Brunswick is a town (municipality-like administrative
subdivision) in Cumberland County, Maine, United States.
According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 21,756.
The town (in Spanish, literally, town) is the basic unit of
local government and the local division of state authority in
the six states of New England. New England towns cover the
entire area of a state, similar to townships in other states,
but are fully-functioning municipal corporations.
Museums in Brunswick
Brunswick, Maine, hosts the Joshua L.
Chamberlain Museum, which commemorates the life and achievements of the
renowned Civil War hero, former Maine Governor, and Bowdoin College
President Joshua L. Chamberlain. Housed in his former residence at 226
Maine Street, the museum offers guided tours that delve into his
remarkable journey, including his heroic actions at the Battle of
Gettysburg's Little Round Top, where he led the 20th Maine Volunteer
Infantry Regiment. Artifacts, personal belongings, and exhibits
highlight his roles as a Union general, four-term governor, and academic
leader. The site is operated by the Pejepscot History Center and is open
seasonally from May to October, with private tours available off-season
(except during Christmas week and January). Chamberlain himself is laid
to rest in Brunswick's Pine Grove Cemetery, adding a poignant connection
to the town's historical landscape.
Historic Buildings and
Districts
Brunswick features an impressive array of sites recognized
on the National Register of Historic Places, including one notable
bridge, ten individual buildings or complexes, and four protected
historic districts. These landmarks reflect the town's rich
architectural heritage, influenced by its 18th- and 19th-century growth
as a shipping hub, its ties to Bowdoin College, and its industrial and
residential development. Below is a breakdown of the districts and other
properties, with added details on their significance, locations, and
architectural styles where available.
Historic Districts
These
areas preserve clusters of buildings that showcase Brunswick's evolution
over time:
Brunswick Commercial Historic District (listed 2016,
register no. 15000968): Encompassing 50-151 Maine Street, this district
highlights the northern section of the town's historic commercial core
between Mason and School Streets. It features late 19th- and early
20th-century buildings that illustrate Brunswick's commercial boom,
including shops, banks, and offices in styles like Italianate and
Romanesque Revival.
Federal Street Historic District (listed 1976,
register no. 76000092): Roughly bounded by Mason, Maine, College, and
Federal Streets, this district captures a residential and institutional
area shaped by Brunswick's early prosperity as a port and its proximity
to Bowdoin College. It includes elegant Federal-style homes and
college-related structures from the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Lincoln Street Historic District (listed 1976, register no. 76000094):
Located along Lincoln Street between Maine and Union Streets, this
8-acre district contains a cohesive group of mid-19th-century
residences, primarily in the Greek Revival style, representing the
town's residential expansion during that era.
Pennellville Historic
District (listed 1985, register no. 85002923): Situated in a rural
pocket roughly bounded by Pennellville Road, Middle Bay Cove, and
Pennell Way, this rectangular district preserves high-quality
19th-century homes in a serene setting at the head of Middle Bay,
emphasizing Brunswick's maritime and agricultural roots.
Other
Notable Properties
These individual sites include a mix of homes,
churches, educational buildings, and infrastructure, each contributing
to Brunswick's historical narrative:
Androscoggin Swinging Bridge
(listed 2004, register no. 03001404): This pedestrian suspension bridge
spans the Androscoggin River, connecting Brunswick to Topsham.
Constructed in 1892 by local mill workers for safe river crossing, it
remains a functional and scenic landmark symbolizing the area's
industrial history.
Henry Boody House (listed 1975, register no.
75000094): At 256 Maine Street, also known as the Boody-Johnson House,
this 1849 residence exemplifies Gothic Revival architecture with its
pointed arches and intricate detailing; it is now owned by Bowdoin
College.
Parker Cleaveland House (listed 2000, register no.
00000702): Located at 75 Federal Street, this was the home of Parker
Cleaveland, a pioneering mineralogist and Bowdoin professor known as the
"Father of American Mineralogy," from 1806 until his death in 1858.
Crystal Spring Farm (listed 2004, register no. 04000369): Found at 277
Pleasant Hill Road, this historic farm complex represents Brunswick's
agricultural heritage, featuring preserved barns and structures from the
19th century that highlight rural life and dairy operations.
John
Dunlap House (listed 1979, register no. 79000138): Situated at 4 Oak
Street and also called the Gilman Mansion, this elegant home reflects
Federal-style architecture and was built for a prominent local figure in
the early 19th century.
