📍 Location & Geography
Freeport is a picturesque town located in Cumberland County, Maine, United States. It is nestled on the shores of Casco Bay, approximately 20 miles north of Portland, Maine’s largest city. The town covers a total area of 46.55 square miles, of which 34.7 square miles is land and 11.85 square miles is water, according to the United States Census Bureau.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Freeport are approximately 43.8573 degrees north latitude and 70.1036 degrees west longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Freeport is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. The town is divided into several areas, including the downtown area, South Freeport, Freeport Corner, Bustins Island, and Mast Landing.
👥 Population & Demographics
As per the 2020 census, Freeport has a population of approximately 8,100 residents. The town has a diverse age range, with a median age of 44.6 years. The racial composition of the town is predominantly white, with minorities including African Americans, Native Americans, Asians, and Hispanics.
🏛️ History
Freeport was originally a part of North Yarmouth called Harraseeket, after the local Abenaki tribe. The town was incorporated in 1789, and its name is believed to have been inspired by its open harbor (free port). Freeport developed as four villages—Mast Landing, Porter’s Landing, South Freeport and Freeport Corner—all of which are now part of the National Register of Historic Places.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Freeport is known for its scenic beauty, with a mix of coastline, forests, and rolling farmland. The town is home to several parks and nature preserves, including Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, a popular destination for bird watching, hiking, and picnicking. The town is also home to the Desert of Maine, a unique natural phenomenon featuring a 40-acre tract of exposed glacial silt.
🏫 Education
Education in Freeport is managed by the Regional School Unit 5, which also serves the towns of Durham and Pownal. The town has several schools including Freeport High School, Freeport Middle School, Morse Street School, and Mast Landing School. Freeport also has a public library, the Freeport Community Library.
🚧 Transportation
Freeport is conveniently located along Interstate 295, providing easy access to Portland and other major cities in the region. The town is also served by the Amtrak Downeaster train service, which connects Freeport with Boston, Massachusetts. The closest major airport is the Portland International Jetport, located about 20 miles south of Freeport.
📜 Trivia & Events
Freeport is internationally known as the home of L.L. Bean, a major outdoor clothing and equipment retailer. The L.L. Bean flagship store, open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, is a major tourist attraction. The town also hosts the annual Maine Lobster Festival, a celebration of Maine’s lobster industry, featuring lobster dinners, cooking contests, and local crafts.