📍 Location & Geography
Orrs Island is a small island located in Cumberland County, Maine, United States. It is part of the town of Harpswell, which is a collection of peninsulas and islands on Casco Bay. Orrs Island is connected to the mainland by the Orrs Island Bridge, and to Bailey Island (to its south) by the world’s only cribstone bridge.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Orrs Island are approximately 43.7419° N latitude and 69.9864° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Orrs Island is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine Metropolitan Statistical Area. The island spans an area of approximately 3.9 square miles (10.1 km²), and is characterized by a rocky coastline and a heavily forested interior.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the latest available data, the population of Orrs Island is estimated to be around 500 people. The island is predominantly White, with a median age of around 60 years. The island’s population tends to increase during the summer months due to its appeal as a vacation destination.
🏛️ History
Orrs Island was originally inhabited by Native Americans before European settlers arrived in the 17th century. The island was named after Joseph Orr, an early settler. Over the years, the island has been home to a vibrant fishing community. Today, it is primarily a residential and vacation area.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
The island is known for its beautiful natural environment, including its rocky coastline, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. The island is home to several species of birds, deer, and other wildlife. The surrounding waters of Casco Bay are home to a variety of marine life, including lobsters, clams, and numerous species of fish.
🏫 Education
As part of the Harpswell community, Orrs Island falls under the jurisdiction of the School Administrative District 75. The island itself does not have any schools, but children from the island typically attend schools in the nearby towns of Harpswell, Brunswick, or Topsham.
🚧 Transportation
Orrs Island is accessible by car via the Orrs Island Bridge from the mainland. The island is also connected to Bailey Island by the Bailey Island Bridge, which is the only cribstone bridge in the world. The nearest major airport is Portland International Jetport, located about 30 miles away in Portland, Maine.
📜 Trivia & Events
Orrs Island is known for its annual summer events, including the Orrs Island Library Fair and the Harpswell Festival. The island was also the setting for the 1924 novel “Island Born” by Ruth Moore, a well-known Maine author. The cribstone bridge connecting Orrs Island to Bailey Island is a unique engineering marvel and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.