USA > Maine > A gazetteer of the United States, comprising a series of gazetteers of the several states and territories. Maine > Part 14
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Fixed.
1833
York, 8 miles, E.
Baker's Island Lt., 25 miles, S. by E ...
Martinicus Rock Lt., 12 miles, N. N. E ..
6
IL !!!
85
MAINE.
NOTE TO LIGHT HOUSES .- There are four fog bells on the coast of Maine-at West Quoddy Head, White Head, Seguin, and at cape Elizabeth.
There are 16 iron spindles on the coast to indicate sunken rocks-3 in Castine harbor, 10 in Kennebec river, 1 in Whitehead harbor, 1 in Penobscot river, and 1 on Mark Island ledge, in Casco bay. Beacons of granite are built in the harbors of Castine, West Thomaston, at the mouth of Saco river, and at some other places. The beacon on York ledge, erected in 1839, is of cast iron : it is a beautiful and per- manent structure.
On'a coast of more than 200 miles of such extensive navigation as Maine pos- sesses, the number of light-houses is too small, and of those which are erected, many of them appear to be injudiciously arranged. Of the 31 lights on this coast, three only are distinctive or revolving. From Manhegan island seven fixed lights are visible at one view ; from which circumstance, losses of life and property often occur.
The average distance the lights in Maine can be seen in clear weather is about 20 miles. Pemaquid light is visible 27 miles; while the light on Mount Desert rock can be seen only 12 miles.
Public Buildings.
State House. This spacious and elegant structure is located at Augusta, upon a beautiful eminence about half a mile from the village, on the road towards Hallowell, and commands an extensive and very delightful prospect. It is built of hammered granite, or rather gneiss of a white color, and very much resembles marble at a dis- tance. The material of which it was built, was quarried from the spot on which it stands. It has a spacious hall for the Representatives ; two of convenient size for the Senate and the executive departments, and rooms for all the offices immediately connected with the government. This building was completed in 1833, until which time the legislature held their sessions at Portland. In front is an extensive com- mon, adorned with trees tastefully arranged, which, when grown into shades, will afford a delightful promenade.
State Prison. This building is located at Thomaston, on the bank of the river St. George. The buildings occupy a plat of 10 acres, including a marble quarry ; they are all of stone, and are surrounded by a high stone wall. The convicts are principally employed in cutting granite into various forms for building, which, when prepared, is transported by water. The granite is of an excellent quality, and is found in large quantities on the river. The cost of this establishment from its erec- tion in 1824, to 1840, was $143,263. The number of convicts received to 1843, was 781 : the number discharged and pardoned was 696; died 21, escaped 7, remain- ing 57.
Insane Hospital. This splendid granite edifice, an honor to the state and to humanity, occupies a plat of elevated ground, of 70 acres, on the east side of Ken- nebec river, in the town of Augusta, opposite the state house, and commands a pic- turesque view of Hallowell and the adjacent country. Its situation is unrivalled for the beauty of its scenery. This building was commenced in 1836, and was completed and prepared to receive patients in 1840. It cost the state, and some beneficent in- dividuals, who made liberal donations towards its erection, about $100,000. It is of the model of the Lunatic Hospital at Worcester, Ms., and is much admired for its external architecture and internal arrangement. The centre building and wings are 262 feet long; the centre building is 82 feet in length, 46 feet wide, 4 stories high, besides the basement and attic, having a chapel in the attic 80 by 40. The wings are 90 feet long in front, and 100 in the rear, 38 feet wide, and 3 stories high, divided into 126 rooms, 120 of which are designed for patients, the remaining six for water
-
£
86
GAZETTEER OF THE UNITED STATES.
closets and other purposes, with halls between the rooms 12 feet wide, running the entire length of each wing, and communicating with the dining rooms in the centre building.
The number of patients admitted into the hospital, to January 1, 1843, was 141- 86 males and 55 females. At that time there remained 65.
The United States' Arsenal Buildings are situated upon the east bank of the Kennebec river, in the town of Augusta, in view of the village, and are chiefly constructed of stone, and present a very fine appearance. The United States has expended large sums of money in their construction, and it is expected that soon the government will make it an arsenal of construction. There are at present about 2000 stand of arms deposited here, besides cannon and other munitions of war.
Education.