First Parish Church (listed 1969, register
no. 69000008): At 207 Maine Street, designed by architect Richard Upjohn
in 1845, this church is a distinctive example of Gothic Revival style,
with its stone construction and pointed arches serving as a community
and architectural focal point.
Massachusetts Hall, Bowdoin College
(listed 1971, register no. 71000042): The oldest building on Bowdoin's
campus, constructed in 1802, it originally housed the entire college and
now serves academic purposes, embodying Federal-style design and
educational history.
Richardson House (listed 1974, register no.
74000165): At 11 Lincoln Street, built in 1857 for a local businessman,
this brick home blends Greek Revival and Italianate elements, showcasing
transitional architecture of the mid-19th century.
St. Paul's
Episcopal Church (listed 1978, register no. 78000177): Located at 27
Pleasant Street, this 1845 church features Gothic Revival design with
later additions, serving as a key religious and architectural site in
the community.
Harriet Beecher Stowe House (listed 1966, register no.
66000091): At 63 Federal Street, this National Historic Landmark is
where the author wrote her influential anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom's
Cabin in 1851-1852 while her husband taught at Bowdoin; it now functions
as college housing and offices.
Whittier Field Athletic Complex
(listed 2017, register no. 100001238): Roughly bounded by Harpswell
Road, Bowker, and Pine Streets on the Bowdoin campus, this early
20th-century sports facility includes historic fields and structures
that have hosted collegiate athletics for over a century.
Brunswick, Maine, a historic coastal town known for its ties to
Bowdoin College, Civil War figures, and a former naval base, harbors a
mix of eerie legends and forsaken sites that draw from its rich past.
From spectral apparitions rooted in 19th-century history to overgrown
remnants of military infrastructure, these spots blend folklore,
reported paranormal activity, and urban decay. Below, I'll delve into
the most notable haunted legends and abandoned places, drawing on
historical context and eyewitness accounts for an in-depth exploration.
Haunted Legends in and Around Brunswick
Brunswick's haunted
reputation often stems from its colonial and Civil War-era heritage,
with stories of restless spirits tied to prominent figures and
mysterious landmarks. These legends are frequently shared through local
lore, poetry, and paranormal investigation sites, though many remain
unverified and open to interpretation.
Joshua L. Chamberlain
Museum
One of Brunswick's most iconic haunted sites is the Joshua L.
Chamberlain Museum, located at 226 Maine Street. This Greek Revival
home, built around 1824, was the residence of Joshua Lawrence
Chamberlain—a celebrated Civil War general, Medal of Honor recipient for
his defense at Little Round Top during the Battle of Gettysburg, former
president of Bowdoin College, and four-term governor of Maine from 1867
to 1871. Chamberlain lived here with his wife, Frances "Fanny" Adams
Chamberlain, until his death in 1914 from complications of a wartime
wound. The house was converted into a museum in the 1980s by the
Pejepscot History Center, showcasing artifacts like Chamberlain's
battlefield relics, personal letters, and furniture.
The legend here
centers on the belief that Joshua and Fanny never truly left their
beloved home. Witnesses, including museum staff and visitors, have
reported seeing the couple's apparitions wandering the halls
hand-in-hand, dressed in period attire, before vanishing through solid
walls or doors. These sightings are often accompanied by a sense of calm
rather than fear, as if the spirits are simply continuing their domestic
life. More unsettling are accounts of unexplained physical sensations:
guests sometimes feel sharp, stabbing pains in their hips—the exact
location where Chamberlain was gravely wounded by a Minié ball in 1864
during the Siege of Petersburg. He carried that injury for 50 years, and
some paranormal enthusiasts speculate it's a form of empathetic residue
or "stone tape" phenomenon, where traumatic events replay energetically.
The museum's hauntings gained wider attention through local ghost tours
and online forums, with some attributing the activity to Chamberlain's
strong attachment to Brunswick and his unresolved legacy. Tours are
available seasonally, but visitors are advised to respect the site as a
historical landmark rather than a thrill-seeking spot.
Pickard
Theatre at Bowdoin College
Nestled on the Bowdoin College campus at 1
Bath Road, the Pickard Theatre (part of Memorial Hall) dates back to
1894 and serves as a performing arts venue. Its haunted legend is more
subtle and tied to unexplained phenomena rather than named ghosts. In
one well-documented incident from the early 2000s, a theater technician
working alone late at night reported seeing a stage lamp swinging
violently back and forth despite no open windows, doors, or ventilation
system active in the room. Accompanying this was an intense,
bone-chilling cold that dropped the temperature noticeably, defying the
building's heating.
