fisheries.
Frankfort.
This excellent township of land is sit- uated on the W. side of Penobscot river, 12 miles south from Bangor. It is bound- ed W. by Monroe, and N. by Hampden. It is well watered by Marsh river, on which are two beautiful villages. The largest village is near the Penobscot, on Marsh bay ; the other village is at the head of the tide, on Marsh river, about 4 miles S. W. from the Penobscot, and is accommodated with excellent mill privileges. Some of the people are en- gaged in fishing and some in ship build- ing. The location of Frankfort is ex- ceedingly favorable to the navigation and trade of Penobscot river, particularly so in the winter season, as it is the high- est point on the river to which vessels can ascend during the icy season of the year. The prospects of Frankfort in its commer- cial and agricultural pursuits are very promising : indeed it bids fair to become an important depot on one of our largest rivers.
Fryeburg.
This interesting and pleasant town lies on both sides of Saco river, on the line of New Hampshire. The uplands are
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GAZETTEER OF THE UNITED STATES.
not remarkable for their fertility, but the intervales on the Saco are of the choicest kind. Fryeburg is only 6 miles square, yet the Saco here is so fantastic in its course that it winds itself between 30 and 40 miles within its limits. This town, the Indian Pequawcket, lies 47 miles N. W. from Portland. The principal village is situated on a plain, surrounded by lofty hills, and watered by the Saco; it bears evident marks of antiquity, and has an academy with a cabinet of rare curiosi- ties, collected with much diligence. - Lovewell's pond lies a short distance from the village. This beautiful sheet of water, now the resort for innocent amusements, was once the scene of bloody combat, and of the overthrow of a powerful Indian tribe.
The story of Lovewell's fight has been told thousands of times, but as it is iden- tified with the town of which we treat, we quote a brief notice of the event from the North American Review.
" It was on the 18th of April, 1225, that Capt. John Lovewell, of Dunstable, Mas- sachusetts, with 34 men, fought a famous Indian chief, named Paugus, at the head of about 80 savages, near the shores of a pond in Pequawket. Lovewell's men were determined to conquer or die, al- though outnumbered by the Indians more than one half. They fought till Lovewell and Paugus were killed, and all Love- well's men but nine were either killed or wounded dangerously. The savages hav- ing lost, as was supposed, 60 of their number out of 80, and being convinced of the fierce and determined resolution of their foes, at length retreated and left them masters of the ground. The scene of this desperate and bloody action, which took place in the town which is now call- ed Fryeburg, is often visited with inte- rest to this day, and the names of those who fell, and those who survived, are yet repeated with emotions of grateful exult- ation."
Gardiner.
Gardiner was formerly a part of Pitts- ton, and lies on the W. side of Kennebec river, and 4 miles below Hallowell. It is located at the head of navigation, and in regard to its commerce, manufactur- ing and agricultural interests, it is con- sidered one of the most flourishing towns in Maine. It was named in honor of Dr. SYLVESTER GARDINER, one of the pro- prietors of the old Plymouth patent.
The Cobbesseconte waters meet the Ken- nebec river at this place, and produce a water-power of great usefulness and ex- tent. Here are inills for sawing lumber of all dimensions, and here are vessels of from 80 to 120 tons burden, lading it
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for transportation to its various markets. Here are also manufactures of various other kinds. This town, Hallowell and Augusta, lie in a most favored section of our country. What we have said in re- gard to the location of Hallowell and Augusta, may be applied to Gardiner. These towns are on the same side of a noble river, united by the same interests and feelings, and will soon be connected by a railroad from Portland passing be- tween them. The village of Gardiner is very pleasant. The business part, lying on the river, is full of activity and enter- prise. The buildings, on a gentle rise from the river, are beautifully located. They command a delightful prospect, and soine of them are of superior architecture ..
Gorham.
This town is watered on the N. E. side by Presumpscut river, and the Cumber- land and Oxford Canal. It is 9 miles W. V. W. from Portland, and is bounded E. by Westbrook. Gorham was first settled in 1736, by John Phinney and others from Barnstable county, Ms. Maine was at that time almost a wilderness. Portland, Saco and Scarborough were very feeble in consequence of the depredations of. the Indians. These people endured great privations, and for many years were in constant apprehension of attack by the savages. " The wives and daughters of the first settlers of Gorham shared in all the toils and wants of their husbands and fathers ; they used to labor in the field, carry burdeus, go to mill, and aid in de- fence of their property. One time, when most of the men were away, the Indians attacked the fort, and the wife of Hugh MeLellan rallied the women in the gar- rison, shut the gates, mounted the walls, fired upon the Indians, and by her cour- age and activity battled the enemy till succor arrived."
Rev. Solomon Lombard, a native of Truro, Ms., was the first settled minister. His annual salary was £53 Gs. Ed. He was ordained Dec. 26, 1750. One hun- dred and twenty dollars were raised to defray the expenses of the ordination. We copy the following from the list of supplies for that occasion, to show the prices of some articles at that period.
1 barrel of flour, .£14
7s. 6d.
3 bushels of apples, .2 S
0
2 barrels of cider, .9 0
0
2 gallons of brandy, .5 0 0
1 bottle of vinegar,. .0 5 0 2 cheeses 6 d. per lb.
514 lbs. of pork, 7d. per lb.
ti candles, .0 1
0
I oz of nutinegs, 1
0
~ fowls, . 1 16 0
20 lbs. sugar, 8 14 0
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MAINE.
1 tea pot, .. £1 10s. 0d.
4 gallons of ruin, .. 5 4 0
2 bushels cranberries,.
