Scarborough, Maine

Scarborough, Maine is a town located in Cumberland County, Maine, bordered by the cities of Portland, Maine and South Portland, Maine, and the towns of Cape Elizabeth, Maine and Saco, Maine. The town is situated near the Saco Bay and is home to the Scarborough Marsh, a significant wetland and bird sanctuary that attracts visitors from around the world, including Audubon Society members and National Geographic explorers. The town's unique geography, with its mix of coastal and inland areas, has made it an attractive location for residents and businesses, including L.L.Bean and Maine Medical Center. The town's proximity to Boston, Massachusetts and New Hampshire has also made it a popular destination for tourists and commuters, with many visiting the nearby Old Orchard Beach and Freeport, Maine.

Geography

The town of Scarborough, Maine is situated in the southern part of the state, near the Gulf of Maine and the Atlantic Ocean. The town's geography is characterized by its coastal location, with Pine Point Beach and Higgins Beach being popular destinations for tourists and locals alike, who often visit the nearby Two Lights State Park and Fort Williams Park. The town is also home to the Scarborough River, which flows into the Saco Bay and provides a habitat for a variety of marine life, including lobster and clams, which are often harvested by local fishermen and sold at the Portland Fish Pier. The town's inland areas are characterized by a mix of forests and wetlands, including the Scarborough Marsh, which is a significant bird sanctuary and attracts visitors from around the world, including ornithologists from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society.

History

The town of Scarborough, Maine has a rich and diverse history, dating back to the early 17th century when it was first settled by European colonizers, including Captain Christopher Levett and John Mason (colonist). The town was originally part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and was later incorporated as a separate town in 1658, with the help of John Winthrop and the Massachusetts General Court. During the American Revolution, the town played a significant role, with many of its residents fighting in the War of Independence, including Paul Revere and the Continental Army. The town was also an important location for the shipbuilding industry, with many ships being built in the town's shipyards, including the USS Constitution and the USS Maine (ACR-1), which were constructed with the help of Joshua Humphreys and the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the town of Scarborough, Maine has a population of over 20,000 people, with a diverse range of ages, incomes, and occupations, including Maine State Legislature members, University of Southern Maine professors, and Maine Medical Center employees. The town has a strong sense of community, with many residents being involved in local organizations and events, such as the Scarborough Community Chamber of Commerce and the Maine Festival, which attracts visitors from around the state, including Bangor, Maine and Augusta, Maine. The town is also home to a number of community groups, including the Scarborough Historical Society and the Scarborough Land Trust, which work to preserve the town's history and natural resources, with the help of National Park Service and Maine Department of Conservation.

Economy

The economy of Scarborough, Maine is diverse and thriving, with a mix of industries and businesses, including healthcare, technology, and tourism, which attract visitors from around the world, including Canada and Europe. The town is home to a number of major employers, including Maine Medical Center, Idexx Laboratories, and WEX Inc., which provide jobs for residents and contribute to the local economy, along with L.L.Bean and Fairchild Semiconductor. The town is also a popular destination for tourists, with many visitors attracted to its beaches, parks, and recreational facilities, including Two Lights State Park and Fort Williams Park, which are managed by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

Education

The town of Scarborough, Maine is served by the Scarborough Public Schools district, which operates a number of schools in the town, including Scarborough High School and Wentworth Intermediate School, which are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The town is also home to a number of private schools, including Scarborough Catholic School and The School Around Us, which offer alternative educational options for residents, including homeschooling and online education. The town is located near a number of colleges and universities, including the University of Southern Maine and Southern Maine Community College, which provide higher education opportunities for residents, along with University of Maine and Bowdoin College.

Transportation

The town of Scarborough, Maine is located near a number of major transportation routes, including Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1, which provide easy access to Portland, Maine and other nearby cities, including Boston, Massachusetts and Manchester, New Hampshire. The town is also served by the Portland International Jetport, which offers flights to destinations around the world, including Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. The town has a number of public transportation options, including bus services and train services, which are operated by Greater Portland Transit District and Amtrak, and provide connections to nearby cities, including Brunswick, Maine and Freeport, Maine. The town is also home to a number of bike trails and pedestrian paths, including the Eastern Trail, which provide opportunities for recreational activities and commuting, with the help of Maine Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration.