Harpswell, ME - City and Town Halls on Waymarking.com

The town of Harpswell consists of a narrow peninsula (the "neck") extending from Brunswick roughly 10 miles South into Casco Bay and of a collection of over 200 islands, the three largest - Great Island (Sebascodegan), Orr’s Island and Bailey Island joined together and to the mainland by bridges.

Harpswell was originally called "Merriconeag" which is the Indian name for "Quick Carrying Place". Near the town line between Brunswick and Harpswell the peninsula is so narrow the spot was used by the Indians as a carrying place from one bay to the other in their canoe expeditions.

Harpswell "neck" along with Sebascodegan Island was purchased from the Indians in 1659 by Colonel Shapleigh of Kittery. By 1714 there were only two settlers on the neck the rest having been driven off by the Indians. By 1731 many settlers had returned and Harpswell was incorporated as a town in 1758 - a distinction it has enjoyed to the present under the Massachusetts Bay Colony, the State of Massachusetts and the State of Maine.

The 150 plus mile diversified coastline of jagged rocky bluffs, deep coves, tiny inlets, sandy beaches and majestic evergreens which offer unparalleled panoramas of seascapes has made this a coastal jewel of uncommon beauty.

Harpswell is a community full of history, legend, fishing tradition, wonderful old farmhouses and sea captain’s' homes. The tall ships, sloops and schooners built here during the 1800’s were famous world wide and just the mention of names like Stover, Skolfield, Curtis and Estes bring to mind those bustling shipyards of yesteryear. It has long been a mecca for summer vacationers in tune with nature; its rockledged, wooded and marshy terrain make it an ideal nesting place and summer resort for many species of birds.

Name: Town Offices Address: 263 Mountain Rd. P.O. Box 139 Harpswell, ME United States 04079 Web Site for City/Town/Municipality: [Web Link] Date of Construction: Not listed Architect: Not listed Memorials/Commemorations/Dedications: Not listed

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