While no specific spirit is identified,
speculation points to residual energy from the college's long history of
dramatic performances or perhaps a former student or faculty member with
unfinished business. Bowdoin, founded in 1794, has seen its share of
tragedies, including student deaths from illness or accidents in the
19th century, which could fuel such activity. The theatre remains active
for plays and events, and while hauntings are rare, they add a layer of
intrigue for those attending nighttime shows.
Five Stones of
River Road
Located just 1.3 miles from downtown Brunswick near the
intersection of River Road and View Street in Topsham (but often
associated with Brunswick due to proximity), the Five Stones are a
enigmatic cluster of granite markers whose origins remain shrouded in
mystery. These roughly hewn stones, arranged in a loose formation, have
no documented historical purpose—though some locals theorize they were
early postal route markers from the 18th or 19th century, guiding riders
along old stagecoach paths.
The legend revolves around auditory
hauntings: on clear, moonlit nights, passersby report hearing faint,
ethereal singing voices emanating from the stones, described as
harmonious chants or melodies in an unknown language. These are commonly
attributed to the spirits of Indigenous Wabanaki people, who inhabited
the Androscoggin River valley long before European settlement. The area
was a Native American trading and fishing ground, and some believe the
stones mark a sacred site disrupted by colonization. Additional reports
include a soft whistling sound heard during daily commutes and even a
recorded voice-like utterance saying "tcheko" (possibly a corrupted
Algonquian word). Skeptics dismiss it as wind through trees or auditory
illusions, but the site's isolation amplifies its creepiness, especially
at dusk.
Harpswell Harbor Phantom Ship
About 9.3 miles
southeast of Brunswick, Harpswell Harbor on Casco Bay is the setting for
one of Maine's classic maritime ghost stories, immortalized in John
Greenleaf Whittier's 1866 poem "The Dead Ship of Harpswell." The legend
describes a spectral vessel that materializes just before twilight,
gliding silently across the water. Eyewitnesses from the 19th century
claimed the ship altered its size and shape mid-sight—sometimes
appearing as a small schooner, other times as a massive frigate—yet
always under full sail, even in dead calm or stormy conditions.
This
phantom is seen as an omen of impending death or disaster, with
sightings preceding local tragedies like shipwrecks or drownings.
Historical accounts trace it back to the Revolutionary War era, possibly
the ghost of a British or pirate ship lost in the bay's treacherous
currents. The last reported appearance was in the 1880s, but modern
folklore keeps it alive, with boaters occasionally claiming glimpses of
unexplained lights or mists. The harbor's rugged islands and foggy
atmosphere enhance the tale's atmospheric dread, making it a staple of
Maine coastal ghost lore.
Abandoned Places in Brunswick
Brunswick's abandoned sites largely tie to industrial and military
decline, with overgrown structures evoking a sense of forgotten time.
While not always explicitly haunted, many carry an eerie,
post-apocalyptic vibe reported by urban explorers.
Former
Brunswick Naval Air Station (BNAS)
The most prominent abandoned
complex in Brunswick is the Brunswick Naval Air Station, operational
from 1943 until its closure in 2011 as part of military base
realignments. Spanning over 3,200 acres, it was a key Cold War-era
facility for anti-submarine warfare, housing P-3 Orion aircraft and up
to 5,000 personnel at its peak. Post-closure, much of the site was
redeveloped into Brunswick Landing—a tech and aviation hub—but pockets
remain derelict, drawing explorers for their desolate allure.
Key
abandoned areas include:
Bunkers and Fallout Shelters: Scattered
across the base, these concrete-reinforced structures from the 1950s-60s
were designed for nuclear threats. Urban explorers describe them as
labyrinthine, with rusted doors, graffiti-covered walls, and echoing
emptiness that feels oppressive. Reddit users call them "weird old
fallout shelters," noting the creepy silence broken only by dripping
water or wildlife.
Security Checkpoint and Inspection Area: Near the
airport's back side, this overgrown gatehouse features abandoned booths,
barriers, and faded signage, evoking a zombie apocalypse checkpoint.
Picnic Area and Miscellaneous Ruins: A forgotten recreational spot with
weathered tables and paths leading to nowhere; nearby, remnants like old
railway flangeway signs (tracks long removed) hint at the base's
logistical past. A 2007 fire destroyed a WWII-era hangar, leaving
charred foundations.
Ordinance Way: This road through the base is
infamous locally as "spooky as hell," likened to Silent Hill for its
fog-shrouded, deserted stretches lined with derelict buildings and
overgrown lots.
