USA > Maine > A gazetteer of the United States, comprising a series of gazetteers of the several states and territories. Maine > Part 13
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MAINE.
day time. Owl's Head is not only a stopping place in a storm, but a resort for great numbers of people, for many miles around, to take passages on board of steamers and other vessels. It is a de- lightful place in summer, and has justly acquired a reputation for possessing all the various enjoyments which induce thousands to visit the sea coast at other places. It lies 4 miles E. from Thomas- ton, 55 S. from Bangor, 40 S. E. from Augusta, and 79 E. N. E. from Portland.
Population of Thomaston, in 1820, 2651.
Thomaston is a place of considerable maritime commerce and ship building ; but the most important business of its people is the quarrying and burning of lime, from inexhaustible ledges of lime- stone within its limits. There are an- nually made at this place no less than 350,000 casks of lime, of a very superior quality.
This manufacture, united with those of granite and marble, gives constant em- ployment to a large number of men and vessels.
Thomaston is a beautiful Atlantic town, and commands a great variety of marine scenery .- See Public Buildings.
Topsham,
One of the shire towns of Lincoln co. It is pleasantly situated on the N. side of Androscoggin river, opposite to Bruns- wick. This is a good farming town, and, in common with Brunswick, enjoys a great hydraulic power, and accommoda- tions for ship building and navigation. It is a place of considerable trade, and much lumber is annually shipped. It is bounded on the N. by Bowdoinhan.
Turner.
A tributary of the Androscoggin meets that river in this town, and finely waters it. The soil of Turner is good, and its surface pleasant. There is a number of thriving villages in the town: there is considerable trade, and some manufac- tures; but the business of the people is generally agricultural.
It has Livermore on its N., Leeds and Greene on its E., Minot and Auburn on its S., and Buckfield and Hebron on its W.
Vassalborough.
This is a large and flourishing town on the east side of Kennebec river, opposite to Sidney. There are several large and beautiful ponds in the town, from which issue two excellent mill streams, one a branch of the Sebasticook, the other of the Kennebec.
This is a place of considerable interior trade and business on the river. Vessels of considerable burden pass to the ocean from Vassalborough, by means of the Kennebec daın.
The valleys are very pleasant ; and the surface and soil of the town varied and fertile.
Vinalhaven.
Previous to 1838, this town was attach- ed to the county of Hancock. It is situ- ated 12 miles S. E. from Cainden, 6 E. fromn Owl's Head, and is formed of the For Islands, at the mouth of Penobscot bay, about fifty miles below Bangor. There are three islands of considerable size belonging to this group, besides sev- eral smaller islands on their coast. This island town possesses in an eminent de- gree all those advantages to be derived from a bold shore and good harbors, in the centre of an extensive maritime com- merce, and of the domestic fishery. These privileges are well improved by the inhabitants of Fox Islands; they also make their soil tributary to their wants. In 1837, their crop of wheat was 1611 bushels. These islands are finely located for summer excursions, either for health or pleasure. The passages between the principal islands are delightful, and the scenery around them is of the finest de- scription.
Waldorough.
This is a large, pleasant, and flourish- ing commercial town and port of entry, situated on both sides of Muscongus river, and at the head of navigation on Muscongus bay.
This town, surrounded by a fertile country, enjoying navigable accommoda- tions, a great water-power, and peopled by an enterprising and industrious class of agriculturists, mechanics, and sailors, cannot fail of advancing in wealth and population.
The surface of the town is agreeably diversified ; the soil of a quality just hard enough to promote a proper circulation of the blood of its cultivators, with air and water as pleasant, as pure, and as favorable to health and longevity, as those of any prairie of which we have any ac- count, west of the Alleghany mountains. It is true that these people have to en- counter the dangers of the seas, in the navigation of their numerous vessels en- gaged in foreign and domestic commerce ; the accidents attending on lauching their neat ships, brigs, and schooners, and in preparing various kinds of lumber for their cargoes ; and that they sometimes get drowned in crossing their rapid streamns, and break their linbs by riding
80
GAZETTEER OF THE UNITED STATES.
too fast on their wintry snows ; yet they || meeting-houses, an academy, and the Lib- --- are perfectly satisfied with their location and condition, and have no hankering for the balmy breezes of the south, nor thirst for the sweet waters of the west.
