📍 Location & Geography
Harpswell is a charming town located in Cumberland County, Maine, United States. It is situated on Casco Bay in the Gulf of Maine, part of the Atlantic Ocean. Harpswell is known for its picturesque coastline, which stretches for 216 miles and includes numerous islands, peninsulas, and necks. The town is made up of several unique areas, including Harpswell Neck, the three large islands of Great, Orr’s, and Bailey Island, and over 200 smaller islands.
🌎 Coordinates
Harpswell lies at coordinates 43.72° N latitude and 69.98° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Harpswell is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan area in the southern part of Maine. The town covers a total area of 63.88 square miles, of which 24.18 square miles is land and 39.7 square miles is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, Harpswell had a population of 4,740 people. The town has a predominantly white population, with a small percentage of the population being of Asian, African American, and other races. The median age in Harpswell is significantly higher than the state average, with a large percentage of the population being retirees.
🏛️ History
Harpswell was first settled by Europeans in the 17th century and was incorporated as a town in 1758. It was named after Harpswell in Lincolnshire, England. The town’s economy was historically based on fishing and shipbuilding, and it was once home to a significant lobster-canning industry. Today, Harpswell is known for its beautiful coastal scenery and historic sites, including several 18th and 19th-century buildings.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Harpswell is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. The town boasts a diverse range of ecosystems, from its rocky coastline and sandy beaches to its wooded areas and wetlands. Harpswell is home to several nature preserves, including the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, which offers trails for hiking and bird watching. The town’s marine environment supports a rich variety of wildlife, including lobsters, clams, and various species of fish and seabirds.
🏫 Education
Education in Harpswell is managed by the School Administrative District 75, which also serves the nearby towns of Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, and Topsham. Harpswell has one elementary school, Harpswell Community School. For middle and high school, students attend schools in the neighboring town of Topsham.
🚧 Transportation
Harpswell is accessible by road from the mainland via Route 123. The town is also served by the Casco Bay Lines ferry service, which provides regular trips to and from the islands of Casco Bay. The nearest major airport is Portland International Jetport, located about 30 miles to the southwest.
📜 Trivia & Events
Harpswell is home to the annual Harpswell Festival, a popular event that features local food, music, and art. The town is also known for its historic landmarks, including the Bailey Island Bridge, one of the only cribstone bridges in the world. Additionally, Harpswell’s Giant’s Stairs, a natural rock formation on Bailey Island, is a popular tourist attraction.