While no major haunted legends are attached, the
site's isolation fosters ghost stories of "aviation ghosts"—silent
runways where phantom plane engines are heard, or shadowy figures of
former sailors. The overall atmosphere is one of haunting quietude,
amplified by its WWII origins and abrupt abandonment.
Other
Notable Abandoned Spots
Abandoned Regal Cinemas: This former movie
theater, closed around 2020, sits vacant with intact projectors,
concession stands, and faded posters inside. Explorers note the eerie
stillness of empty auditoriums, though it's private property and
trespassing is discouraged.
Abandoned Mobil Gas Station: A relic from
the 2010s, this overgrown station with rusted pumps and shattered
windows has been documented by YouTubers as a snapshot of economic
decline, standing untouched for years.
Dragon Cement Factory
Remnants: Mentions of an old cement plant along a road, possibly
inactive for over a decade, but details are sparse and it may not be
fully abandoned.
By Car
Traveling to Brunswick, Maine, by vehicle is
straightforward, with Interstate 295 serving as the primary nearby
highway. This well-maintained, two-lane road splits from I-95 just north
of Portland and offers smooth access. If approaching from the south,
take the exit for US Route 1, which leads directly into downtown
Brunswick. From the north, opt for the US Route 201 exit instead, also
guiding you to the city center. The drive typically takes around 30
minutes from Portland (about 25-30 miles via I-295), 35-40 minutes from
Lewiston (roughly 19 miles, often via Route 196 and US-1), and 40-45
minutes from Augusta (approximately 30 miles, commonly using Route 201
or I-295). Be mindful of potential traffic during peak hours or tourist
seasons, and consider apps like Google Maps for real-time updates on
road conditions or construction.
To the east, US Route 1 continues
along the scenic Mid-Coast region, connecting to charming coastal towns
like Bath, Wiscasset, and beyond. For access to the picturesque
Harpswell Peninsula and its islands, use the secondary roads ME-123
(leading to Harpswell Neck) or ME-24 (connecting to Orr's and Bailey
Islands, with opportunities for ferry hops to nearby spots). These
routes offer stunning ocean views but can be winding and slower,
especially in summer.
By Bus
Concord Coach Lines operates from
the Brunswick Visitors Center at 16 Station Avenue (toll-free:
+1-800-639-3317). The facility is open daily from 10 AM to 6:30 PM and
is handicap accessible. As of December 2025, they provide reliable
service with normal schedules in effect (except for holiday adjustments,
like reduced runs on Christmas Eve and Day). Fares start from Portland
at around $16 one-way (35-45 minutes), from Boston at $32 one-way (about
3 hours), and from Bangor at $27 one-way (3 hours 25 minutes). Discounts
include one child (0-15) riding free per full-fare adult ticket, with
additional children at 50% off (limit of two). They also connect to
various points in Maine, New Hampshire, and Boston's Logan Airport, with
options like a 10-Day Commuter Pass for frequent travelers. Check their
website for exact times, as they offer one daily bus on some routes, and
book in advance for peak periods.
The Metro BREEZ express service,
run by Greater Portland Metro (+1 207-774-0351), also departs from the
Visitors Center at 16 Station Avenue, operating from 6 AM to 9 PM. As of
June 2025, the route has been expanded with limited extensions to Bath
Iron Works (BIW) in Bath, adding two round-trips Monday-Friday starting
July 7, 2025, for commuters. It runs about 12 buses daily between
Brunswick and Portland (around 1 hour), with stops in Freeport,
Yarmouth, and now Bath on select trips. Peak-hour frequency is every 40
minutes Monday-Saturday. Fares range from $2-4 one-way ($1-2 reduced for
seniors 65+, Medicare holders, disabled individuals, veterans, and
others with valid ID), making it an affordable option. Free fares on the
related Brunswick Link continue through March 2026 for local loops
within Brunswick.
By Train
The Brunswick train station is
located at the Visitors Center, 16 Station Avenue, open daily from 9:30
AM to 6 PM. Amtrak (+1 215-856-7924, toll-free: +1-800-872-7245) runs
the Downeaster route, providing national connections across the U.S.
This service offers five daily round-trips (in each direction) between
Brunswick and Boston, with stops including Freeport, Portland, Old
Orchard Beach (seasonal), Saco, Wells, Dover, Durham, Exeter, Haverhill,
and Woburn. Travel time from Portland is about 45 minutes (fares
starting at $3-5 one-way), and from Boston it's around 3.25 hours
($30-38 one-way, depending on class). Amenities include comfortable
seating, free Wi-Fi, a cafe car, and e-ticketing. Seniors (65+),
passengers with disabilities, and Medicare holders get 50% off regular
coach fares. For savings, join Amtrak Guest Rewards for points,
upgrades, and deals. Schedules are consistent year-round, but confirm
via the Amtrak app for any weather-related adjustments in winter.
By Plane
Brunswick Executive Airport (IATA: NHZ, also known as
BXM), located at 15 Terminal Road (+1 207-798-6512), primarily serves
general aviation and business jets through fixed-base operator Flight
Level Aviation. As of 2025, there are still no scheduled commercial
passenger flights available to or from the airport, according to the
latest master plan forecasts, which do not project airline service.
However, it features modern facilities, including a U.S. Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) office for direct international arrivals,
allowing private or charter flights to clear customs on-site rather than
at larger hubs. For commercial options, travelers typically fly into
Portland International Jetport (PWM, about 30 miles south) and connect
via bus, train, or car. Charter services or private aircraft can be
arranged, but check with the airport for hangar space or fuel
availability.
When you arrive in Brunswick, the bulk of the town's attractions and
conveniences are clustered along Maine Street, a vibrant thoroughfare
that extends southward from the scenic Androscoggin River all the way to
the historic campus of Bowdoin College. This layout makes it incredibly
convenient for visitors to explore a wide array of independent shops,
diverse dining spots, and cultural institutions entirely by foot—think
boutique stores like Gulf of Maine Books or Vessel & Vine for unique
gifts, cozy eateries such as Wild Oats Bakery & Cafe for fresh pastries
and sandwiches, or acclaimed restaurants like Henry and Marty for
upscale New American cuisine, and must-see museums including the Bowdoin
College Museum of Art with its impressive collection of over 20,000
works spanning ancient to contemporary art, the Joshua L. Chamberlain
Museum honoring the Civil War hero and former Bowdoin president, and the
Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum showcasing polar exploration artifacts. At
the northern end near the river, you'll also find the Cabot Mill
Antiques for browsing vintage treasures, while the Tontine Mall adds
modern flair with options like the Evening Star Cinema for catching a
film.
If you're eager to venture off Maine Street and discover the
surrounding natural paths, a personal vehicle becomes a real asset for
easier access and flexibility. Several appealing trails are reachable
via Bath Road, which serves as a key artery bridging the town's more
contemporary developments with its charming historic core—perfect for
day trips to spots like the nearby Harpswell Peninsula or coastal areas.
In case you didn't drive in, you can easily rent a car from providers at
the Brunswick Executive Airport, or rely on popular ride-sharing apps
like Uber or Lyft for on-demand trips. Just note that pickup waits might
stretch a bit longer than in major urban hubs—often 5-10 minutes extra
due to the area's smaller scale—but they're rarely an issue for local
errands. A word of caution: steer clear of using these services to head
deep into remote, wooded regions, as spotty cell reception could leave
you stranded without a way to summon a ride back, especially in areas
with limited infrastructure.
Public transportation options are quite
limited, with the Brunswick Link serving as the main local bus service.
It operates roughly once per hour during daytime hours (typically from
around 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with no weekend service),
charging a flat $2 fare per ride, and features accessibility
accommodations like ramps for wheelchairs or mobility aids. The route,
which includes about 32 stops such as Brunswick Station, Mid Coast
Hospital, and residential areas like Mallard Pond Apartments, can feel
somewhat meandering and doesn't extend to major attractions or
farther-flung destinations, making it less practical for typical
sightseers. That said, it's a viable alternative if you face mobility
limitations and lack your own wheels—worth checking the online schedule
or app for real-time updates, as it connects to regional options like
the Metro Breez for trips to nearby towns such as Freeport or Portland.
Dedicated bike lanes and paths are sparse in Brunswick, reflecting its
small-town character, but the upside is that Maine's rigorous winter
weather has led to generously wide road shoulders on many routes,
coupled with generally moderate traffic volumes that keep things safer
for cyclists. If you have even moderate experience with road cycling,
you'll likely feel comfortable pedaling through the streets and onto
highlights like the 2.6-mile Androscoggin River Bicycle Path—a paved,
scenic trail with river overlooks ideal for leisurely rides or walks—or
the expansive Brunswick Landing Trails system, which includes wooded
networks in Kate Furbish Preserve and Neptune Woods for more adventurous
outings. Brunswick also ties into larger networks like the East Coast
Greenway and the Maine Mountain Division Trail for extended
explorations, so renting a bike from local outfitters can open up these
options without much hassle.
Indigenous Inhabitants and Early European Settlement
The area now
known as Brunswick, Maine, was originally inhabited by Indigenous
Peoples, particularly the Abenaki, who referred to the region as
Pejepscot, meaning "the long, rocky rapids part of the river" due to the
Androscoggin River's features. European contact began in the early 17th
century, with the first recorded settlement occurring in 1628 by English
fishermen, including Thomas Purchase, who established a trading post
along the river. Purchase acquired land from the Wabanaki Confederacy
and placed the settlement under the protection of the Massachusetts Bay
Colony in 1639. This early period was marked by tensions and conflicts,
including King Philip's War in 1676, during which Pejepscot was burned
and abandoned.
During King William's War, a garrison named Fort
Andros was constructed on the site's ruins. In 1690, Major Benjamin
Church led an expedition up the Androscoggin River, attacking a native
village and resulting in casualties on both sides, with retaliatory
actions by the Abenaki at Cape Elizabeth. Peace was eventually
established with the 1713 Treaty of Portsmouth between the Abenaki and
English colonists.
In 1714, a group of investors from Boston and
Portsmouth acquired the land through the Pejepscot Purchase, and the
Massachusetts General Court officially constituted the township in 1717,
naming it Brunswick after the House of Brunswick and in honor of King
George I. A stone fort, Fort George, was built near the river falls in
1715 for defense.
Colonial Conflicts and Incorporation
The
region faced further challenges during Dummer's War (also known as
Father Rale's War) in 1722, when Abenaki warriors from Norridgewock
attacked and burned the village on July 13. This prompted Governor
Samuel Shute to declare war, leading to a colonial militia raid on
Norridgewock in 1724. Brunswick was rebuilt in 1727 and formally
incorporated as a town on January 26, 1739, when Maine was still part of
Massachusetts. By this time, it had developed into a prosperous seaport,
leveraging its location for trade and shipbuilding.
The late 18th
century saw educational advancements with the chartering of Bowdoin
College in 1794, which became a cornerstone of the town's cultural and
intellectual life. Notable figures associated with Brunswick include
authors Harriet Beecher Stowe (who wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin while living
there) and Robert P. T. Coffin, Civil War hero Joshua L. Chamberlain,
poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and U.S. President Franklin Pierce.
Industrial Boom in the 19th Century
The Androscoggin River's
falls, with a 41-foot vertical drop, provided abundant water power,
transforming Brunswick into an industrial center. By the mid-19th
century, the town boasted up to 25 sawmills, making it a major lumber
producer; the wood was used locally and exported internationally.
Shipbuilding thrived, supported by the lumber industry.
Brunswick
hosted Maine's first cotton mill, the Brunswick Cotton Manufactory
Company, established in 1809 for yarn production. It was acquired in
1812 and expanded by the Maine Cotton & Woolen Factory Company. By 1857,
the Cabot Manufacturing Company took over, producing cotton textiles and
later acquiring the Worumbo Mill. In 1890, the company even convinced
the town to relocate Maine Street to accommodate expansion.
Other
industries flourished, including papermaking, soap production, flour and
corn milling, marble and granite works, carriage and harness
manufacturing, plow production, furniture making, shoe factories, and
confections. Specialized operations included brickyards (e.g.,
Gatchell’s Mills producing over 700,000 bricks by 1857 for structures
like Bowdoin College's Massachusetts Hall), lime quarries, carpet
factories, wallpaper staining, iron foundries (which repurposed cannon
for tools and produced cannon-shot during the War of 1812), linseed oil
makers, salt works, mustard manufacturers, pail and box factories,
matchstick production, suspender makers, wagon builders, jewelers,
clockmakers, and even a ginger ale company. Nearby areas like Topsham
contributed with pulp mills, match factories, feldspar mills, marble
works, nail factories, pitchfork manufacturers, shingle makers, and
tobacco factories. Supporting trades ranged from gunsmiths and hat
makers to rope makers, auctioneers, butchers, bakers, barbers, book
binders, boot shops, and furniture craftsmen.
Maritime trade and
manufacturing were bolstered by the town's strategic position on the
Androscoggin River and near the Atlantic Ocean, with well-preserved
19th-century architecture reflecting this era's prosperity.
20th
Century and Modern Developments
Textile production persisted into the
20th century at facilities like the Cabot Mill, but overall
manufacturing declined as Brunswick shifted toward retail, residential
uses, and imported goods. Major employers evolved to include L.L. Bean
(outdoor retailer), Bath Iron Works (shipbuilding), fiberglass
producers, electrical switch manufacturers, and health services for the
mid-coast region.
