Westbrook, Maine Weather Cams
Holmes Looking North Cam
Westbrook, Maine: From Indigenous Lands to Industrial Powerhouse
Westbrook, Maine Weather Cams. Located in Cumberland County, Westbrook, Maine, has a rich history shaped by Indigenous heritage, colonial settlement, and industrial expansion. From its early days as Saccarappa to its rise as a manufacturing hub, Westbrook has played a vital role in Maine’s economic and cultural development.
Indigenous Presence and Early European Settlement
Before European settlers arrived, the Presumpscot River was home to Indigenous peoples who relied on its waters for fishing, transportation, and sustenance. The river’s name, meaning “many rough places river,” reflects its natural characteristics.
The first recorded European deed in the area was signed in 1657 between Squitterygusset, an Indigenous leader, and Francis Small, a fisherman. The first house was built in 1699, marking the beginning of permanent settlement.
Colonial Growth and Name Changes
Originally part of Falmouth, the settlement was known as Saccarappa, named after Saccarappa Falls on the Presumpscot River. In 1814, the town was incorporated as Stroudwater but soon changed its name to Westbrook in honor of Colonel Thomas Westbrook, a commander during Father Rale’s War and an early mill operator.
Industrial Expansion and the Rise of Mills
Westbrook’s economy flourished with the development of water-powered mills. In 1829, a sawmill was built at Saccarappa Falls, making the town famous for its lumber industry. Other industries followed, including grain bag manufacturing, machinery production, leather goods, and textiles.
The Portland Manufacturing Company established a cotton textile mill at Saccarappa Falls, producing sheetings, stripes, and ducks. Meanwhile, the Cumberland Mills area became a center for paper production, originally an Indigenous planting ground known as Ammoncongin. By 1859, the paper mill produced 1,000 tons of paper annually, later becoming the S. D. Warren Paper Mill in 1867.
Transportation and Economic Shifts
The Cumberland and Oxford Canal, opened in 1832, connected Portland to Harrison via Westbrook and Sebago Lake. It served as the primary commercial shipping route until 1871, when the Portland and Ogdensburg Railroadrendered it obsolete. Remnants of the canal can still be seen throughout the city.
Westbrook Becomes a City
Westbrook officially became a city in 1891, marking its transition from a mill town to a growing urban center. The city continued to expand, attracting workers and businesses.
Modern-Day Westbrook
Today, Westbrook is a thriving suburb of Portland, known for its historic landmarks, parks, and revitalized downtown. The Presumpscot River remains a focal point, offering recreational opportunities and scenic beauty.
Westbrook’s history is a testament to its resilience, evolving from an Indigenous settlement to a colonial town and an industrial powerhouse. Whether through its mills, transportation networks, or modern development, Westbrook continues to shape Maine’s economic and cultural landscape.
For more information, visit the Westbrook, Maine official website.