This town is bounded N. by Union, E. by Warren, S. by Friendship, and W. by Nobleboro'.
Warren,
One of the county towns of Lincoln county. This town is situated on both sides of St. George river, at the head of the tide waters, and is bounded N. by Union, S. by Camden and Thomaston, E. by Cushing, and W. by Waldoboro'.
The location of this town is very favor- able for manufactures and navigation. The lumber business is not so large as formerly, yet considerable quantities are now sawed and shipped. Ship building is an important branch of business, and the manufacture of lime, from a superior quality of limestone, with which this sec- tion of country abounds, is carried on ex- tensively, and is annually increasing. The village is well located and pleasant : it contains a well-conducted academy, or high school, for youth of both sexes ; in which instruction in the languages and such other branches of education as are necessary to prepare them for future use- fulness may be obtained.
Waterborough.
This town is watered by a large and pleasant pond, which empties into Little Ossipee river, a branch of the Saco, and by the head branches of the Mousun, a stream which meets the ocean at Kenne- bunk. This is a flourishing town, with a pleasant surface and good soil. It lies ?! miles W. from Portland, and is bounded S. by Alfred.
Waterville
Is situated on the west bank of the Kennebec river, opposite to Winslow, and bounded N. by Fairfield, and S. by Sidney. It contains 30 square miles, mostly of the best quality of farming land of the Kennebec region. Seven twelfths of the population is estimated to be agricultural. The principal village, of about 180 houses, is on the Kennebec, at Ticonic Falls. These falls are Is feet in height, extending quite across the ri- ver. In the town there are 17 saw, four grist mills, carding machines, three plas- ter mills, two extensive tanneries, and a machine shop. One iron foundry, a branch of the celebrated Fairbanks estab- lishment in Vermont, supplies a great portion of the interior of the state with ploughs. The public. structures are 4
-
eral Institute, a seminary founded by Uni- versalists. This latter edifice, though small, is one of the most beautiful speci- mens of architecture in the state. Tico- nic bridge, crossing the Kennebec, 550 feet in length, is a fine specimen of Col. Long's plan of construction. See Edu- cution.
From Augusta, the head of sloop navi- gation, goods are transported to Water- ville in large flat-boats, some of which carry 40 tons. This renders the place an important depot of merchandise for an extensive country above, and of produce and manufactures brought down to be shipped for a market : great quantities of oats, shingles and other lumber, leather, potash and potatoes, are thus transported from this place. The erection of a dam at Augusta is thought to have improved the navigation, and affords facilities for making Waterville the centre of trade for the country above. A steamboat now runs between this place and the low- er towns.
The village of West Waterville is on Emerson stream, a tributary of the Ken- nebec. Here is a remarkable cascade, the highest known in the state, and is innch resorted to for its picturesque sce- nery. At this village are manufactories for cutting out last-blocks, which are ex- ported in great quantities to Massachu- setts, and a scythe factory of high repu- tation, which made 300 dozen scythes in the year Je3s.
The water power at Waterville and vi- cinity is very great. A circle described from the Ticonic falls, before named, as a centre, with a radius of five miles, includes two falls across the whole Kennebec, at Kendall's mills, two miles above Water- ville ; two falls, five miles distant, on the Sebasticook, a large tributary stream ; and an indefinite series of falls upon the Emerson stream, from the cascade to its confluence, besides numerous rapids, which could easily be dammed, on all these streamas. It is believed that no sunilar circle of 10 miles diameter in New England, comprebends so large and convenient water-power. But a very sinall part of this power is yet occupied, and situated as Waterville is, in the cen- tre of these manufacturing facilities, en- joying convenient boat navigation to the Nea ports, with an extensive region of the Iwest agricultural advantages in the rear, it promises to become a thrifty and popu- lous town.