In regard to the general diffusion of knowledge among all classes of people, the spirit of the pilgrim fathers, with its vivifying influences, descended alike on all the communities of their patriotic children. Maine, having arrived at mature age and perfect stature, was not slow in nurturing free schools, those seeds of liberty which Massachusetts had planted, and in providing by law for their growth and perpetuity. Soon after her organization as a state, Maine established a school fund, to which the soil of her tall forests and her banking institutions pay a liberal tribute. Every town in the state is required to raise annually, for the support of schools, a sum equal at least to forty cents for each person in the town. By this system, which appears to be an admirable one, it will be observed that the increase of funds is in proportion to the increase of population, and that the tax is by no means burden- some. One of the great beauties of any good system is in the assurance of its dura- bility. The school system adopted by Maine, though perhaps susceptible of improve- ment, will doubtless be cherished and protected by all future legislatures, as a good plan of common-school education is viewed by politicians of every denomination as the basis on which rest our political and religious rights.
In 1841, the number of school districts in the state was 3477; the sum raised was $200,718, and the number of scholars usually attending school was in the ratio of 34 per centum to the whole population. lu that year, the number of academies, high schools, and private seminaries was 183 ; most of which were in a flourishing condition. The nature of this work is such that the names and locations of only a few of the most prominent institutions of learning can be mentioned.
Gorham Seminary, at Gorham, Cumberland county. This institution was in- corporated in 1803, and opened for scholars in 1906. It provides, at a moderate ex- pense, ample means for a complete education in all the branches requisite to qualify teachers.
Theological Seminary, at Bangor, Penobscot county. This seminary was in- corporated in 1814, and provides facilities for a thorough professional education for the ministry to all evangelical Christians who may have acquired a collegiate edu- cation, or its equivalent.
Maine Wesleyan Seminary is situated at Kent's Hill, in Readfield, Kennebec county, and was founded in 1824. The design of this institution is to afford facili- ties for a thorough and practical education to young men and women who are desi- rous of being qualified for teachers of common and high schools.
Parsonsfield Seminary, at Parsonsfield, York county. There is a classical and a biblical department at this place of learing; the latter of which is under the auspices of the " Free- Will Baptist Education Society." Both sexes are educated at this place.
87
MAINE.
Gardiner Lyceum, at Gardiner, Kennebec county, has two distinct depart- ments-one for males, and one for females.
Waterville Liberal Institute, at Waterville, Kennebec county. The course of studies at this institution embraces the practical, disciplinary, and ornamental branches of a good education. At this place may be acquired a knowledge of all the languages preparatory to a collegiate course, together with instruction in the French, Spanish and German languages.
Connected with the above-named institutions are libraries of useful books, cabi- nets of minerals and other natural productions ; chemical, philosophical, and other apparatus.
Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, Cumberland county, was incorporated by the legislature of Massachusetts, in 1794. The name of Bowdoin was given to the col- lege, in honor of one of the earliest and most distinguished governors of that state. The institution has since been indebted for liberal benefactions to members of the saine family, especially to the late Hon. James Bowdoin, of Boston. Grants of pub- lic lands were made by the legislature of Massachusetts at the time of incorporation ; and since, by both Massachusetts and Maine, lands and money have been bestowed on the college. Other donations, but none of large amount, have been received from individuals.
The legislative government of the college is committed to a board of thirteen trustees, and a board of overseers of forty-five members ; vacancies being filled by the respective boards, with a negative on the part of the overseers on election in the lower board. The executive department is administered by a president and six pro- fessors. The number of pupils in 1843, was 100. Instruction is given wholly by permanent officers. The whole number of graduates, 749.
The college buildings are pleasantly situated on an extensive plain, with a grove of pines in the rear. Two are occupied as dormitories by'the students, one as a cha- pel and library room, one as a commons hall, and one for lecture rooms, a gallery of paintings, and other public purposes.
The public libraries contain about 22,000 volumes, 6000 of which belong to socie- ties among the students. The mineralogical cabinet is large and valuable, comprising more than 6000 specimens. The philosophical and chemical apparatus furnish what- ever is required for public lectures.
Commencement, first Wednesday in September. Vacations :- after commence- ment, 3 weeks ; from Friday after the third Wednesday in December, 8 weeks ; and from Friday after the third Wednesday in May, 2 weeks.
Succession of Presidents. Exitus.
Accessus.
1802.
Rev. JOSEPH McKEEN, D. D. 807
1807
Rev. JESSE APPLETON, D. D. 1819
1:20.
Rev. WILLIAM ALLEN, D. D.
1838
1639 Rev. LEONARD WOODS, Jun., D. D.
Maine Medical School. This institution is attached to Bowdoin College, and was founded in 1820. It has four professorships: number of pupils in 1843, 60; number of graduates, 467. The medical library contains more than 3000 well- selected volumes ; the anatomical cabinet is also ample and valuable.
