Harpswell, Maine

Harpswell is bordered by the town of Brunswick to the north, and is separated by the New Meadows River from West Bath to the northeast and Phippsburg to the east. Harpswell is comprised of two peninsulas, accessed by Route 24 (Harpswell Islands Road) on the eastern peninsula, and Route 123 (Harpswell Neck Road) for the western peninsula. The two roads are joined by Mountain Road. Situated on Casco Bay in the Gulf of Maine, part of the Atlantic Ocean, Harpswell has approximately 216 miles of coastline. The 2010 census reports the population of Harpswell as 4,740.

Originally inhabited by Native Americans primarily of the Abenaki tribe, many of the geographic locations are identified by nomenclature originating from the Abenaki. For instance, Great Island was known as “Sebascodiggin,” which today is referenced as “Sebascodegan Island.” The process of settling Harpswell was impacted by disputes with the Native Americans, which were primarily resolved around 1731 as settlers were returning to the area. Harpswell was incorporated in 1758. Industries included farming, shipbuilding, and fishing. Today, fishing remains strong in the community, which also attracts artists and tourists in part due to the natural scenic beauty of the community. The Bailey Island Bridge (known as the Cribstone Bridge) is a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

Harpswell serves as the primary residence for many Midcoast families, but is respected as a summer destination for many families from throughout the United States and abroad.