A significant chapter was the U.S. Naval Air
Station Brunswick, which operated as a key military installation and
major employer until its closure on May 31, 2011. Post-closure, portions
were redeveloped into Brunswick Landing, focusing on aviation,
technology, and business parks.
Today, Brunswick is Maine's largest
town and sixth-largest municipality, serving as a hub for business,
industry, culture, religion, and the arts in the Pejepscot region.
Bowdoin College continues to anchor its educational prominence, and the
town's historic sites attract visitors interested in its rich past.
Brunswick is a town located in Cumberland County in southern Maine, United States, positioned at the northern end of Casco Bay along the Atlantic coast. It serves as a gateway between the more urbanized Portland area to the southwest and the rural, forested regions to the north and east. The town's geographic coordinates are approximately 43°54′39″N 69°57′47″W. It lies about 26 miles northeast of Portland, Maine's largest city, and is part of both the Lewiston-Auburn and Portland-South Portland-Biddeford metropolitan statistical areas. Brunswick is the easternmost town in Cumberland County and features a mix of coastal, riverine, and inland terrains that have historically supported industries like shipbuilding, milling, and more recently, education and tourism.
Brunswick borders several municipalities, reflecting its position along key waterways. To the north, it shares a boundary with Topsham across the Androscoggin River, often considered a sister community due to shared infrastructure and history. Other nearby towns include Bath to the northeast, Freeport to the southwest, Lisbon and Durham to the northwest, Yarmouth to the south, and Harpswell to the southeast across coastal bays. The town's boundaries encompass peninsulas extending into Casco Bay, creating an irregular, indented coastline that influences local development and ecology.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Brunswick spans a total area of 54.34 square miles (140.74 km²), of which 46.73 square miles (121.03 km²) is land and 7.61 square miles (19.71 km²), or about 14%, is water. This water coverage includes extensive tidal influences, with approximately 61 miles of tidally influenced coastline along northern Casco Bay and an additional 20 miles along the Androscoggin River. Land use is diverse, incorporating urban centers, residential neighborhoods, forested areas, and preserved natural spaces. About 3.1% of the land qualifies as prime farmland, primarily in the western and southwestern parts, while 34.4% is prime woodland suitable for forestry.
Brunswick's topography is characteristic of Maine's coastal plain,
featuring a blend of flat lowlands, gentle hills, and rocky outcrops
shaped by glacial activity around 12,000 years ago. The terrain includes
glacial deposits of till, sand, and gravel, forming ridges and an
irregular coastline with ledge outcrops and northeast-southwest trending
ridge lines. Elevations range from sea level along the coast to a
maximum of 356 feet at Cox Pinnacle in the western hills near the
boundary with Durham. Within a 2-mile radius of the town center,
elevation variations are modest, with a maximum change of 223 feet and
an average elevation of about 70 feet above sea level; the town itself
sits at around 59 feet on average. Expanding to 10 miles, the maximum
elevation change increases to 400 feet, and within 50 miles, it reaches
up to 2,388 feet as the landscape transitions toward the Appalachian
foothills.
Slopes vary significantly: areas with 15-25% slopes
present moderate development constraints, while slopes exceeding
25%—common in the western hills (e.g., near Bunganuc Landing, Oak Hill,
and Rocky Hill) and southern peninsulas (e.g., Buttermilk Cove and
Howard Point)—are severe limitations for building. Flat areas with less
than 1% slope, particularly in central outwash plains, can lead to
drainage issues and are prone to wetlands. Hilly regions dominate the
west and north of the town center, while the central area along the
Androscoggin River is flatter, historically facilitating settlement and
industry. Land cover nearby includes 82% artificial surfaces within 2
miles (reflecting urban development), shifting to 61% trees and 23%
water within 10 miles, and 54% trees with 40% water within 50 miles.
Soils are predominantly shallow and sandy, with hydric
(wetland-indicating) soils covering 17% of the area, and key
associations like Suffield-Broxton-Hollis (marine/glacial till, suitable
for farming but limited by permeability) and Windsor-Hinckley-Deerfield
(outwash plains, good for forestry but poor for agriculture due to high
water tables). Development is constrained by factors like floodplains,
steep slopes, shallow bedrock, and impermeable soils, with about 71.5%
of soils very limited for residential basements and 64.3% for commercial
structures.