Waterville College, at Waterville, in the county of Kennebec, is pleasantly situated near the village, on the bank of the river. There are two edifices for rooms, a chapel, and a commons hall. This institution was founded in 1813, as a theologi- cal school ; in 1821 it was converted into a college, and had 143 gradnates. It was founded by Baptists, but is open to all denominations, and affords facilities for manu- al labor. Its faculty is a president, three professors, and two tutors.
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GAZETTEER OF THE UNITED STATES.
Alumni, 193. Volumes in libraries, 7500. Commencement, first Wednesday in August. Vacations :- from commencement, 5 weeks, and 8 weeks from the second Wednesday in December. Number of students, 75.
Accessus.
Succession of Presidents. Exitus.
1822
Rev. JEREMIAH CHAPLIN, D. D. 1833
1833.
Rev. RUFUS BABCOCK, D. D.
1837
1837
ROBERT E. PATTISON, D. D.
1840
1841. ELIPHAZ FAY, A. M.
Indians.
The aboriginal inhabitants of Maine were composed of two great divisions-the Abneaques and the Etcchemins. Originally, they were, without doubt, one tribe ; for they differ little in language, looks, or political arrangements. But this division had an established existence long before the country was visited by Europeans.
I. The Abneaques inhabited that part of the state around and west of St. George river ; and it is thought they extended themselves into New Hampshire. They had a common sovereign, called Bashaba, who resided near Pemaquid, in what is now Bristol or Bremen. Each tribe, however, had its own sagamore, subject or tributary to the Bashaba. This combination was broken up by the war between them and the Etechemins, which was commenced in the spring of 1615, in which the Bashaba was slain with his whole family, which extinguished the line.
The Abneaques were divided into four tribes-the Sokokis, or Sockhigones ; Ana- sagunticooks ; the Canibas, or Kenabes ; and the Wwwenocks.
1. Sokokis, or Sockhigones. This tribe had its residence upon the Saco river. They were a numerous tribe, and remained so until the Indian war in 1615, but were greatly reduced by that calamity. The residence of their sagamores was In- dian island, just above the Lower falls of the Saco river.
This tribe was divided into two principal lodgments : one within the great bend of the Saco river, at Pequawket, now Fryeburg ; and the other, 15 or 20 miles below, upon the banks of the Great Ossipee river. Here they built a strong fort, with the aid of English carpenters, to defend themselves against the Mohawks.
" No people ever defended their native country with more valor and obstinacy, than the Sokokis did theirs, especially in Lovell's war." This tribe became extinct before the taking of Quebec.
2. Anasagunticooks. The residence of this tribe was upon the Androscoggin river, and they claimed the territory " from its source to Merry-Meeting bay, and on the west side of Sagadahock to the sea." They had their usual encampment at Pejepscot, on what is now Brunswick falls. This tribe was numerous, powerful, and warlike ; but it gradually dwindled away under the influence of the wars, until at last the small remnant was drawn away by the French, to join the settlement at St. Francois river, in Canada. Soon after the revolution, this tribe became entirely extinct, though this catastrophe was averted for some time by the efforts of their last sagamore, who was an educated Indian.
3. Canibas. This was a great and powerful tribe, which occupied both sides of the Kennebec river. It consisted of two or luce political families, which were united under one great sagamore, known .by the general title of Kennebis. His residence was in a delightful situation on Swan island, in Merry-Meeting bay.
This tribe claimed all the territory from the source of the Kennebec river to Merry- Meeting bay, and all the islands on the eastern side of Sagadahock, to the sea. After becoming very much reduced, their chief residence was at the foot of Nor- ridgewock falls, where they had a church with a bell, and were known as the Norridgewock tribe.
89
MAINE.
· This people were bold, brave, and hardy warriors, and firmly held out through all the Indian wars, in which they probably suffered more than any other tribe, by the loss of numbers. So much had they suffered in this way, that in 1764 they had but 30 warriors ; and in 1795, there were but six or seven families left. They received the fatal blow at the destruction of their village at Norridgewock falls in 1724. They were less disposed to engage in war with the English, than the other two tribes just mentioned.
4. Wawenocks. This tribe lived on the territory in Lincoln county, about the Sheepscot, Pemaquid, and St. George rivers. They were the immediate subjects of the great Bashaba. The principal lodginent of this tribe, particularly during the latter part of its existence, was on the west side of Sheepscot river, near the Lower falls.
This tribe was greatly broken and wasted by the disasters of the great Indian war, which commenced in the spring of 1615, during which Bashaba was slain. After this event, they never were either numerous or powerful. They became re- duced to two or three families, and were finally induced, by the French, to remove to the St. Francois settlement, where their numbers became somewhat increased.
