Scarborough, Maine

Scarborough is a town in Cumberland County on the southern coast of Maine. It is located about 7 miles (10 km) south of Portland. Since 1969, the town has had a Council-manager government.

History

Early in the 17th century, John Stratton opened a trading post on Stratton Island, just offshore. Soon after the Massachusetts Bay Colony began expanding, he attracted settlers both to the island and the nearby mainland. On July 14, 1658, Massachusetts granted them a town charter as Scarboro. By 1676, the town had over a hundred houses. But then a series of Indian attacks killed many settlers and destroyed the town. After several attempts at rebuilding and more attacks, the survivors abandoned the site in 1680 and moved to Portland or back to Boston.

Related Topics:
Massachusetts Bay Colony - July 14 - 1658 - Indian - 1680 - Boston

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Resettlement started in 1702 and several forts and blockhouses were built. Despite some attacks, the second settlement succeeded. By 1730, the area was economically prosperous. Cattle and timber were important local products for export, and available water power encouraged the opening of several saw mills.

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