2
0
0
1 lb. of tea, .0 10 0
1 lb. of ginger,. 0
2 0 6 gallons molasses, 23. 8d. per gallon. 4 oz. of pepper, . .. 0 0 6
Gorham is very pleasantly located ; its soil is of a superior quality : it has a flourishing academy, on a solid founda- tion : it'is a place of considerable trade, and of extensive manufactures of cotton, wool, leather, starch and gunpowder. Gorham has produced many inen of fine talents, among which were eminent ju- rists and statesmen. It is noted for its attachment to the principles of the revo- lution.
From 1807 to 1834, twenty persons died in Gorham, whose average ages were 94 years.
Hallowell.
Hallowell is delightfully situated on both sides of Kennebec river, between Augusta and Gardiner, two miles below the former, and four miles above the lat- ter. The principal village is on the W. side of the river. The streets run par- rallel with the river, and the ground as- cends 200 feet from the lower street, or business part of the village. On this street are commodious stores, constructed principally of brick. Most of the dwell- ing-houses are on the back or elevated streets ; they are built, as are the church- es, with great taste, and being surrounded by beautiful groves, make a fine appear- ance. The varied views of the river, the neighboring town», and of a fertile conn- try of hills and vales, presented from the high grounds on each side of the village, form an exhibition of scenery of uncom- mon excellence. Hallowell is about 3 miles in width, and extends back on each side of the river 5 miles. It was incor- porated in 1771, and included all the ter- ritory of Augusta and a part of Gardiner. From this place the brave but traitorous Arnold marched on an expedition against Canada, in 1276.
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There is one water mill in the town ; two saw mills, an iron foundry and ina- chine shop, worked by steam. Steam- boats ply from this place to Portland and Boston, during the season of navigation. There is considerable tonnage at this place ; a number of vessels is engaged in the freighting business, and others run as packets to various places.
'The principal exports are lumber, gra- nite, and all the common productions of a fertile northern clinate. The granite quarries at Hallowell have been worked for fifteen or twenty years with great suc- cess. The granite is of a light color, and
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easily wrought; in some years $100,000 worth of it has been transported. Ves- sels drawing 9 feet of water can come to the wharves in the centre of the village.
As Hallowell and Augusta are so close- ly united in all their varions interests and pursuits, a repetition of what we have said of the favorable position of Augus- ta, and of its future prospects, is unne- cessary. With common success in our national affairs, and with a continuation of that spirit of enterprise every day manifested on the banks of the Kenne- bec, it requires no Mormon spectacles to foresee that within a very few years there will be a continuous village from the Kennebec dam to the mouth of the Cob- besseconte. Population, 1820, 2919. N. lat. 44º 17', W. lon. 60- 50'.
Hallowell was, for many years, the residence of BENJAMIN VAUGHAN, LL.D., a gentleman highly distinguished for his learning, public benefactions and pri- vate virtues.
Hampden.
Hampden lies on the W. side of Penob- scot river, below and adjoining Bangor. It is also watered by the Sowadabscook river, a large and valuable mill stream. This is an important township in its coin- merce on the Penobscot, its manufacture of lumber, and its agricultural produc- tions. It is one of the most flourishing towns on the river.
Hollis.
This town lies on the W. bank of Sa- co river, and contains numerous mill sites. It lies 30 miles N. from York. It is boundod on the W. by Waterboro', and on the N. by Limington and Buxton.
There are various manufactures pro- duced in Hollis, such as bricks, hats, leather, &c. Quantities of lumber of various kinds, and wood, annually pass to market from this place by the Saco river.
Harpswell.
This township comprises a promontory in Casco bay, formerly called Merrycone- ag, and several islands surrounding it, the largest of which is called Sebuscodegan. The waters which enclose this territory are so situated, at the northern and east- ern 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 sumner. It is a resort for invalids and parties of plea- sure. 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.
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GAZETTEER OF THE UNITED STATES.
Houlton.
This town is situated on the east line of the state and of the United States, on the border of the province of New Bruns- wick. It lies 120 miles N. N. E. from Bangor, and about 75 W. N. W. from Fredericton, the capital of New Bruns- wick. It is bounded on the W. by New Brunswick, and S. by Hodgdon. This town was first settled in 1807, and for 20 years it was entirely cut off from all com- munication with the western part of the state by a dense wilderness of nearly 100 miles in extent. It is now the county town of Aroostook county.
In 1929, a military post, the " Hancock Barracks," was established here by the United States government, and in 1834 the military and state roads between Ban- gor and Houlton were completed and opened for travel. The great thorough- fare between the United States and the British province of New Brunswick is through this town. The roads between Bangor and Houlton are excellent : sta- ges pass and repass from Bangor through Houlton to Fredericton, three times a week. Fredericton is 80 miles N. N. W. from St. John. A good road between Houlton and Calais, on the river St. Croix, about 90 miles distant, is now open for travel. This town is well watered by branches of Meduxnekeag river, which empties into the St. John. The garrison is located about a mile north of the vil- lage, and has generally contained four companies of infantry.
The soil of Houlton and its vicinity is of a superior quality. Twenty-five busli- els of wheat to the acre are an average crop: 40 bushels to the acre are freqnent- ly obtained. Houlton, with a population of 667, raised 5869 bushels of wheat in the year 1837.
We have heard it is said, that persons might go so far " down east," as to " jump off." If Houlton is the jumping-off place, we advise some of our western brethren to go and view the precipice.
Jefferson.
Jefferson lies at the head of Damna:is- cotta river, and embraces a large body of water. It is otherwise watered by seve- ral ponds producing streams for mill seats, which give to Jefferson great facilities for sawing and transporting lumber. This is a flourishing town in its trade and agri- cultural pursuits. It is bounded N. by Washington, and S. by Newcastle.
Kennebunk.
This town is situated on the S. W. side of the Kennebunk river, and is regarded as one of the pleasantest towns in New
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