📍 Location & Geography
Westbrook is a city in Cumberland County, located in the southeastern part of the state of Maine. It is situated on the Presumpscot River, which provides a picturesque setting for the city. The city covers a total area of 17.33 square miles, of which 17.12 square miles is land and 0.21 square miles is water. It is known for its lush green landscapes and a mix of urban and suburban living.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographic coordinates for Westbrook, Maine are approximately 43.6770° N latitude and 70.3712° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Westbrook is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan area in Cumberland County. It is surrounded by the towns of Falmouth, Windham, Gorham, and Portland. The city is divided into several neighborhoods, including Prides Corner, Cumberland Mills, and Downtown Westbrook.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Westbrook was approximately 19,000 residents. The city has a diverse age range, with a median age of 38.6 years. The population is approximately 48% male and 52% female. The city is predominantly white, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other racial and ethnic groups.
🏛️ History
Westbrook was first settled in the late 17th century and was incorporated as a town in 1814. It was named after Colonel Thomas Westbrook, a commander during King George’s War. The city grew rapidly during the 19th century due to its location on the Presumpscot River, which provided power for mills. In 1891, it was incorporated as a city. Over the years, Westbrook has transitioned from a mill town to a vibrant, diverse community with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Westbrook is home to several parks and green spaces, including the Westbrook River Walk, a scenic trail along the Presumpscot River. The city also has the Mill Brook Preserve, a 32-acre nature preserve with trails for hiking and bird watching. Westbrook’s climate is characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters, typical of the northeastern United States.
🏫 Education
Westbrook is served by the Westbrook School Department, which includes Westbrook High School, Westbrook Middle School, and several elementary schools. There are also several private schools in the area. For higher education, residents have access to a number of colleges and universities in the nearby Portland area.
🚧 Transportation
Westbrook is served by several major roads, including Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 302. The city is also served by the Greater Portland METRO bus system, providing public transportation to Portland and other nearby towns. The Portland International Jetport, located just a few miles away, offers domestic and limited international flights.
📜 Trivia & Events
Westbrook is known for the “Westbrook Ice Disk,” a large circular ice formation that occurred on the Presumpscot River in 2019 and gained international attention. The city also hosts several annual events, including the Westbrook Together Days, a two-day festival featuring music, food, and fireworks.