They were a brave and warlike tribe, which defended their prince and country with skill and valor, until fairly overcome. They were disinclined to make war upon the English, when uninfluenced by others.
II. The other division of the Indians of Maine, called the Etechemins, occupied the country between the Penobscot and St. John rivers, with the territory bordering upon both sides of those rivers. They were divided into three tribes-the Tarra- tines ; the Openangos, or Quoddy Indians ; and the Marchites, or Armonchiquois.
This division has never been so much wasted by war, disease, and dissipation, as the other. They still inhabit their native country, though broken and diminished, and fast melting away. They were always a more numerous people than the Ab- neaques, which are now entirely dispossessed of the home of their fathers, if not ut- terly extinct.
In 1756, the Etechemins had 1500 fighting men ; but in 1820, they could number but 1235 persons, old and young, male and female.
1. Tarratines. The residence of this tribe was upon the Penobscot river, and they claimed dominion over the territory from its source to its mouth. They were a very numerous, powerful and warlike people, and much more brave and hardy than their western neighbors, whom they often plundered and killed. Still they were ever reluctant to plunge into hostilities with the English.
Baron de Castine settled on the territory of this tribe, at Major Biguyduce, now Castine ; taught thein the use of fire-arms, and some arts of war, married four or five Tarratine wives, with whom he lived alternately at stated times, by which he had several daughters, and one son, Castine the younger, who became a man of distinc- tion and of excellent character.
Baron de Castine conformed entirely to the manners and customs of the natives. By these means, joined with a pleasing personal address, he obtained a complete ascendency over this tribe of Indians.
This tribe probably shifted the place of their principal village at different times. When the whites first visited the country, it was at the mouth of the Kenduskeag stream, where Bangor now is. A league above the Kenduskeag, on the west bank of the Penobscot, are the remains of an ancient village, supposed to be that known by the name of " Negas."
In later years, Indian Oldtown has been their village, and their principal place of resort. It is upon the south end of an island in the Penobscot river, 12 miles above the mouth of the Kenduskeag river. At this place they have a church with a spire and bell .- See Orono.
12
90
GAZETTEER OF THE UNITED STATES.
At the period of the revolution, there were 40 or 50 warriors. During this struggle they remained neutral ; and since that time, they have been gradually diminishing, the same as before. They have sold most of their land, a piece at a time, until they now have but about 2670 acres, and this consists principally of islands in the Penobscot river.
2. Openangos, or Quoddy Indians. This tribe of Indians is now known only by . the name of Passamaquoddy. They reside upon the Passamaquoddy bay. Their village is situated at a delightful place, on the western shore of this bay, called Pleasant Point, in the town of Perry, six miles above Eastport. It is composed of 20 or 30 wigwams, with about 120 souls, a church with a spire and a bell.
Anciently this tribe was very numerous ; but now they are very much reduced in numbers, and are indigent and depressed. Their lands and hunting grounds are no longer in their possession, and little more remains to them than their barbarian free- dom and their village. Although such is their condition, and they have constantly displayed before their eyes the blessings conferred upon man by industry and the arts of civilization, still all efforts to arouse them to seek these blessings have proved abortive.
3. Marchites, or Armonchiquois. These people inhabit the country bordering upon the St. John river, called by them " Quygoudy." This tribe was numerous and powerful, and in character valiant and ingenious. In the first Indian war, they were more opposed to taking up arms against the English, than either of the other Etechemin tribes.
This tribe had two places of general resort. " One is the village at Medunctic Point, just above the confluence of the main river and Eel stream, six leagues east- ward of the eastern monument. Here are 35 or 40 wigwams and a chapel. The other, called Indian village, is on the east side of the river, 100 miles higher, near the Little falls, and opposite to the mouth of the Madawaska."
The following is the estimated force of the Indians of Maine at the time of its discovery by the English. The entire population, in 1615, is supposed to have been about 37,000, which Mr. Williamson, in his History of Maine, says, is " probably not very wide of the truth."
The warriors of the Abenaques are estimated thus-
Sokokis. .900
Anasagunticooks 1500
Canibis 1500
Wawenocks 1100-5000
The Etechemin warriors thus-
Tarratines .2400
Openangos
.1400
Marchites
2200-6000
Total 11000
" During 50 years, the planters and traders in Maine had great intercourse with the natives, undisturbed by any open rupture. When they commenced hostilities, they were full of revenge and greedy of spoils. No presents, no treaties, or other expedients could, for any length of time, bind them in the bonds of peace. Their jealousies and antipathies toward the English were habitual ; and when it was too late, they had a fearful vision of ultimate exile, or utter extinction. Within a period between the war of Philip, in 1675, and the capture of Quebec, in 1759, the inhabit-
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MAINE.
