Biddeford, Maine

Biddeford, Maine
Name	Biddeford, Maine
Settlement type	City
Nickname	The Twin City
Pushpin label	Biddeford
Coordinates	43, 28, 27, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Maine
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	York County, Maine
Established title	Settled
Established date	1616 (as Winter Harbor)
Established title1	Incorporated (town)
Established date1	1765
Established title2	Incorporated (city)
Established date2	1855
Government type	Mayor-Council
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Martin Grohman
Area total km2	153.10
Area total sq mi	59.11
Area land km2	127.20
Area land sq mi	49.11
Area water km2	25.90
Area water sq mi	10.00
Elevation m	21
Elevation ft	69
Population total	22552
Population as of	2020
Population density km2	177.3
Population density sq mi	459.2
Timezone	Eastern Time Zone
Utc offset	-5
Timezone DST	EDT
Utc offset DST	-4
Postal code type	ZIP Codes
Postal code	04005, 04007
Area code	207
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	23-04860
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	0561860
Website	www.biddefordmaine.org

Biddeford, Maine. Located on the banks of the Saco River in York County, Maine, it is one of the state's oldest permanent settlements. The city forms a contiguous urban area with its neighbor, Saco, Maine, often referred to as the "Twin Cities." Historically a major center for the textile industry in New England, Biddeford has transformed into a diverse community with a revitalized downtown and access to scenic coastal areas like Fortunes Rocks and Hills Beach.

History

The area was first known as Winter Harbor, visited by Samuel de Champlain in 1605 and settled in 1616 by Richard Vines. It was part of the Plymouth Council for New England grant and later incorporated as a town by the Massachusetts General Court in 1765, named after Bideford in England. The city's industrial prominence began with the harnessing of the Saco River's power, leading to the establishment of the Saco-Lowell and later the Pepperell Manufacturing Company mills, which were among the world's largest cotton textile producers. The Biddeford and Saco Railroad facilitated this growth, and the city was incorporated in 1855. The decline of the textile industry in the mid-20th century prompted a long period of economic transition, with the last major mill, the WestPoint Stevens plant, closing in 2009.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 59.11 square miles, of which 49.11 square miles is land and 10.00 square miles is water. Biddeford is bisected by the Saco River, with significant frontage on the Atlantic Ocean. Key geographic features include the estuary at the river's mouth, Wood Island with its historic Wood Island Life Saving Station, and the coastal communities of Fortunes Rocks and Hills Beach. The city borders the towns of Saco, Dayton, Lyman, and Kennebunkport.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 22,552. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with growing diversity including African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The city is home to a significant population of Franco-Americans, reflecting immigration from Quebec and other Canadian provinces to work in the mills. Educational attainment levels have risen, supported by institutions like the University of New England, whose main campus is located in the city.

Economy

Once dominated by textile manufacturing, Biddeford's economy is now diversified. Healthcare is a major sector, led by the Southern Maine Health Care system. The University of New England is a top employer and economic driver. The historic mill district has been revitalized into mixed-use spaces like The Pepperell Mill Campus, housing businesses, restaurants, and the Maine Energy Recovery Corporation waste-to-energy plant. Tourism plays a role, with visitors drawn to the Biddeford Pool coastal area, Ferry Beach State Park, and a burgeoning downtown food scene featuring establishments like Palace Diner.

Culture and recreation

The city hosts several cultural institutions, including the City Theater and the Biddeford Historical Society. The annual La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival celebrates the area's Franco-American heritage. Recreational assets are extensive, featuring public access to beaches like Fortunes Rocks Beach, the Eastern Trail multi-use path, and the Saco River for boating and fishing. The Cliff Walk at Fortunes Rocks offers scenic ocean views. The Biddeford Ice Arena and the Biddeford Sports Complex provide facilities for athletics.

Government

Biddeford operates under a Mayor-Council system. The government is led by Mayor Martin Grohman and a nine-member Biddeford City Council. The city provides full municipal services, including a police department led by the Chief of Police and a professional fire department. Biddeford is part of Maine's 1st congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Chellie Pingree. It is also represented in the Maine Senate and Maine House of Representatives.

Category:Cities in Maine Category:York County, Maine Category:Populated coastal places in Maine