📍 Location & Geography
Boothbay is a charming town located in Lincoln County, Maine, United States. It is situated on the eastern shore of the Boothbay Peninsula, a large land mass that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. The town is surrounded by water on three sides, with the Sheepscot River to the west, Linekin Bay to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Boothbay are approximately 43.8789° N latitude and 69.6286° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Boothbay is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. It covers a total area of approximately 46.18 square miles, of which 21.23 square miles is land and 24.95 square miles is water. The town is part of the Portland-South Portland-Biddeford, Maine Metropolitan Statistical Area.
👥 Population & Demographics
As per the 2020 U.S. Census, Boothbay has a population of approximately 3,120 residents. The town’s population is predominantly White, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, African American, Native American, Asian, or from other racial or ethnic groups. The median age in Boothbay is around 56 years, indicating a significantly older population compared to the national average.
🏛️ History
Boothbay was first settled in 1666, although the area was not officially incorporated as a town until 1764. The town was named after the English town of Boothby Pagnell in Lincolnshire, from where some of the early settlers originated. Boothbay’s economy was historically based on fishing, shipbuilding, and farming. Today, it is known for its thriving tourism industry, with visitors drawn to its scenic beauty, historic sites, and maritime heritage.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Boothbay is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. The town is home to the Boothbay Region Land Trust, which maintains over 30 miles of hiking trails and several public preserves. The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, located in Boothbay, is a major attraction featuring a variety of plant species and beautiful landscapes. The town’s coastal location also provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and whale watching.
🏫 Education
Education in Boothbay is managed by the Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor Community School District. The district operates the Boothbay Region Elementary School and Boothbay Region High School. For higher education, residents have access to several colleges and universities within driving distance, including the University of Maine.
🚧 Transportation
Boothbay is accessible by road via State Route 27, which connects the town to other parts of Maine. The town does not have its own airport; however, the nearest airport is the Portland International Jetport, located about 60 miles away. For local transportation, residents rely primarily on personal vehicles, as public transportation options are limited.
📜 Trivia & Events
Boothbay hosts several annual events that draw visitors from around the region. These include the Boothbay Harbor Fest, a 10-day celebration featuring live music, food, and art; and the Windjammer Days Festival, a maritime celebration with a parade of sail, shipbuilding demonstrations, and fireworks. Trivia enthusiasts might be interested to know that the town was the filming location for the 1956 movie “Carousel.”