📍 Location & Geography
Falmouth is a picturesque town located in the southern part of the state of Maine, in the United States. It is situated in Cumberland County, along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The town is bordered by Portland to the south, Cumberland to the north, Westbrook and Windham to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Falmouth’s terrain is characterized by rolling hills and a number of streams and ponds, with the Presumpscot River forming its western boundary.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Falmouth, Maine are approximately 43.73 degrees North latitude and 70.24 degrees West longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Falmouth is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan area in southern Maine. The town spans a total area of approximately 36.34 square miles (94.12 square kilometers), of which, 29.38 square miles (76.09 square kilometers) is land and 6.96 square miles (18.03 square kilometers) is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As per the 2020 U.S. Census, Falmouth has a population of approximately 12,000 residents. The town has a predominantly white population, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Asian, African American, Hispanic or Latino, and other races. The median age of residents is about 46 years.
🏛️ History
Falmouth was first settled in the 1600s and was originally part of the town of North Yarmouth. It was incorporated as its own town in 1718 and was named after the coastal town of Falmouth in Cornwall, England. The town has a rich maritime history, with shipbuilding and fishing being major industries in the past. Today, Falmouth is known for its high quality of life and strong sense of community.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Falmouth is home to a variety of natural attractions. The town’s coastline offers beautiful views of Casco Bay and its many islands. Falmouth also has several parks and nature preserves, including the Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, a 65-acre wildlife sanctuary. The town is committed to environmental sustainability and has initiatives in place to protect its natural resources.
🏫 Education
Education in Falmouth is highly regarded, with the Falmouth School District being one of the top-rated in the state. The district comprises of three schools: Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth Middle School, and Falmouth High School. For higher education, residents have access to several colleges and universities in the nearby Portland area.
🚧 Transportation
Falmouth is served by U.S. Route 1, which runs through the town and provides easy access to Portland and other nearby areas. The town also has a number of local roads and is close to Interstate 95 and Interstate 295. Public transportation is provided by the Greater Portland Transit District, also known as METRO. The nearest major airport is the Portland International Jetport, located about 8 miles south of Falmouth.
📜 Trivia & Events
Falmouth is known for its annual Falmouth Road Race, a popular event that attracts runners from around the region. The town also hosts the annual Falmouth Fest, a community celebration featuring food, music, and family-friendly activities. One interesting piece of trivia is that Falmouth was the birthplace of renowned poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.