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Frequently asked questions

Saco, ME

Saco is a city in York County, Maine, United States. It is home to Ferry Beach State Park, Funtown Splashtown USA, Thornton Academy, as well as General Dynamics Armament Systems (also known by its former name, Saco Defense), a subsidiary of the defense contractor General Dynamics. Saco sees much tourism during the summer months due to its amusement parks, Camp Ellis Beach and Pier, Ferry Beach State Park, and proximity to Old Orchard Beach. Saco is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area. Saco's twin city is Biddeford.

This was territory of the Abenaki tribe whose fortified village was located up the Sokokis Trail at Pequawket (now Fryeburg). There was a settlement at the mouth of the Saco river, with homes and permanent cultivation, at the time of contact with Europeans in the early 1600s.

In July 1607, 500 warriors led by sakmow (Grand Chief) of the Mi'kmaq First Nations Henri Membertou attacked the village at present-day Saco, killing 20 of their braves, including two of their leaders, Onmechin and Marchin, leading to conflict that lasted until 1615.

In 1630 the Plymouth Company granted Thomas Lewis and Richard Bonython a charter to establish a town at Saco, with a deed that extended 4 miles (6.4 km) along the sea, by 8 miles (13 km) inland. Settled in 1631 as part of Winter Harbor (as Biddeford Pool was first known). The government of Maine, under Ferdinando Gorges, was based in the town from 1636 to 1653. It would be reorganized in 1653 by the Massachusetts General Court as Saco, which would be renamed Biddeford in 1718.

The district was incorporated as the Town of Pepperellborough in 1775. Inhabitants found the name to be cumbersome, so in 1805 it was renamed Saco. It would be incorporated as a city in 1867. Saco became a center for lumbering, with log drives down the river from Little Falls Plantation (now Dayton, Lyman, Hollis and part of Limington). At Saco Falls, the timber was cut by 17 sawmills. In 1827, the community produced 21,000,000 feet (6,400,000 m) of sawn lumber, some of which was used for shipbuilding.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 52.76 square miles (136.65 km2), of which 38.46 square miles (99.61 km2) is land and 14.30 square miles (37.04 km2) is water. Situated beside Saco Bay on the Gulf of Maine, Saco is drained by the Saco River. Saco borders the city of Biddeford, as well as the towns of Scarborough, Buxton, Dayton and Old Orchard Beach.

Health and wellness are integral components of life in Saco. The Southern Maine Health Care Medical Center stands as a cornerstone for comprehensive healthcare services. Residents and visitors can revel in the city's numerous parks and recreational areas, actively contributing to a healthy lifestyle. Saco's commitment to wellness is palpable through various initiatives, including community fitness programs, walking trails, and events promoting physical activity. For detailed insights into Saco's healthcare services, you can visit Southern Maine Health Care.

The top sites in Saco, ME are Aquaboggan Water Park, Saco Museum, and Funtown Splashtown USA.

Population: 20,872 (2022). ZIP Code: 04072. Area code: 207. Elevation: 66 ft (20 m). Incorporated: February 18, 1867. Area: 52.83 sq mi (136.83 km2).

FAQs

What is Saco, ME known for?

The City of Saco is located at the mouth of the Saco River in southern Maine along the Atlantic Ocean, less than 20 minutes south of the Greater Portland Area, and less than two hours north of Boston, Massachusetts. Home to a growing population of 19k+ residents, a revitalized and repurposed mill district, a world-class education system, a picturesque downtown, a thriving economy, and many recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, biking, and kayaking, the City of Saco has plenty to offer residents, visitors, and businesses alike. With easy transportation via Interstate 95, U.S. Route 1, and as a destination stop along the Amtrak Downeaster, Saco’s residents, visitors, and labor force have easy access to and from the city.

Does Saco, ME have a downtown?

Saco Main Street supports our downtown's economic and cultural vitality through concentrated efforts in the areas of design, organization, promotion, and economic revitalization while protecting the city's unique historic character. This includes providing resources and support to entrepreneurs and business owners, as well as working to attract new businesses to the area. Overall, Saco Main Street's efforts are instrumental in ensuring that downtown Saco remains a vibrant and economically viable community, while also preserving its unique historic character for future generations to enjoy.

What state is Saco, ME in?

Saco, city, York County, southwestern Maine, U.S., at the mouth of the Saco River opposite Biddeford. Founded with Biddeford in 1631 as a single plantation, it was the seat of Sir Ferdinando Gorges' government (1636–53) before passing to Massachusetts. It was called Saco until 1718 and Biddeford until it was separately incorporated (1762) as Pepperellboro Township. It developed a lumbering and seaport trade and in 1805 readopted its earlier name of Saco (probably Sawacatucke Indian), meaning “Flowing Out.”

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Saco, Maine

Southern Maine Health Care

SACOS

Aquaboggan Water Park

Saco Museum 

Funtown Splashtown USA

Britannica

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