One half of the Biddeford-Saco metropolitan area, the city has its own extensive beach and Ferry Beach State Park. See photos. It is one stop on AMTRAK’s Downeaster rail service. Occupying the east side of the Saco River as it enters Saco Bay, the city is the eleventh largest community in Maine.
A Grant of the Province of Maine to Sir Ferdinando Gorges and John Mason, esq., 10th of August, 1622 This indenture, made the 10th day of August, Anno Dom. 1622, and in the 20th yeare of the reigne of our Sovereigne Lord James, by the grace of God King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland,…
April 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1639 A “Grant of the Province of Maine” to Sir Fernando Gorges exclusively was made on this date, superseding an earlier grant of 1622…
1651-1774 Massachusetts asserts its claim to Maine and takes over in 1652. Royal commissioners set up an independent government in Maine in 166, but Massachusetts regains control in 1668. Many towns in Maine are incorporated during the period, developing a core of local government and for future resistance to Massachusetts. 1651 Massachusetts asserts its claim…
1492-1650 European explorers cruise the Maine coast in search of opportunities for their patrons, especially in the rich fisheries of the Gulf of Maine. Missionaries and settlers follow, bringing diseases that devastate Native American populations. 1492 Christopher Columbus “discovers” America. 1497 John and Sebastian Cabot sail from England to North America and return to England…