Wells.
Wells hes on the sea coast between York and Kennebunk, and is 20 miles S. W. by S. from Portland. The first set-
1
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MAINE.
tlers came from Exeter, N. H., about the year 1640. A noted Indian chief, Wawwaw, lived here about 100 years ago, pretending to claim this and some adjoining towns. There is no evidence of any purchase of Indian title to the soil. The town charter from Thomas Gorges is dated Sept. 27, 1643.
There is a number of small streams or brooks running through the town in va- rious directions, on which are one fulling, 16 saw and 10 grist mills. The principal river is near the middle of the town, and was called by the Indians Webhannet, but is now generally called the " Town Riv- er." A sand bar at the entrance renders the navigation somewhat difficult. Ogun- quit river, in the southerly part of the town, forms a harbor for small coasting and fishing vessels.
The town contains about 35,000 acres, of which one fifth may considered waste land, or unfit for cultivation. It contains large tracts of salt meadow. Wood for fuel is exported to Boston and other places, in considerable quantities. Some trade is carried on with the West Indies, and vessels of various sizes are built from timber in the town. This town furnished a large number of revolutionary officers.
Westbrook.
This flourishing town was taken from Falmouth in 1814. It is bounded S. by Portland, W. by Gorham, and N. by Fal- mouth. The Presumpscut river passing through the town from west to east, fur- wishes it with rich intervales and nume- rous valuable mill privileges. The Cum- berland 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 in Westbrook is at the pleasant village of Saccarappa, where are large operations in the manufacture of lumber, and where have recently been erected large cotton mills, containing 7090 spindles, and 247 locins. There are at this place many other important manufactures.
Stroudwater, another village, has some navigation employed in the fishery and coasting trade, and has been celebrated for the fine ships built there. In West- brook are extensive manufactures of tin ware and combs, which are sent to all parts of the United States.
The scenery along the canal, and about the falls on the Presumpscut, is very pleasant.
Whitefield.
Sheepscot river passes through this town, giving it fertility, beauty, and a
good water-power. It has Windsor on the N., Jefferson on the E., Alna on the S., and Pittston on the W.
Williamsburg.
In 1834 the easterly part of this town was set off and called Burnard. It is bounded on the S. by Sebec.
The lands in Williamsburg and Bar- nard are undulating, heavily wooded, with a fertile soil : they are at present but thinly settled ; but in consequence of a vast body of slate for roofing houses and other purposes being found within their limits, the lands within these towns must enhance in value and increase in population. These quarries are common to both towns ; they lie at an elevation of from 150 to 200 feet above Pleasant river, a branch of the Penobscot, which passes their northern and eastern borders, about two miles distant.
These quarries are inexhaustible in quantity, and are stated to be fully equal to the celebrated Welsh slate. They are situated 40 miles N. from Bangor ; thus the Bangor of the new world seems like- ly to become as celebrated for its fine slate as the Bangor of the old.
Wilton.
This is one of the most flourishing agri- cultural townships in the state. It has a fertile soil, a beautiful surface, and two pleasant villages. It lies a little distance from Sandy river.
Wilton has an adequate water pow- er for common purposes, produced by streams issuing from beautiful ponds in the town. The people are principally agriculturists, and tested their skill in that delightful pursuit, in 1837, by pro- ducing 11,071 bushels of good clean wheat. It is bounded N. by Temple, E. by Farmington, S. by Jay, and W. by Carthage.
Windham.
Windham lies on the N. E. side of Pre- sumpscut river, which separates it from Gorham. It is 14 miles N. N. W. from Portland. This is a valuable farming town, and the inhabitants are principally employed in agriculture. Branches of the Presumpscut give the town good mill privileges. There are two pleasant vi- lages in the town, some manufactures, and several beautiful fish-ponds.
