📍 Location & Geography
Shapleigh is a town situated in York County, in the southern part of the state of Maine, United States. It is bordered by the towns of Acton, Newfield, Waterboro, and Alfred, and to the east by Mousam Lake. Shapleigh is characterized by a mix of hills, forests, and lakes, offering a picturesque rural landscape.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates of Shapleigh, Maine are approximately 43.5 degrees North latitude and 70.8 degrees West longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Shapleigh is part of the New England region of the northeastern United States. It spans a total area of approximately 41.02 square miles (106.24 square kilometers), of which 38.42 square miles (99.51 square kilometers) is land and 2.6 square miles (6.73 square kilometers) is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 United States Census, Shapleigh had a population of 2,668 people. The town’s population is predominantly white, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, Asian, African American, or belonging to other racial or ethnic groups. The median age in Shapleigh is around 43 years, slightly higher than the national average.
🏛️ History
Shapleigh was originally part of a larger tract of land known as the Massabesic Purchase, bought by Major William Phillips of Saco from local Native American tribes in 1661. The town was first settled in 1772 and was incorporated in 1785, named in honor of Nicholas Shapleigh, a prominent early settler and landowner. The town’s economy was historically based on agriculture, lumbering, and manufacturing.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Shapleigh is home to several lakes, including Mousam Lake and Square Pond, which offer opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. The town is also characterized by its forests, providing ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. Shapleigh is part of the Atlantic temperate broadleaf forest ecoregion, characterized by a mix of deciduous and coniferous tree species.
🏫 Education
Education in Shapleigh is managed by the Maine School Administrative District 57. The town itself hosts the Shapleigh Memorial School, which serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade. For middle and high school, students attend schools in the neighboring town of Waterboro.
🚧 Transportation
Shapleigh is served by a network of state and local roads, including Maine State Route 11, which provides access to nearby towns and cities. The closest major airport is Portland International Jetport, located approximately 40 miles southeast of Shapleigh.
📜 Trivia & Events
Every year, Shapleigh hosts a community day event that features a parade, food, games, and other family-friendly activities. The town is also known for its annual ice fishing derby on Mousam Lake, which attracts anglers from across the region. A fun fact about Shapleigh is that it was originally named Hubbardstown, but was renamed to Shapleigh in 1785.