Biddeford is a city in York County in the US state of Maine. In 2020, 22,552 people lived there in 10,686 households on an area of 89.5 km².
The Biddeford Mills Museum honors the extensive historical and cultural significance of the milling industry in Biddeford and nearby regions. Committed to recording and protecting this legacy, the museum delivers various educational programs, community gatherings, and interactive exhibits to reach a diverse audience. Found at 2 Main Street, Suite 18-230, Biddeford, Maine, it welcomes visitors from Thursday through Saturday, noon to 4:00 PM (with closures on select holidays, such as December 21-23). Its exhibits delve into the everyday experiences and dedication of workers who fueled Biddeford's thriving textile sector, often featuring insights from retired mill staff recounting the city's shift from a serene locale to a bustling industrial center. Following the 2009 mill closures, the museum has curated a vast collection of items and oral histories to pay tribute to the laborers involved. Positioned in the Pepperell Mill Campus, it underscores the technological advancements that defined the area's development.
Biddeford features an array of buildings, landmarks, and districts
acknowledged as National Historic Landmarks or inscribed on the National
Register of Historic Places, illustrating the city's progression in
architecture, trade, industry, and culture from the 1700s forward. These
honors emphasize Biddeford's contributions to early colonial life,
industrial expansion, and its Franco-American roots. Notably, the Main
Street Historic District includes 59 key elements, with structures
generally well-maintained and supported by municipal regulations and
renewal projects. Here's a list of prominent entries, complete with
listing years, registration numbers, approximate construction dates (if
known), and concise overviews based on archival data:
Biddeford
Main Street Historic District (Listed: 2009, Reg No: 09001146, Built:
1846–1952): Covers 62 buildings, green spaces, and a monument along Main
Street and nearby roads like Jefferson, Adams, Washington, Franklin,
Alfred, and Water; embodies the city's business heart with 50 essential
features in Greek Revival and Italianate designs; properties exhibit
strong preservation and are mostly in solid shape, representing
Biddeford's economic peak from the mid-1800s to mid-1900s.
Biddeford-Saco Mills Historic District (Listed: 2008, Reg No: 08001258,
Built: Various, 19th century): Extends over roughly 38 acres by the Saco
River, incorporating 42 significant industrial structures in diverse
styles; showcases Biddeford's manufacturing past, especially in
textiles; bordered by Pearl, Lincoln, York, Main, Gooch, and Saco
Streets, including subsequent expansions.
Berwick High School
(Listed: 2012, Reg No: 11001059, Built: 1927–1928, expanded 1953 and
1960): Ex-high school in nearby Berwick, a two-level brick edifice in
Colonial Revival form; functioned as the community's learning hub until
superseded; recognized for educational and architectural importance
locally; now adapted for other uses while keeping original elements.
Memorial Chapel (Listed: 2018, Reg No: 100002594, Built: 1932–1933): A
simple chapel in York County, potentially linked to Biddeford's wider
historical narrative; constructed in the early 20th century; honored for
its design and societal relevance, possibly connected to local memorials
or faith traditions.
Biddeford City Hall (Listed: 1973, Reg No:
73000156, Built: 1895): Striking three-and-a-half-story brick facility
at 205 Main Street, topped with a clock tower and belfry, crafted by
John Calvin Stevens post-fire; integrates granite from the prior
building; houses City Theater (an 1860 opera house turned vaudeville and
cinema venue); a notable skyline element in need of fixes to its tower,
glazing, masonry, and internals, though partially refurbished in the
1990s–2000s.
Dudley Block (Listed: 1982, Reg No: 82000428, Built:
1848): Greek Revival brick commercial space at 28-34 Water Street,
three-and-a-half stories; experienced slight changes but holds its core
aesthetic; under private ownership and well-preserved.
Emery School
(Listed: 2011, Reg No: 11000819, Built: 1912): Georgian Revival red
brick institution at 116 Hill Street; erected as a unified school;
transformed into 24 residential units in 2012, now excellently
maintained post-renovation.
First Parish Meetinghouse (Listed: 1972,
Reg No: 72000080, Built: 1758): Antique frame building on Old Pool Road,
initially for civic assemblies; updated in 1840 (belfry taken down,
galleries adjusted); held by the Biddeford Historical Society; demands
maintenance for rot and base problems but stands as a prime colonial
specimen.
James Montgomery Flagg House (Listed: 1980, Reg No:
80000260, Built: 1910): Wooden seasonal home at St. Martin’s Lane in
Biddeford Pool, belonging to artist James Montgomery Flagg (creator of
the iconic Uncle Sam recruitment image); included interior artworks;
sadly razed in 2013 owing to decay and prohibitive repair expenses.
St. Andre's Parish (Listed: 2015, Reg No: 15000771, Built: 1900):
Romanesque sanctuary at 73 and 77 Bacon Streets, accompanied by a Second
Empire rectory and Colonial Revival convent/school at 39 and 41 Sullivan
Streets; planned by Chickering & O’Connell; notable for its ties to
French-Canadian immigrants and structures spanning 1900–1965.
St.
Joseph's School (Listed: 1983, Reg No: 83003708, Built: 1887):
Three-floor red brick with mansard top on Birch Street; catered to the
Franco-American populace; revamped into housing and privately managed.
Stage Island Monument (Listed: 2019, Reg No: 100004341, Built: 1825): A
bicentennial daytime navigation aid (distinct from a lighthouse)
alerting ships to harbor dangers; acknowledged for maritime importance;
presently in a restoration campaign to sustain its vigilant presence.
John Tarr House (Listed: 1980, Reg No: 80000263, Built: c. 1730):
Classic Cape Cod residence at 29 Ferry Lane with middle chimney and
paneled kitchen; among Biddeford's earliest extant homes; privately held
and in fine state.
Timber Point (Listed: 2016, Reg No: 16000786,
Built: 1931–1954): Seaside property at 1-2 Timber Point Road (integrated
into Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge) with primary dwelling and
14 auxiliary structures such as a garage and washhouse; typifies Maine's
vacation estates; displays minor wear but preserves its essence.
US
Post Office (Listed: 1973, Reg No: 73000161, Built: 1914): Brick masonry
at 35 Washington Street with granolithic accents; roof updated in 1939;
formerly hosted courts and enterprises, now mostly empty yet
safeguarded.
Further historic locations in the Biddeford Pool vicinity encompass:
Fletcher's Neck Lifesaving Station (Listed: 1974, Reg No: 74000195):
One-and-a-half-story wooden facility on Ocean Avenue dating to 1874; in
stick style for lifeboat housing and keeper accommodations; privately
owned, refurbished, and moved from its initial spot.
Wood Island
Light Station (Listed: 1988, Reg No: 87002274): Granite beacon on Wood
Island (erected 1808, redone 1839) with wooden keeper's residence (1858,
altered 1890) and stone oil storage (1903); overseen by the U.S. Coast
Guard and Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse; in sound condition and open
for guided visits.
Biddeford, a coastal city in southern Maine with a rich industrial
and maritime history, is home to several eerie legends rooted in
tragedy, mystery, and reported paranormal activity. These stories often
stem from the area's 19th-century lighthouses, theaters, and isolated
islands, where isolation amplified human drama. Local folklore,
bolstered by paranormal investigations and historical accounts, paints a
picture of restless spirits lingering amid the fog-shrouded shores and
aging structures. Below, I'll delve into the most prominent haunted
sites and their associated tales.
Wood Island Lighthouse: A
Beacon of Tragedy and Ghosts
Located on a small, rocky island in Saco
Bay off Biddeford Pool, Wood Island Lighthouse stands as one of Maine's
most infamous haunted landmarks. Constructed in 1808 to guide ships into
Winter Harbor and the Saco River during a boom in sea commerce and
fishing, the original wooden structure was replaced in 1839 with a more
durable granite tower and a modest wooden keeper's dwelling. Keepers
lived simple lives, farming by day and maintaining the light by night,
but the island's remoteness fostered an atmosphere ripe for legend.
The lighthouse's dark reputation largely traces back to a gruesome
murder-suicide on June 1, 1896. Frederick W. Milliken, a local game
warden and special officer who owned property on the island's southern
end, rented a shack to tenants Howard Hobbs, a lobsterman, and William
Moses. That fateful day, Hobbs and Moses returned intoxicated from
Biddeford after a brush with law enforcement. Milliken confronted them,
asking to inspect Hobbs' repeating rifle. In a chaotic moment, the gun
discharged, striking Milliken in the chest. As he bled profusely, Moses
rushed for a doctor, while Hobbs, now sobered, informed lighthouse
keeper Thomas Orcutt. Hobbs then retreated to his shack, where another
shot echoed across the island. Moses later discovered Hobbs' body in a
pool of blood upstairs, alongside a farewell note to his roommate and
instructions for delivering a message to a woman he was courting in
Biddeford Pool.
This event is believed to have cursed the island,
leading to ongoing paranormal phenomena. Visitors and keepers have
reported doors opening and closing on their own, shadowy figures lurking
near the tower's walkway, disembodied footsteps echoing through empty
rooms, subtle whispers, unexplained noises, and sudden temperature
drops. The spirits of Milliken and Hobbs are said to roam the
grounds—Milliken perhaps seeking justice, Hobbs in remorse. Some
accounts also mention a female apparition, possibly Milliken's wife,
adding to the spectral trio. The hauntings escalated further in 1905
when a subsequent keeper, terrified by the activity, fled to a mainland
boarding house and jumped to his death from a third-story window.
Beyond the 1896 incident, older legends contribute to the island's
cursed aura. Locals whisper of an ancient Indigenous curse causing
keepers to vanish inexplicably. One pre-1896 keeper reportedly perished
in a storm or accident, his ghost now wandering the shores. During the
1839 tower's construction, a worker claimed to see an Indigenous man
standing at the island's edge, staring at the waves; when he looked
again, the figure had vanished, with no trace of a body, fueling tales
of a suicidal spirit.
Today, the lighthouse is maintained by the
Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse, who offer tours, but access is
limited to boat rides from Biddeford Pool. Paranormal teams have
investigated, documenting EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) and
anomalies, reinforcing its status as a hotspot for ghost hunters. Moans
are still heard from the old chicken coop shack, and locked doors
mysteriously unlock, as if the past refuses to stay buried.
Biddeford City Theatre: The Eternal Encore of Eva Gray
Nestled in
downtown Biddeford, the City Theatre—built in 1896 as part of the
Biddeford City Hall complex—has long been a cultural hub for
performances, but it's equally renowned for its resident ghost. The
legend centers on Eva Gray, a young actress who performed there in 1904.
During a Halloween show, Gray delivered a stirring rendition of "Goodbye
Little Katy Goodbye," earning four curtain calls. Tragically, she
collapsed backstage from heart failure shortly after, dying at age 33
and leaving behind a 3-year-old daughter. Some versions of the tale add
dramatic flair, claiming she died mid-performance, but historical
records confirm her sudden passing post-show.
Since then, theater
staff, performers, and audiences have reported eerie occurrences:
apparitions of a woman in Victorian attire wandering the balconies or
stage, unexplained cold spots, flickering lights, and the faint sound of
singing echoing through empty halls. In 2017, the paranormal group EVP
Paranormal of Maine conducted an investigation and captured a photograph
appearing to show a ghostly female figure in the audience seats, lending
credence to the Eva Gray legend. The team described the image as a
translucent woman with period clothing, aligning with descriptions of
Gray.
The theater's hauntings are often benign, interpreted as Gray's
spirit relishing eternal applause, but they add an undeniable chill to
rehearsals and shows. Today, the venue hosts plays, musicals, and
events, with some embracing the ghost as a mascot. For those interested,
guided tours occasionally touch on the paranormal history, making it a
must-visit for folklore enthusiasts.
Other Haunted Lore and Tours
Biddeford's spectral tapestry extends beyond these sites. The Biddeford
Haunts & Curiosities Walking Tour, led by local historians from Briar &
Bone, weaves through downtown streets, sharing tales of strange
occurrences, spectral sightings, and historical oddities. It covers
lesser-known stories, like potential hauntings tied to the city's
mill-era hardships or maritime disasters. Maine's broader ghost lore,
including cursed tombs and lighthouse spirits, often intersects with
Biddeford's narratives, emphasizing themes of untimely death and
unresolved grievances.
Abandoned Places in Biddeford, Maine
Biddeford's industrial past as a textile powerhouse left a legacy of
decaying structures, many now abandoned or partially revitalized. These
sites evoke a sense of forgotten time, with crumbling facades, overgrown
lots, and whispers of past lives. Urban explorers are drawn to their
atmospheric decay, though trespassing is illegal and dangerous due to
structural hazards. Here's an in-depth look at key locations.
Notre Dame Hospital: A Relic of Medical Desolation
Built in 1950 on
Pool Street, Notre Dame Hospital served as a vital healthcare facility
for Biddeford's community until merging with Webber Hospital in 1969 to
form Southern Maine Medical Center. It continued as a nursing home under
various operators until its final tenant, First Atlantic Healthcare,
vacated in 2005, leaving it fully abandoned. The building's interior is
a nightmare tableau: peeling paint on walls, rusted wheelchairs
scattered in hallways, stripped metal bed frames, and debris from years
of neglect. Boarded-up windows and doors, along with a surrounding
chain-link fence, deter intruders, but urban explorers have documented
its eerie silence broken only by creaking floors and dripping water.
The site's haunted reputation stems from its medical history—echoes of
patient suffering, deaths, and isolation. Paranormal groups like Ghost
Files have reported cold drafts, shadowy movements, and unexplained
noises, though no specific ghosts are named. By 2017, the structure was
deteriorating rapidly, with collapsing sections symbolizing urban decay.
Biddeford Police enforce no-trespassing rules, emphasizing safety risks.
Plans for redevelopment have stalled, leaving it as a stark reminder of
mid-20th-century healthcare's obsolescence.
The Pepperell Mill
Campus and Old Mill Buildings: Echoes of Industrial Might
Biddeford's
mill district, centered on the Pepperell Mill Campus along the Saco
River, encompasses over one million square feet of mid-19th-century
textile factories. Built starting in the 1840s, these red-brick
behemoths powered Maine's economy, employing thousands in cotton and
wool production until operations ceased in the late 20th century.
Abandoned for decades, the mills became vast, empty labyrinths:
underground utility tunnels connecting buildings, overhead bridges,
circular staircases with intricate patterns, and multi-floor stairwells
offering vertigo-inducing views. Interiors feature water-stained
ceilings, exposed brick from sandblasted walls, dilapidated office
furniture like a 1950s chair, and an overall haunting emptiness that
feels like stepping into a frozen era.
While not explicitly haunted,
the mills' atmosphere is profoundly eerie—stories abound of creaking
timbers, echoing footsteps in vacant halls, and the sense that the walls
hold untold worker tales of hardship, accidents, and labor strife.
Underground "catacombs" or lagoons add to the mystique, with flooded
basements creating mirror-like reflections. Redevelopment began in the
2010s, transforming parts into apartments, hotels, businesses, and light
industry, with the Biddeford Mills Museum preserving history. However,
remnants of abandonment persist in less-touched sections, blending decay
with renewal. Explorers note the symmetry and textures as artistic, but
warn of hazards like unstable floors.
Other Abandoned Spots
Trull Hospital/Emery-Tarr House: This early 19th-century building at 242
South Street, originally a farmhouse, later served medical purposes
before abandonment. Its overgrown state and historical photos evoke a
bygone rural era, with potential for minor hauntings tied to its age.
Abandoned Olive Garden: An unusual modern relic on Route 1, this former
restaurant sat vacant post-closure, with explorers disabling alarms to
document its kitschy decay—overturned tables and faded signage—before
likely redevelopment.
Miscellaneous Sites: Scattered spots like an
overgrown farm field with a rusted 1970 Oldsmobile add to Biddeford's
abandoned allure, often captured by photographers as "artistic
eyesores."
Biddeford is a city located in York County, southwestern Maine, United States. It sits along the Atlantic coast, specifically beside Saco Bay on the Gulf of Maine, approximately 16 miles (26 km) southwest of Portland and 90 miles north of Boston. The city is positioned at the falls of the Saco River, directly opposite the neighboring city of Saco, making it part of a twin-city area that has historically shared economic and geographic ties. Biddeford spans a total area of 59.08 square miles (153.02 km²), with 30.09 square miles (77.92 km²) consisting of land and a significant 29.00 square miles (75.10 km²) being water, highlighting its coastal and riverine character. This mix of land and water contributes to a diverse geography that includes inland rolling hillsides, urban settlements, and extensive coastal zones. The city's elevation averages around 69 feet (21 m) above sea level, providing a varied topography that transitions from low-lying coastal areas to slightly elevated inland regions.
Biddeford's landscape is characterized by a blend of coastal plains,
river valleys, and gentle inland hills. The city proper features rolling
hillsides in its interior sections, which give way to flatter, urbanized
areas near the river and coast. Its coastal position along the Gulf of
Maine includes several prominent seaside neighborhoods and features,
such as Hills Beach, Biddeford Pool, Fortunes Rocks, and Granite Point.
East Point, located on the peninsula of Biddeford Pool, marks the
easternmost point in York County, extending into the Atlantic Ocean.
Further south, Timber Island serves as the southernmost point in the
city, situated in Goosefare Bay at the mouth of the Little River; it is
accessible at low tide from nearby Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport
and became part of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in
December 2011. The area around Biddeford Pool and Wood Island, about a
mile offshore, includes the historic Wood Island Light, a lighthouse
that aids navigation along this rugged coastline.
The city's
topography has historically influenced its development, with the land
being less suitable for large-scale agriculture due to its rocky and
uneven nature, leading early settlers to focus on shipbuilding,
lumbering, and fishing. European explorers noted the area's coastal
location and navigable rivers as early as the 1600s, with figures like
Bartholomew Gosnold and Martin Pring documenting its potential for
settlement. Today, Biddeford boasts over 19,000 acres of open space,
including wildlife habitats adjacent to the ocean and rivers, which are
mapped for conservation and planning purposes.
Water plays a central role in Biddeford's geography, with the city drained by two major rivers: the Saco River and the Little River. The Saco River, which forms the northern boundary with Saco, features nearly 15 miles (24 km) of frontage within Biddeford and divides into two dramatic falls that drop 40 feet (12 m), historically powering the city's textile mills and contributing to its industrial heritage. The Little River, meanwhile, marks part of the southern border with Kennebunkport's Goose Rocks neighborhood and empties into Goosefare Bay. These rivers, along with the extensive coastline, create a network of riparian areas, wetlands, and public water resources that are critical for wildlife and recreation. Biddeford's position on the Gulf of Maine also exposes it to tidal influences, with bays like Saco Bay and Goosefare Bay providing habitats for marine life and opportunities for boating, fishing, and beach activities.
Biddeford experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen classification Dfb), typical of coastal New England. This climate is marked by significant seasonal temperature variations, with warm to hot summers that are often humid and cold winters that can be severe. Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean moderates temperatures somewhat, reducing extremes compared to more inland areas, but it also brings higher humidity and occasional nor'easters or coastal storms. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, supporting the region's lush vegetation and river systems.
Geographically, Biddeford is bordered by the city of Saco to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the towns of Dayton and Lyman to the west, and the towns of Kennebunkport and Arundel to the south. This positioning places it within the broader Seacoast region of Maine, known for its beaches, rivers, and textile history. The city's coastal and riverine boundaries make it a gateway to natural areas like the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge and nearby state parks.
Biddeford's geography is well-integrated with major transportation routes, enhancing its role as a regional hub. It is crossed by Interstate 95 (part of the I-95 corridor), U.S. Route 1, and state routes 5, 9, 111, and 208. These highways connect it conveniently to Portland (about 15 miles north) and Boston, making it a standout community for commuters and tourists alike. The rivers and coast have historically supported maritime activities, though modern focus has shifted to road and rail access.
Pre-Colonial and Indigenous History
Biddeford, Maine, located
along the Saco River in York County, has a rich indigenous history
predating European arrival. The area was inhabited by various Native
American groups, including the Red Paint People over 4,000 years ago,
who were known for burying tools, weapons, and ornaments with their
dead, and engaging in hunting and fishing. They were later displaced by
the Old Algonquins, or Mound Builders, who introduced agriculture such
as corn, beans, and tobacco, along with advanced tools like grooved
stone axes and pottery. By the time of European contact, the region was
occupied by the Abenaki (Later Algonquins), specifically the Sokoki
along the coast and the Pequawkets inland near Fryeburg. These tribes
fished at Biddeford Pool and Factory Island (originally called Indian
Island), cultivated fields, and used birch bark for canoes and utensils.
French explorer Samuel Champlain visited in July 1605, anchoring near
Wood Island and trading with Chief Honemechin, observing wigwams,
gardens, and weapons like spears and bows. English explorer Martin Pring
sailed up the Saco River in 1603, noting camp sites, while Captain John
Smith mapped the coast in 1614, naming it "New England." Post-colonial
interactions included trade and seasonal encampments, with some tribes
like the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy continuing peaceful fishing and
dances on Factory Island into the 19th century, though permanent
indigenous presence largely ended after 1725 due to conflicts.
Early European Exploration and Settlement (1616–Early 1700s)
European
history in Biddeford begins in 1616 when Sir Ferdinando Gorges, inspired
by reports of Native Americans captured by Captain George Weymouth, sent
a party led by physician Richard Vines from Bideford, Devonshire,
England. Vines and his group wintered at Winter Harbor (now Biddeford
Pool) with 32 men, building wigwam-like shelters and receiving
hospitality from local Native Americans, who aided them through
sickness, harsh winters, and conflicts like the death of a chief sachem
at the hands of the Tarrantines tribe. This marked one of the earliest
European settlements in the United States, predating the Mayflower's
arrival by four years. Vines returned in 1630 with John Oldham,
receiving a land patent (the Biddeford patent) covering 20,000+ acres
between Cape Elizabeth and Cape Porpoise, four miles wide by the sea and
eight miles inland along the Saco River. Vines established the first
permanent settlement with frame houses, serving as deputy governor for
Gorges' Province of Maine, and lived there for 29 years, engaging in
trade, including beaver skins with the French, and exploring areas like
the White Mountains. Oldham, however, did not settle long; banished from
Plymouth Colony in 1624 over disputes, he was killed by Pequot Native
Americans in 1636.
Settlement grew slowly: by 1631, Thomas Lewis and
Richard Bonython settled the east side (now Saco); a church was built on
the west bank near Guinea Road; and the first General Court of Maine
convened in 1639 under Vines. In 1653, the area was incorporated as the
Town of Saco by the Massachusetts General Court, encompassing both sides
of the river, with Roger Spencer building the first sawmill, focusing on
lumber and fish exports. Major William Phillips arrived in 1659,
purchasing vast lands from Native Americans and building a garrison and
mill at the falls. Early life included fox hunts, wolf baiting, and
interactions documented by visitor John Josselyn in 1663. Vines left in
1645 amid political disputes, selling his patent and moving to Barbados.
Slavery was present until Massachusetts abolished it in 1781, with
records of enslaved individuals like Cato, Cloe, and Scipio owned by
local figures.
Colonial Period and Indian Wars (1675–1760)
The
colonial era was fraught with danger due to wars stemming from European
rivalries, involving English settlers, French allies, and Native tribes.
Biddeford, as part of the frontier, experienced six major conflicts from
1675 to 1760, resulting in raids, burnings, and captives, with 47
prisoners taken for ransom. During King Philip's War (1675–1678), Native
warriors under Squando (Sokoki leader) attacked after his child's death
in a canoe incident, burning mills and houses; Phillips' garrison
defended against 100+ attackers using a fire cart that failed, killing
six natives and wounding 15, with no settler deaths but structures
destroyed. This spawned the legend of Squando's Curse, claiming three
annual white drownings in the Saco River.
In King William's War
(1688–1699), ambushes killed settlers, leading to a stone fort built in
1693 at the falls, which repelled attacks; families like the Fletchers
were captured multiple times. Queen Anne's War (1703–1713) was the
bloodiest: the fort was captured in 1703, killing 11 and taking 24
captive; raids at the Pool and Winter Harbor killed more, with notable
escapes like Mary Dyer's in 1710. Fort Mary, a wooden garrison, was
built around 1708–1710 on Fort Hill. Lovewell's War (1722–1725) saw
ambushes, including Lovewell's Fight near Fryeburg. The "Spanish" War
(1745–1749) and French and Indian War (1755–1760) brought final raids,
with the last killings in Biddeford in 1747 near Guinea Road. Defenses
included garrison houses like Captain Samuel Jordan's (1717) and Haley's
House (c. 1730), with tactics like women mimicking soldiers to scare
attackers. Hostilities ended after the Fall of Quebec in 1759, allowing
recovery. The area separated as Biddeford in 1718, named after Bideford,
England, with homes along the river supporting farming, fishing, and
trade; Sir William Pepperell purchased falls property in 1716–1717,
boosting lumber and shipbuilding. Population grew: 627 whites and 12
Negroes in the mid-18th century. Infrastructure included King's Highway
(1730), a ferry (c. 1739), and the first bridge to Saco (1767).
Incorporation and Growth (Late 1700s–Mid-1800s)
In 1762, the
northeast side separated as Pepperellborough (renamed Saco in 1805).
Biddeford developed amid post-war growth, with schools by 1766, courts
from 1762, and milestones in 1767. Revolutionary tensions included
spying suspicions in 1775. By 1830, the population was 1,995. The 1790s
saw witchcraft and heresy trials, reflecting social shifts. Industries
expanded: granite quarries, brickyards, and mills for boots, shoes,
lumber, and grain. Legal figures like James Sullivan and George Thatcher
handled claims.
Industrial Era (Mid-1800s–Early 2000s)
Biddeford became a thriving mill town, incorporated as a city on
February 10, 1855. The Saco River's 40-foot falls powered major textile
manufacturing, with the Laconia Company (1845) and Pepperell Company
(1850) leading the way. At its peak, mills employed up to 12,000,
attracting immigrants including Irish, Albanians, and French-Canadians
from Quebec. Most downtown brick buildings date to this 1800s boom.
Logging peaked with the last drive down the Saco in 1943 and last log
sawed in 1948. The textile industry declined post-World War II, with the
final company, WestPoint Home, closing in 2009; sites like the Lincoln
Mill are now redeveloped into housing and businesses.
Modern
Period (20th Century to Present)
During World War II, Biddeford Pool
hosted a military reservation (1942–1945) with Panama mounts for 155-mm
guns, now part of the Abenakee Golf Club. As the largest city in York
County with over 21,000 residents today, Biddeford has shifted to
revitalization, converting mills like North Dam into retail, art
studios, and cultural spaces. It remains a commercial hub alongside
Saco, home to landmarks like Saint Joseph's Church and recognized as one
of New England's oldest settlements, with its name on the Pilgrim
Monument in Provincetown.
Traffic
Interstate 95 runs near Biddeford, connecting the town
with major Maine cities. In addition, the Cummings–Portland railway,
which is also used for passenger services, runs through the town. A
Downeaster train stops five times a day (as of 2015) in each direction
at Biddeford-Saco station, which, however, is in the neighboring town of
Saco. The Portland–Portsmouth railway line, which also passes through
the town, has been closed except for a short industrial connection north
of Biddeford. Also gone are the tram routes of the Biddeford and Saco
Railroad and the York Utilities Corporation that served the Biddeford
township until the 1930s. The air connection is guaranteed by the
Biddeford Municipal Airport on the southern outskirts of the city, the
nearest airport with scheduled flights is in Portland.
Media
Two weekly newspapers are published in the Biddeford/Saco area: the
Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier and The Journal Tribune.
Public
facilities
With more than 220 beds, the Southern Maine Medical Center
ensures the medical care of Biddeford and the surrounding area. At the
same time, with over 1,100 employees, it is the largest employer in
town.
Education
Biddeford offers all pre-, elementary, middle
and high school classes. In addition, Biddeford is the seat of a branch
of the University of New England.
In neighboring Saco there is
also a private high school, Thornton Academy.
Culture
A
refurbished 1896 opera house, Biddeford's City Theater seats just under
500 and hosts a variety of theatre, dance and music performances
throughout the year.