Winthrop
Is finely situated, having a fertile soil, an undulating surface, and comprising six beautiful sheets of water-the Cob- besseconte and some of its tributaries.
11
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GAZETTEER OF THE UNITED STATES.
The largest of these lakes or ponds is 10 || bounded W : by South Berwick. This was miles in length, and from one to three for many years the shire town, and the place of holding the courts and keeping the records for the whole province, until the counties of Cumberland and Lincoln were set off in 1760. miles in width .. These waters give to Winthrop a valuable water-power, and which is partly improved by a large cot- ton mill, a flour mill, carding and cloth- dressing establishments, saw mills, &c. There are also in the town extensive manufactures of leather, boots and shoes.
The principal village is delightfully located, in the form of a crescent, at the union of the North lake, extending into Readfield, about six miles, with the South lake extending into Monmouth, about the same distance. This village is 10 miles W. from Augusta. The East village likewise is pleasantly situated at the northern extremity of the large lake, and is about six miles from Augusta.
Winthrop is bounded N. by Readfk.ld, E. by Hallowell, S. by Monmouth, and W. by Wayne.
Wiscasset.
Wiscasset is a shire town and a port of entry, situated on the west side of Sheepscot river, 20 miles from the sea, 42 N. E. from Portland, and 10 N. E. from Bath.
Wiscasset contains a noble harbor for vessels of the largest class : it is easy of access, and seldom obstructed by ice. For many years previous to the commence- ment of the commercial restrictions in 1807, Wiscasset was one of the most ac- tive and flourishing sca ports in Maine. During the disastrous period which fol- lowed, Wiscasset suffered severely in common with all towns largely engaged in navigation.
Since the termination of the war, the town has been slowly but safely progress- ing in wealth and prosperity. In addi- tion to its commerce in lumber and ship building, this place is largely and profita- bly engaged in the fishery, for which pursuit it is admirably located.
The village of Wiscasset is delightfully situated on rising ground, in view of the harbor. The court-house, churches, stores, and dwelling-houses are built with taste, and many of them with elegance. A more beautiful village is rarely seen.
York.
This is an ancient maritime town, on the coast between Kittery and Wells. It is
York has a court-house and jail, but all the county courts have been, within a few years past, removed to Alfred. The principal harbor is York river, about six iniles from Portsmouth, N. H., with wa- ter sufficient for vessels from 200 to 300 tons burden. The entrance, however, is difficult, being narrow and crooked. The other harbor is cape Neddock, about four miles N.E. of the former, navigable about a mile from the sea at full tides only ; it having a sand bar at its mouth, sufficient to prevent vessels of any considerable burden passing at low water.
Cape Neddock and Bald Head are the head lands. The former is a little to the south of cape Neddock river. At the end of this cape is a small hillock called the Nubble. Boon Island lies eight miles S. E. of this point. Bald Head makes the S. W. point of Wells bay.
The settlement of this place began about the year 1630 : it was then called Agamenticus, from a mountain of that name in the north part of the town. This is of considerable elevation, and a noted land mark. From its sumint, there is an extensive prospect bounded by the great ranges of the New Hampshire mountains on the N. and N. W., and the Atlantic on the coast from cape Ann to cape Elizabeth.
This town was nearly destroyed by the Indians and French in 1692, who, coming on snow shoes, surprised the unwary inhabitants at early morning. This cala- mity was so desolating, that the few re- maming inhabitants had thoughts of abandoning the place altogether; but a number remained, though suffering under severe privations from the destruction of almost every thing that could give them shelter or sustenance.
The population of the town, in 1830, was 34-5; but has been reduced since that true, by the annexation of a portion of its northern angle to South Berwick. Its population in 1837 was 3001.
York is situated 45 miles S. W. from Portland, and 9 miles N. by E. from Portsmouth, N. H. It is in N. lat. 439 10', and W. lon. 70º 40.