91
ants of Maine were extreme sufferers in six Indian wars ; some of which were long, and all of them bloody. The 1st lasted three years ; the 2d, nine and a half ; the 3d, ten ; the 4th, three and a half ; the 5th, four ; and the 6th, five years." Those who may wish to become acquainted with the particulars of these wars, and the manners and customs of the Indians, are referred to Williamson's History of' Maine · and Drake's Book of the Indians.
In looking over the past history, present condition, and future prospects of the Indians of Maine, a feeling of melancholy comes over the spirit. In the past, we see them a numerous, brave, and warlike people; the sole proprietors of this vast domain, with all the pride of self-government, and in possession of all those endow- ments and enjoyments which render savage life desirable. As we follow them down the stream of time, we find them gradually wasting away, and tribe after tribe be- coming extinct, until but few remain, the victims of dependence and degradation.
In a few short years this remnant will vanish from the earth, and the names of these once powerful tribes will sink into oblivion or be known only in story.
Population .
To a square mile, of the several Counties in Maine, according to the census of 1840. (Small fractions omitted.) See pp. 43-46.
COUNTIES.
Square miles.
Populat. 1840.
Pop. to sq. mile.
COUNTIES.
Square miles.
Populat. 1840.
Pop. to sq. mile.
Aroostook ..
4,946
9,413
Piscataquis
5,702
13,138
2}
Cumberland.
961
68,658
713
Somerset
4,192
33,912
8
Franklin
1,803
20,801
11}
Waldo
963
28,327
293
Hancock.
1,828
28,605
153
Washington
2,703
41,509
11
Kennebec
953
55,823
583
York
928
54,034
584
Lincoln
1,000
63,517
633
Oxford
2,295
38,351
16}
14,488
170,920
Penobscot
3,282
45,705
14
17,068
330,873
17,068 330,873
31,556 501,793
Population to a square mile in the State, 152.
92
GAZETTEER OF THE UNITED STATES.
INDEX.
Acknowledgments 2
Ancient town, relics of an .62
Bays and harbors.
.24
Boundary treaty 5
Brave woman .66
Canals
.36
Capes
.23
Chief justices . 8
Climate 8 ·
Colleges
87
Commerce
.39
Counties, description of. .43
County and State statistics 42
Course and distance of towns
.47
do. note on
Dairy, value of products of .41
Description of state 3
Description of counties.
.43
Description of towns .
.55
Distance of shire towns from Boston. . 42
Distance of towns from Augusta and
shire towns. .47
Distances on railroads .37
Distances, note on .57
Education
.86
Falls, water
.20
Fashionable resorts . 13.61. 64.66, 67.72.76 Seamen .39 Finances .83 Seminaries and schools 86
Fish, varieties of
.41
Stock, live
42
Forest, products of the .41
Geology and mineralogy
30
Governors
Grains, cereal, produced.
42.47
Granite and marble produced. .41 Harbors and bays 21
Hay, quantity cut.
42,47
Hops, quantity grown
.41
Incorporation of counties
.42
Incorporation of towns
.47
Indians
.88
Internal improvement
.36
Islands.
.27
Lakes and ponds.
.14
Page. Light-Houses 84,85
Live stock.
.42
Lovewell's fight .66
Maine, first settlers of . .75
Maine, general description of. 3
Manufactures. .39
Manufactures, value of.
42
Marble and granite produced. 41
Mineralogy and geology .30
Mountains.
8
Navigation 41
Orchard, value of products of the
.41
Pine-trees, large
69.71
Ponds and lakes.
.14
Population of counties
.42
Population of counties to square mile. . 91 Population of towns. 47
Post villages
47
Potatoes, quantity grown
42. 47
Prices of sundry articles in 1750
.. 66
Productions, various
41, 42. 47
Public buildings
75
Public lands
.83
Quarries, products of
.41
Railroads
37
Rivers
.16
Romantic spot
64
State and county statistics
42
Succession of governors and chief justices 8
Sugar, quantity made 42
Tables, town and post village
.47
Tonnage
39
Tonnage, cleared and entered
,40
Towns and post villages
.47
Treaty, boundary
5
Valleys
13
Valuation .
42
Victuals for one man a year
77
Water falls
20
Wool, quantity sheared.
42
Fisheries
.41
Ship building.
40
F8410.39
6114 1
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