Water plays a central role in Brunswick's geography. The Androscoggin River forms the northern boundary, dropping 41 feet over three successive rocky rapids (historically called Pejepscot by Indigenous peoples, meaning "the long, rocky rapids part of the river"), providing hydropower and navigation up to the head of tide. The river spans about 12 miles along the Topsham border and feeds into Merrymeeting Bay downstream. To the south, Casco Bay dominates, with Brunswick's coastline featuring bays, coves, and peninsulas. The bay is divided into six subwatersheds: Harraseeket River (with streams like Mill Stream), Maquoit Bay (Bunganuc Stream), Mare Brook (urban-impaired stream flowing through neighborhoods and preserves to Harpswell Cove), Middle Bay (Miller Creek), New Meadows River, and Royal River (Collins Brook). These watersheds support diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, shellfish habitats, and recreational areas, but face challenges from nonpoint source pollution and development. The FEMA 100-year floodplain affects low-lying areas, and sea-level rise is a growing concern for coastal zones.
Brunswick has a humid continental climate with warm, humid summers;
cold, snowy winters; and transitional springs and falls. It is
influenced by its coastal location, which moderates extremes compared to
inland Maine but still allows for significant seasonal swings. Annual
average temperatures range from highs of 31°F in January to 79°F in
July, with lows from 13°F to 61°F in those months, respectively.
Precipitation averages around 51 inches annually, with snowfall totaling
about 60-70 inches in a typical winter. The following table summarizes
key monthly climate data:
Data sourced from long-term averages.
The warm season lasts from early June to mid-September, with July being
the hottest and most humid month (up to 5.8 muggy days). Winters run
from early December to mid-March, with January the coldest and snowiest.
Wind is stronger in winter (peaking at 8.5 mph in February), often from
the north or west, while summers are calmer with southerly breezes.
Sunshine is abundant in summer (up to 6.5 kWh/m²/day solar energy in
June/July) but limited in winter (down to 1.5 kWh/m²/day in December).
The growing season spans late April to mid-October (about 164 days),
supporting agriculture in suitable soils. Overall, the climate is
comfortable for outdoor activities from late June to mid-September, with
a tourism score peaking in August.
According to the 2000 census, there were 21,172 people living in the
city, there were 8,150 households, and 5,150 families. The population
density was 174.7 people per km². The number of residential buildings
was 8720 with an average density of 72 per km². The racial breakdown was
94.35% White, 1.71% African American, 0.23% American Indian, 1.67%
Asian, 0.06% Oceanian, 0.63% other races, and 1.36% indicated two or
more races. 1.62% of the population were Hispanics.
Of 8,150
households, 31.1% had children under the age of 18, 51.6% were married
and living together, 8.7% had a female head of household with no
husband, and 36.8% were unrelated. 30.8% of households were one person
and 13.5% were one person 65 years of age or older. The average
household size was 2.34 people, the average family size was 2.95 people.
The age composition of the population: 23% under the age of 18,
14.1% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, 15.5% 65
years or older. The average age was 36 years. For every 100 women, there
were 93.1 men. For every 100 women aged 18 and over, there were 89 men.
The median income for a household was $40,402 a year, and the median
income for a family was $49,088. Men had a median income of $32,141 and
women $24,927. The city's median annual per capita income was $20,322.
About 5% of families and 8% of the population were poverty line, of
which 8.6% are under the age of 18 and 8.1% are 65 years of age or
older.
Below is the dynamics of the population of the city.
City-based branches of larger businesses and main employers are:
L.L. Bean - Mail order clothing and outdoor gear
Bath Iron Works -
shipyard for warships
MBNA – Credit Card Issuer
several companies
in the fiberglass sector
several health care organizations serving
Maine's Mid-Coast
Traffic
The city is connected to the freeway
network by Interstate 295. The U.S. Highway 1 and the U.S. Highway 201.
The Portland–Rockland, Brunswick–Skowhegan, and Brunswick–Lewiston rail
lines connect the city to the rail network. Passenger rail services are
offered from Brunswick to Rockland with excursion trains during the
summer months. There is daily long-distance service to Portland (Maine)
and Boston.
The city had a streetcar service from 1896 to 1937,
consisting of interurban services to Bath, Lewiston and Portland. The
Androscoggin River, which flows through Brunswick, is not navigable.
Public facilities
The Curtis Memorial Library is located in
Brunswick on Pleasant Street.
Several hospitals and health
centers are located in Brunswick.
Education
The Brunswick
School Department is responsible for the education of students in
Brunswick. The following schools are available in Brunswick:
Brunswick REAL School
Region 10 Technical High School
Brunswick
High School
Brunswick Junior High School
Coffin Elementary School
Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School