NOTE .- Our plan, in this work, is to notice, as in the foregoing pages, all towns containing a population, in 1840, of Em, and no other ; believing that the Town and Post Village Table contains all the information in regard to smaller towns which is generally desired. In respect to Maine we have deviated from our plan, but shall adhere to it in future, except in cases worthy of particular notice.
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MAINE.
Public Lands. .
Massachusetts formerly owned large tracts of land in the territory now constitu- ting the state of Maine. When Maine became an independent state, in 1820, by an amicable agreement these public lands became the joint property of the two states. The quantity of land thus owned, in 1820, was 11,308,000 acres. From this deduct 3,207,680 acres conveyed to the British government by the treaty of 1842, and there remain 8,100,320 acres, one moiety of which, 4,050,160 acres, became the property of Maine.
From 1820 to 1841, the state sold and granted 1,466,200 acres; for which were received in cash and bonds $1,048,900; leaving a public domain of 2,583,960 acres, or 4037 square miles. A large portion of these lands is fertile and well located, and offers great advantages to settlers.
Since the separation of Maine from Massachusetts, in 1820, these public lands, having become more known, are better appreciated, and have greatly advanced in price. In that year Massachusetts proposed to sell her moiety of these lands to Maine, and joint commissioners were appointed to appraise them. In 1821, the commissioners reported that the most valuable of the public land, lying in the towns of Lubec, Whiting, Ellsworth, and Surry, were worth from 20 to 25 cents an acre. The unlocated lands at that time were about 8,000,000 acres :- these were appraised at 4 cents an acre !
Finances of Maine.
The public funded debt of Maine, in 1842, was $1,725,363. This debt is payable at various periods from 1843 to 1860. The interest on the debt varies from 5 to 6 per cent. per annum, and is payable annually.
The funded debt, at the close of 1835, was only $55,000 :- it has been increased by ordinary expenditures, bounty on wheat and corn, difficulties with the British government, &c.
The expenditures of Maine for the year 1842, amounted to $307,000, including $112,500, on account of the principal and interest of the public debt. Some of the items of expenditure were, School Fund, 834,000, Insane Hospital, $3,000, State Prison, $3,360, Indian Fund, $4,000, Council, Senate, and House of Representatives, $50,500, salaries, $24,969, roll of accounts, $25,800, &c.
The resources of the state, in 1842, consisted in its public lands ; 210 shares of bank stock ; one third part of the Massachusetts claim, so called, against the United States for services of the militia during the war of 1812 with Great Britain ; a claim against the U. S. under the boundary treaty, and for the expenses of defending the state during the dispute about the state line.
These claims amount to about $465,000. A tax is laid every year to enable the state to meet its liabilities. The tax, in 1842, amounted to $202,133. In conse- quence of the general depression of business, the avails from the sales of public lands are at present limited ; and from the dilatory manner in which most claimns on governments are settled and paid, the state tax for 1843 is larger than usual. The receipts are estimated to amount to §245,000. By the valuation of the state in 1841, this tax would not be half a mill on the dollar ; and according to the census of 1840, this tax would be less than fifty cents to each inhabitant. The debt of the state, from data above mentioned, would be 23 cents on the dollar, and $3.43 to each in- dividual.
Light Houses on the Coast of Maine.
NAMES AND LOCATIONS.
BEARINGS FROM
Lat. N.
Lon. W.
Fixed or revolving.
Feet nhove high water.
When built.
West Quoddy Hend, off Lubec and Eastport ..
Lubee, 3 miles, S. S. E.
44° 49' 03"(66° 54' 00" Fixed.
90
1808
Libby's Island, off Buck's Harbor .
Machias Port, 8 miles, S. by E ..
.
44 34 04
87 22 00
do.
60
1823
Moose Peak Island, off' Jonesboro'.
Libby's Island Light, 9 miles S. W.
44
28 50
67
22 00
Revolving.
54
1826
Nash's Island, mouth of Pleasant river ..
Addison Point, 3 miles, S.
44
27 30
68 46 00
Fixed.
116
1828
Petit Menan, off Steuben . .
Goldsboro' Harbor, 8 miles, S. E ...
21 58
67 40 00
do.
53
1817
Bear Island, off Vinalhaven .
Mount Desert, 5 miles, S. E ...
43
42 00
68 09 00
Fixed.
70
1:20
Eagle Island Point, off Deer Isle ..
Bear Island Lt., 15 miles, N. by W .. .
44 .
13 05
..
. . ...
Saddleback Ledge ..
Dice's Head Lt., 9 miles, N. by W.
44
10 15
..
1836
Owl's Head, mouth entrance of Penobscot bay .. ·
East Thomaston Village, 6 miles, E. by S.
44 04 57
Fixed.
1-25
Brown's Head, entrance of Fox Island passage . White Head Island, off St. George .
Owl's Head, 11 miles, S. S. W
44 04 00
69 13 00
Fixed.
·
.
43
58 07
68 05 00
do.
58
1830
Marshall's Point, south extremity of St. George ..
·
George's Islands, 5 miles, S. & E. . ...
43
55 04
do.
57
1832
Martimeus Rock, in Penobscot bay .
Owl's Head, 18 miles, S. S. E.
43
46
42
68 56 00
do.
63
1827
Manhogan Island, off George's Islands. .
Martinicus Rock, 25 miles, W ...
43
45 51
69 15 00
Revolving. Fixed.
170
1823
Franklin Island, entrance of George river
George's Islands, 5 miles, N. W. by W ...
. 13
53 33
50 13
69 22 00
do.
61
1827
do.
56
1821
Pond Island, off Phipsburg.
Seguin Lt., 3 miles, N ....
43
44 23
69
46 00
do.
52
1821
Seguin Island, mouth of the Kennebec.
Manhegan Lt., 28 miles, W. .
13
143
36
00
69
44
00
do.
39
1829
Portland Head, in town of Cape Elizabeth
Portland City, 2 1-2 miles, S. E ....
143 .
36 00
70
17 00
do.
80
1791
Cape Elizabeth, in town of Cape Elizabeth .
Portland City, 8 miles, S. E. by S ...
43
33
06
70 15 00
do.
140
1828
Wood Island, in Biddeford ..
Cape Elizabeth, 9 m. S.W. Saco, 8 m. S. E. 43
27 00
70 22 00
Revolving.
53
1808
Goat Island, month of Cape Porpoise harbor.
Kennebunk, 4 miles, E. S. E.
. .
43 08 00
70 31 31
do.
32
1812
Boon Island, off York harbor. ..
Whale's Back, off Kittery ..
East entrance to Portsmouth harbor ..
43 01 30
. .
·
:
44
22
45
Negro Island, in Penobscot bay
Camden Village, 2 miles, S. S. E ..
.
. .
·
. .
..
.
.
14
16 57
Baker's Island, off Eden .
Entrance Isle Au Hant Bay. .
·
.
Owl's Head, 9 miles, W. by N.
147
1~32
1804
Mount Desert Rock, off Mt. Desert island. .
·
. . ..
·
.
.
42 26
69
46
00
do.
163
1795
Hendrick's Head, entrance to Wiscasset harbor
Seguin Lt., 15 miles, N. N. E ...
.
.
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GAZETTEER OF THE UNITED STATES
Dice's Head, in Castine, Il miles E. from Belfast ...
Cape Rozier, N. & W. 9 miles ...
.
.
19 15
do.
1835
Fort Point, entrance of Penobscot river ....
.
·
50
1806
Pemaquid Point, in Bremen, off Bristol
Manhegan Island, 15 miles, N. W. by W. . 43
Burnt Island, entrance of Sheepscot river.
Boothbay Vill. in Townsend Har. 2 m.S. W.
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